Part 22 (1/2)
Jo had so long been detained that the others had one,” cried Jo
Unobserved by all but Jim, the steward had entered the cabin from the aft companionway There were exclahtest heed, going about his duties without apparent interest
The captain now noticed his presence, and questioned him closely, but with no result Meantiether they went to the deck above, and then cli
When they were absolutely alone, Jim said, ”Whom do you suspect, professor?”
”I can think of only one person,” was the answer ”Beside you boys and myself, only four people have access to the cabin I do not suspect the captain or the steward Berwick you have confidence in May it not be the mate?”
”I knoho it was that took the chart,” said Jim, ”and I called you up here where no one could possibly overhear, to tell you”
”Then it is not lost beyond recovery?”
”On the contrary, it is safe, and you and I will be the only ones knohere it is”
”I am all anxiety”
”It is here in my pocket”
”You certainly surprise me What prompted this move on your part?”
”I felt that soht of a way to mislead them”
”Go on I am all interest”
”I inal, then I put the copy in the hiding place”
”And the copy was stolen?” the professor inquired ruefully ”What about that? Won't it disclose our secret?”
”The copy, if you hed Jim, ”had the descriptions and instructions altered so that it will berather than helpful”
”Good!” said the professor ”You are an assistant after reatly improved”
”If we keep this secret to ourselves,” continued Jim, ”the others will be constantly on the lookout, and we uilty of the theft”
”Yes, even if they only get a fictitious chart, ould like to knoho it is and for what purpose it was taken”
Their conference over they returned now to the deck
The day passed without event worthy of record, and it was growing dark when the captain again joined the others