"Now, when can you start?" asked Mr. De Vere, after this point had
been settled. "Or, rather, when can we start, for I intend to go with
you, though I can't do much with this broken arm
"We can go whenever you are ready," replied Jerry.
"Then I'll give orders to have the Ripper provisioned, for I am going
to pay all expenses. By the time we get ready I think this storm will
have blown over," for the wind and rain had continued for three days.
Under Maurice De Vere's directions preparations for the cruise were
soon completed. On the fourth day the storm blew away and there was
the promise of settled weather, though some old sailors, down at the
dock, said there were liable to be high winds for some time yet.
The Ripper was overhauled, a plentiful cargo of provisions and
supplies had been stowed aboard, and, having bid good-bye to their
friends, the Seaburys, the boys were ready for their cruise.
"When will you come back?" asked Rose, as she and her sisters went
down to the dock to see the party off.
"When we find the derelict," answered Jerry.
"Good luck!" said Nellie.
"Don't let a sea serpent catch you," cautioned Olivia, as she waved
her hand.
Jerry threw on the switch, Ned turned the fly wheel over, there was a
throbbing of the cylinders, and the Ripper was off on her long cruise
after the derelict brig.
CHAPTER XXIV
HUNTING THE DERELICT
"WELL, now that we're under way," said Jerry, who had assumed charge
of the engine, "in which direction do you propose going, Mr.
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