Swanson said something about
Liverpool, so mebbe he's had another scrap. I heard dad tell him to call
all hands, then he was out on deck like a house afire, and I came after
you."

"Much obliged, old scout," chattered Mart, for the dawn was cold. While
they talked, they had been hastening forward, and now they scrambled
hastily up to the bridge deck, where they found everyone but the
engine-room crew assembled. Jerry Smith was at the wheel, and he wagged
his head solemnly at the boys, but they were too excited to notice him.

Pushing through the crowd, they entered the chart house. Captain
Hollinger was seated at the table, but merely glanced at them with a
nod. Swanson and the old rheumatic seaman Borden stood before him.

"Yes, sir," the mate was saying, and Mart noticed that his burly, rugged
face looked queer. "He was all right at eight bells, sir. Borden was at
the wheel when the port watch came up, an' Liverpool put Birch there in
his place."

"All right, Borden," returned the captain quietly. "You may go. Tell
Birch to step in here."

The boys glanced at each other, pale-faced. Each was exceedingly anxious
to know what had happened, but at sight of Captain Hollinger's
tight-lipped mouth and drawn face, they dared ask no questions.

The one-eyed Birch came in, ducking his head respectfully.

"When did you last see Mr. Peters, Birch?" asked the captain.

"At six bells, Cap'n. Mr. Peters said he was goin' below for a drink,
but he didn't come to the bridge again, sir."

"You heard nothing suspicious?"

"Nothin', sir."

"Who else was on the bridge?"

"The quartermaster, sir."

"Send him in here. You may go."

Birch left. The two boys again met each other's eyes, hardly able to
believe what they had heard. Then old Jerry shuffled in.

"Quartermaster, did Birch leave the wheel about six bells?"

"No, sir--he wasn't off the bridge at all, sir."

"Hm!" Captain Hollinger leaned forward, fixing his eyes on the old
seaman. "Look here, Jerry. What do you think happened to Mr. Peters? Did
he meet with foul play?"

Jerry hesitated, glancing at the open door. Swanson moved forward and
closed it.

"No, sir, I don't think as he did," returned Jerry slowly. "The men
didn't like him, Mr. Hollinger; I will say they fair hated him, but not
so bad as that, sir. Take Birch there--he's threatened Mr. Peters' life
before now, sir, but that's no more'n fo'c'sle talk, sir, as you know
very well. No, sir, I think th