"The vessel sailed from San Francisco, and as the weather was fine, we
looked for a quick trip. I was attending to some of my other business
affairs, having just arrived on this coast from Boston, when I
received a telegram from the captain of the brig, telling me that she
had been abandoned with everything on board. Of course there must have
been an accident. Probably there was a collision, or fire on board, so
that the brig was in a sinking condition. At any rate the captain,
and, I suppose the crew, also, left her. That's why I can't tell
whether they were all saved, though I assume so, as nothing was said
about any one being lost.

"The captain, it appears, was picked up By another vessel, and landed
at a small coast town. He sent me the telegram from there, and I
forwarded him money to come to San Francisco, to meet me. But, for
some reason, he did not arrive, and so I decided to come down here,
and see if I could get any news of the ship and the valuable cargo. Of
course, if the ship sank at once that is the end of her, but, if she
broke up, there is a chance of some parts of her, and perhaps some of
the cargo, being washed ashore. At any rate I would like to get some
news of her, that I might collect the insurance, if nothing else.

"So that's why I'm here. I arrived yesterday, but, so far, I have been
unable to obtain any news of the brig. I left word for the captain to
join me here, and he may arrive at any time. I am glad to have met
you, for it will not be so lonesome now."

"I hope you have good luck," said Nellie, as she arose to leave the
place. "I think we must be going now," she added to her sisters. "Papa
might worry about us."