Part 27 (1/2)
”Do any of our s.h.i.+ps ever sail to Barbados?”
”Not very often. I could have had a cargo for that port from here, but the firm didn't take it, and it went to the _Emma Brower_.”
”The very s.h.i.+p we are after!” murmured Dave.
”Could you get another cargo for Barbados, do you think?”
”I don't know-maybe. Why?”
”We want to go there!”
”You do! That isn't much of a place.”
”But we have a reason for wanting to go,” went on Phil. And then, knowing he could trust Captain Sanders, he told the story of the stolen gems and the search for Merwell and Jasniff.
”Humph! that's a queer yarn,” mused the captain of the _Golden Eagle_.
”Supposing I got a cargo for that port-you'd go along?”
”I would,” answered the s.h.i.+powner's son, promptly. ”That is, if dad would let me-and I'm sure he would.”
”So would I go,” added Dave.
”I'd have to go-to look after the others,” said Dunston Porter, with a smile.
”Well, you can't leave me in the cold,” came from Roger. ”If the rest went, I'd go too.”
”Come down to the cabin and talk it over,” said Captain Sanders, and led the way across the deck and down the companionway.
Once below they were invited to remain to supper and did so. While at the meal the boys and Dunston Porter told all they knew concerning the case against Merwell and Jasniff, and the captain told what he knew about the _Emma Brower_ and her commander.
”I am going to telegraph to my father about this,” said Phil, a little later. ”If this vessel can get a cargo for Barbados she might as well sail for that port as anywhere.”
”Well, I'm willing,” answered Captain Sanders. ”When will you send word to him?”
”Right away-I'll send him a telegram at once.”
”I hope it turns out all right,” said Dave. ”I feel it is my duty to get after Merwell and Jasniff, and do it as soon as possible.”
CHAPTER XVIII-OFF FOR BARBADOS
The next three days were busy ones for the boys and Dunston Porter.
Telegrams were sent back and forth between Phil and his father, and also between Dave and Mr. Wadsworth.
”Here is news!” cried our hero, after receiving one of the messages.
”Just listen to this.” And he read the following, from the jewelry manufacturer:
”Clew in Boston proved to be false, also clew in New York. Hope you are on the right track and get gems. Spare no expense if you feel you are right.”