That motor boat is
very powerful."
"Then there isn't anyone on board now?" asked Bob.
"Not a living soul," answered the man. "It's queer how they came to
desert her, but I guess the captain and crew got scared and went off
in a hurry, without making a proper investigation. The brig is a small
one, and if she hit on a rock, or was in a collision, it would not
take much to knock her out.
"Now here is my proposition. You are to take the Ripper, get her in
good shape for the cruise, and start out. The sooner the better. I
will pay all expenses, such as for provisions and supplies. If you
return with the brig I will pay you two thousand dollars. If you don't
succeed in finding her, after say a two weeks' search, you are to
return, and I will pay you five hundred dollars, and all expenses.
What do you say?"
"That sounds good to me," replied Bob.
"Suppose we got the vessel, made fast to her, and started to tow her
in and had to abandon her because of a storm?" asked Jerry.
"Well, of course that might happen, though it's not likely, for we
seldom have bad storms an this coast this time of year. Still if you
couldn't bring the derelict in, you couldn't that's all. But if you
found her, you could get the papers and gold, and if you had to
abandon her, you could go back after the storm was over. I think you
boys could do what I want, and, as I say, I'm willing to pay well. I'd
go with you, of course. What do you say?"
Mr. Blowitz seemed quite anxious.
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