"
The boys anxiously waited. Their employer kept the glasses to his
eyes, though it was tiresome work, holding them with one hand.
Suddenly he exclaimed:
"I can see him quite plainly, now!"
"Who is it?" asked Jerry quickly.
"Carson Blowitz! He, too, is after the derelict! He is going to try
and cheat me again!"
Nearer and nearer approached the steam tug, for the pilot had,
evidently, not taken into consideration the fact that the Ripper was
going ahead at reduced speed. Soon it was close enough for the boys,
without the aid of the glasses, to make out the figure of Blowitz.
"I must go outside," announced Mr. De Vere. "Give me a hand, Jerry, so
I won't stumble and hurt my broken arm."
"What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to ask Blowitz what he means by following me; and whether
he is trying to find the derelict that belongs to me."
Jerry assisted Mr. De Vere out on the small deck in front of the
cabin. By this time the Monarch was within hailing distance, those in
charge of her evidently having decided to give up trying to remain in
the rear.
"Ripper ahoy!" called Carson Blowitz, waving his hand at the little
group on deck.
"What do you want, you scoundrel?" asked Mr. De Vere angrily. "What do
you mean by following me?"
"Rather strong language, my dear partner," was the taunting answer
from Blowitz. "Besides I don't know that I am following you. The ocean
is big enough for two boats, I guess."
"Do you deny that you are following me, and seeking to find the
derelict Rockhaven?" demanded Mr.
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