CHAPTER XXIII 

IN WHICH THE SUPERCARGO IS CORNERED 

From one street corner Dave and Roger hurried to another, looking in every direction for some sign of Captain Marshall. This hunt they kept up for the best part of half an hour, but without success. 

"He is certainly nowhere in this vicinity," said the senator's son. "I wonder where he can be keeping himself." 

They walked on more slowly, and at the entrance to a lane came to another halt. Then, chancing to look into the lane, Dave uttered a short cry: 

"There he is!" 

Coming along the lane was Captain Marshall. His step was an uncertain one, and he pitched from side to side. As the two boys ran forward, the master of the _Stormy Petrel_ gave a lurch and landed on some old boxes with a crash. 

"Oh, Dave, can this be possible!" murmured Roger. "I did not think the captain would do it." 

"Let us help him to the ship," answered Dave. He was as much shocked as his companion, and he could not help but think of what the supercargo had said. 

"Oh, is it you, boys?" mumbled the captain, as he espied them. "I want to--to get back to the ship." 

"We'll help you," said Dave. 

"I've had an awful night--my mind is in a perfect whirl," went on the master of the _Stormy Petrel_. 

"We'll soon have you safe on the bark," put in Roger. 

The two assisted the captain to his feet. His eyes had a peculiar stare in them. Suddenly he clapped his hand to his pocket. 
What did he fall on?
gave a lurch and landed on some old boxes with a crash.