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216 "I know Jack Crumpet. He sailed in the old Resolute with me. I went to see him—that's how I know the Mary Delaway sailed."

"You were on board?" asked Dick.

"No, I wasn't—I saw Jack on the dock. He said as how the cap'n had given orders for nobuddy to come aboard—why, I don't know."

"Well, I know," muttered Dick. "It was to keep their villainous doings secret. Who did you see on the schooner?"

"I saw several men and two ladies. One lady looked kind of excited."

"It must have been Mrs. Stanhope!" murmured Dick. "Come!" he cried. "Let us get some kind of a boat and follow that schooner."

The Rover boys were accustomed to quick action, and they had supplied themselves with plenty of ready cash to use in case of emergency. Consequently, it was an easy matter for them to pick up a steam tug at one of the docks. The captain said he would willingly follow up the Mary Delaway and try to overtake her if he was paid for it.

"Will you go along?" asked Dick, of the old tar. "I want you to aid in picking up that schooner. You know her by sight. I will pay you good wages."

"I've signed articles for a trip to Africy,