Page:Dave Porter on Cave Island.djvu/182

168 "Then by all means take it, Phil!" cried Dave. "I know Mr. Wadsworth will stand the extra expense. And if he won't, I know my father will."

"Where is your Uncle Dunston?" questioned the shipowner's son.

"He's out on a little business trip. He got a telegram from New York that upset him somewhat. I hope it isn't anything serious," added Dave, soberly.

The boys rushed off to talk the matter over with Captain Sanders. They found the master of the vessel at the shipping office, talking over the matter of a cargo for Barbados.

"Four men want to take passage with us, if we go," said the captain. "That will help pay for the trip, since they are willing to pay good passage money."

"We want you to take that half-cargo," said Phil, and explained matters.

"All right, if you say so," answered Captain Sanders. "But you had better speak to Mr. Porter about it first."

Half an hour later Dunston Porter came driving up in a cab. He was plainly excited.

"I've got to go to New York at once," he said. "I must look after some valuable investments in Wall Street. Do you think you boys can get along alone?"

"I think we can, Uncle Dunston," answered