the Sedgwick legacy and was
trying to be resigned to his fate, when a tramp steamer was suddenly
sighted. Brewster ordered the man on watch to fly a flag of distress.
Then he reported to the captain and told what he had done. With a bound
the captain rushed on deck and tore the flag from the sailor's hand.

"That was my order," said Monty, nettled at the captain's manner.

"You want them to get a line on us and claim salvage, do you?"

"What do you mean?"

"If they get a line on us in response to that flag they will claim the
entire value of the ship as salvage. You want to spend another $200,000
on this boat?"

"I didn't understand," said Monty, sheepishly. "But for God's sake fix
it up somehow. Can't they tow us? I'll pay for it."

Communication was slow, but after an apparently endless amount of
signaling, the captain finally announced that the freight steamer was
bound for Southampton and would tow the "Flitter" to that point for a
price.

"Back to Southampton!" groaned Monty. "That means months before we get
back to New York."

"He says he can get us to Southampton in ten days," interrupted the
captain.

"I can do it, I can do it," he cried, to the consternation of his
guests, who wondered if his mind were affected. "If he'll land us in
Southampton by the 27th, I'll pay him up to one hundred thousand
dollars."

CHAPTER XXIX

THE PRODIGAL'S RETURN

After what seemed an age to Monty, the "Flitter," in tow of the
freighter "Glencoe," arrived at Southampton. The captain of the freight
boat was a thrifty Scotchman whose ship was traveling with a light
cargo, and he was not, therefore, averse to taking on a tow. But the
thought of salvage had caused him to ask a high price for the service
and Monty, after a futile attempt at bargaining, had agreed. The price
was fifty thousand dollars, and the young man believed more than ever
that everything was ruled by a wise Providence, which had not deserted
him. His guests were heartsick when they heard the figure, but were as
happy as Monty at the prospect of reaching land again.

The "Glencoe" made several stops before Southampton was finally reached
on the 28th of August, but when the English coast was sighted every one
was too eager to go ashore to begrudge the extra day. Dan DeMille asked
the entire party to become his guests for a week's shooting trip in
Scotland, but Monty vetoed the plan in the most decided manner.

"We sail for New York on the fa