From somewhere out on the Pacific there sounded a whistle, long drawn
out.
"It's a steamer!" cried Ned. "It has probably sighted the derelict!"
"A steamer," murmured Mr. De Vere. "If it is not--"
He did not finish, but the boys knew what he meant.
Mr. De Vere hastily thrust the papers into an inner pocket of his
coat.
"Distribute the gold among you," he told the boys. "When we get it
aboard the Ripper we can hide it. There is no telling what might
happen. If that steamer--"
"It's the tug Monarch!" cried Jerry, who had hurried up on deck. "It's
coming this way full speed!"
"Then we must leave at once!" decided Mr. De Vere. "I think our boat
can beat theirs. I did hope to be able to tow the brig into harbor,
and save the cargo, but that is out of the question now. I do not want
a fight with Blowitz. Come, boys, we must escape!"
The boys hurriedly divided the gold among them. It made their pockets
bulge out, and was quite heavy. Mr. De Vere had his papers safe.
As the derelict hunters all came out on deck they could see the
Monarch was much nearer. In bold relief stood a figure in the bow.
"It's Blowitz!" exclaimed Mr. De Vere, "and he's shaking his fist at
me. He's angry because I have beaten him at his own game. But come on,
I don't want a clash with him. I am in no shape for another fight.
We'll have to retreat."
It was the work of but a few seconds to get into the motor boat. The
lines were cast off, and, with one turn of the wheel Ned started the
engine, and ran her up to full speed after a few revolutions.
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