"
"I hope so. It means a great deal to me to find that derelict."
"What had we better do?" asked Bob. "Can't we get ahead of him in some
way?"
"I know of no other way than to cruise about until we find the brig,"
replied Mr. De Vere. "It is only a chance, but luck may favor us
first. That is all we can hope for."
All that day they cruised fruitlessly about, and the next day was
equally barren of result.
"I'm afraid you'll think we're not very good derelict hunters,"
remarked Jerry on the morning of the third day after the storm, when
they took an observation, and saw nothing but a vast extent of water.
The weather was calm, the sun shone brightly and the Ripper was making
good time.
"No," was the answer. "It isn't your fault. This was in the nature of
an experiment, and I do not expect immediate results. I figured on
being three weeks on this search, and we have only spent about a third
of that time. We are yet on the safe side, although I admit it is
rather disappointing."
After breakfast they resumed their observations. It was nearly eight
bells when Ned, who had been stationed in the bow with the powerful
glasses, cried out:
"I see something."
"Where?" asked Mr. De Vere eagerly.
"Off the left."
Mr. De Vere took the glasses and peered long and anxiously through
them at a small speck which Ned pointed out as it rose and fell on the
crest of the billows.
"Is it the derelict?" asked Jerry, appearing in the companionway.
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