She had risen to her feet, her eyes were flashing and her cheeks
flushed with the excitement of the moment. The boys looked at her in
admiration.

"I admit there is something queer in his offering to increase the
prize money," spoke Jerry, after a pause. "He must be very desperate."

"And why this sudden rush?" inquired Ned. "This afternoon he was in no
such hurry. Something must have occurred in the meanwhile-- I wonder
if it was the man on the cliff--"

"Now don't let's go to guessing at too much," cautioned Jerry. "The
question to be settled now is: Do you want to go on a search for the
derelict brig? Yes or no? That's what we've got to settle now."

There was silence for a moment, broken only by the tick of the clock
in the cabin. Involuntarily Nellie glanced at it. The hands pointed to
the hour of nine, and she felt that she and her sisters should be
home. Jerry looked at his two companions.

"I guess we'd better not go," said Bob slowly.

"I hate to give it up, but maybe it will be for the best," added Ned.
"I'm suspicious of him. Tell him we'll not go, Jerry."

"Very well."

Jerry stepped to the cabin door and slid it back. At the sound Blowitz
came eagerly forward.