d, we know nothing as yet. It
is all suspicion. For aught we can say to the contrary, that man whom
we have condemned may be innocent, misjudged by us, and now be lying at
the bottom of the river where we missed him in that mysterious way."

Morny bowed his head and tried to look gratefully at the doctor; but his
agony was too great, and he stood there till their boat had got to the
end of its tack and swung round in the other direction, when with shaded
eyes he gazed before him wildly, trying to get a view beyond where the
three schooners could now be plainly seen, anchored in mid-stream.

But for some time the curvature of the river put this out of the
question, and to break the painful silence the doctor said quietly--

"Another long low schooner, with raking masts. But it may be only
another trader, anchored in company with the rest."

"Ah," cried Morny to Joe Cross, "you see something more than we do!"
For the man, who was looking out from beyond the sail, suddenly gave a
start and angrily slapped his thigh.

"Well, I'm very sorry, sir; but yes, I do. The brig's lying careened
right over, just as she was when we started on our trip."

"But look here, Morny," cried the doctor; "that may mean nothing more
than that she is not finished yet. Remember, to those we left we are
missing, and in their anxiety about our lengthened stay they may have
started up-stream to find us."

"You are saying this to comfort me," cried Morny passionately. "No,
doctor; we have got to face the worst. It is not so."

It seemed cruelty to prolong the conversation, and soon after the order
was given to lower the sail and unstep the mast, for the wind had pretty
well dropped as they swept in towards where the vessels were anchored,
and the distance being short, the men took to their oars once more,
while, with no impediment to their view, the doctor took out his glass
and offered it to Morny. But the lad made a quick gesture, and sat back
looking straight before him, while the doctor used the glass himself,
gazing with it first at the brig, about whose hull no one was visible,
while all seemed still on board the three schooners.

"Take a look, Rodney," said the doctor aloud, as he handed the glass.
"I can see nothing wrong."

Rodd eagerly took the glass, raised it to his eyes, and said quietly--

"Why, I can't see a soul on board the _Sally_, uncle, and the people on
the other schooners must be asleep. They haven't seen us