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"They may have gone on some other vessel," remarked Roger, after a pause. "Let us find out what other ships have left here during the past few days."

"Say," said Phil, to the elderly shipping-clerk. "Maybe you know my father or some of the captains working for him. His name is Lawrence, of the Lawrence Lines."

"Indeed!" cried the shipping-clerk. "Well, of course I know him! Are you Phil Lawrence?" he questioned, eagerly.

"I am."

"Now isn't that strange!" The man put out his hand. "I don't suppose you know me. My name is Sam Castner. I was once a supercargo for your father, on the Arvinus. You took a trip in her with your mother, when you were about ten years old,—down to Tampa and back, from Philadelphia."

"That's right, so I did!" cried the shipowner's son. "I remember you now. We went fishing together."