more
experience than I have," I replied, with a smile.

"Did you notice anything unusual about the Islander, or the conduct of
those on board of her, when you saw her this morning, Captain Alick?"
continued the colonel.

"Nothing at all, sir. A boat went off to her a few moments before she
weighed her anchor," I answered. "There were two persons in the boat
when it went alongside the Islander, but only one returned to the shore
in it. I concluded some one of her officers or crew had remained ashore
over night, and came off in a shore boat. I did not think of the boat
till you asked the question."

"I don't see that the boat throws any light on the transaction," mused
the owner. "We don't know who was in the boat, though if we were in
Jacksonville, we could easily ascertain."

"I don't have any idea that we shall know anything about this matter
until we overhaul the Islander," I added. "We can guess for the next
week, but we are as likely to guess wrong as right."

"I can't help being considerably disturbed about this mysterious
conduct of Captain Blastblow; but I do not see that we are likely to be
any wiser in regard to it, as Captain Alick says, till we see the
captain," replied the colonel. "We have got to make the best of it, and
be patient till we learn more. What do you think of it, Major
Garningham?"

"I don't think it is possible to form an intelligent opinion without
further information in regard to the facts," replied my father. "I am
more inclined to believe that Captain Blastblow has made a mistake of
some kind, than that he means anything wrong. It would be worse than
folly for him to attempt to run away with the steam-yacht, for he is
sure to be discovered and punished."

"If it is a mistake or a misunderstanding, it is a very queer one. But
I am not disposed to worry about the matter, and I shall try to
reconcile myself to the situation," replied Colonel Shepard, struggling
to laugh off his anxiety for the safety of his yacht.

I think it was the want of her, more than the value of the craft, that
troubled and vexed him. He was a very wealthy man, and if she was lost
entirely to him, it would hardly impair his fortune.

"We shall do the best we can to solve the problem, and overhaul the
Islander," I continued; "but, after all, we may miss her. If Captain
Blastblow has made a blunder, or there is any misunderstanding, he must
soon discover it. If he has only come out here for a trial trip, and