"I don't know," answered Ned. "It looks like some sort of a ship, but
I'm afraid to be positive, because we've had so many false alarms."
"It's some sort of a ship," remarked Mr. De Vere suddenly as he passed
the glasses to Jerry. "I make it out to be a brig, and, from the way
it is jibing about, it seems to be under no control. See what you
think."
Jerry took a careful look.
"It's a brig, sure enough," he declared, "and I can't see any sign of
life on her."
"Put us over that way," requested Mr. De Vere, of Ned, who was
steering and running the engine. "When we get a little nearer I may be
able to make out the name."
There were anxious hearts beating in the breasts of those aboard the
Ripper. Could it be possible that the ship they saw was the derelict
for which they had been searching? They all hoped so.
Ned speeded the motor up to the highest notch and the boat fairly flew
through the calm sea. Near and nearer it came to the ship, which could
now plainly be made out. There was not a sail set, and this was
peculiar in itself. The brig idly rose and fell on the long, heaving
swells.
"It's my ship!" suddenly cried Mr. De Vere, after a lengthy
observation through the binoculars. "I can make out her name. It's the
Rockhaven! Hurrah, boys! We have found her at last!"
"And Blowitz and his tug are nowhere in sight!" cried Ned. "We have
beaten him!"
"Indeed we have," went on Mr. De Vere. "Now, Ned, see how soon you can
put us alongside.
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