Shortly after they had got on board, Gerald asked Tom to try and learn
from his brother the reasons why his uncle had sent for him home.

"One of them was, I conclude, that as he expected to get a command
himself, he was anxious to have his nephew with him," answered Jack.
"Another is that in consequence of the death of several persons, young
Desmond is heir-at-law to a handsome estate and a title. His uncle
thought it better to have him near at hand, instead of knocking about
far away from home. There is likely to be a trial of some sort, but my
friend Adair is very sanguine of success. It may be several years,
however, before the matter is settled, as all depends upon the life of
the present possessor, who, although somewhat old, is hale and hearty.
But as he may possibly break his neck, or go out of the world suddenly
by some other means, it is well that Desmond should be on the spot to
claim his rights. I don't know whether Adair intended to let his nephew
know this until his arrival, but as it was not told to me in confidence,
I may mention it to you. However, use your own discretion in what you
say to your friend--only do not let him be too sanguine; but it may
perhaps make him take care of himself, which hitherto I suspect he has
not been apt to do."

Tom promised to be very discreet in what he said to Gerald, so as not to
disappoint him should he fail of success.

Towards the evening of the day the _Bellona_ had left the coral island,
a shout was heard from the look-out at the mast-head, "A rock on the
starboard bow!" An officer, however, going aloft with his glass,
pronounced it to be a dismasted vessel. The frigate was accordingly
headed up towards her, and on a nearer approach, from her peculiar
build, she was seen to be undoubtedly a Chinese or Japanese craft. It
was at first supposed that no one was on board, but as the steamer
neared, a flag was waved from the after part of the stranger.

The ship's way was accordingly stopped, and a boat was lowered. Captain
Rogers volunteering to examine her, Tom accompanied him. As they
approached they saw that she must have encountered bad weather, for not
only had she lost her masts, but she had no boats, and a considerable
portion of her upper works had been carried away, while her sides had a
weather-worn appearance, as if she had been a long time knocking about
at sea.

On getting on deck, one person only was to be seen, who, though dressed
as a Ch