"Six weeks!" cried Dave. "I hope he is there still. Now, how can I communicate with him, Roger?"
"You can send him a letter," answered Roger. "But you must remember that the _Stormy Petrel_ is going to Nanpi as soon as her cargo for this town is unloaded."
From the shipping clerk they learned that Dunston Porter had gone to Sobago alone--that is, without his partner, Mr. Lemington. A further searching into the shipping lists revealed the fact that the partner had sailed for Australia seven weeks past.
"I reckon they dissolved partnership," observed Billy Dill, "an' one went his way, an' tudder the other way. An' I likewise guess they didn't git thet treasure."
There was now nothing to do but to return to the bark, and this they did without delay. The boys found that Captain Marshall had gone ashore on business, and so called Phil aside and related to him what had been heard in the office of Baumann & Feltmuller.
"You are right--there is something in the wind," said the shipowner's son. "I wish the captain was here, so I could consult with him."
"He'll be back soon, won't he?" questioned Roger.
"He said he might not be back until late this evening."
Phil was interested in what Dave had to tell about Dunston Porter, and said he would urge the captain of the _Stormy Petrel_ to set sail for Nanpi at the earliest possible moment.
It was not until ten o'clock that Jasper Van Blott came back to the bark. He immediately walked up to the first mate and the pair engaged in conversation for some time. Then the supercargo went to bed, and Roger and Dave did the same. Phil sat up, reading and awaiting the captain's return.
It was almost seven o'clock when the country boy sprang up and awakened the senator's son. Both hurried into their clothes and then into the cabin, where they met Phil, whose face was full of worry.
"Hasn't come back?" ejaculated Dave. "Do you mean to say he stayed away all night?"
"Exactly; and I don't know what to make of it."
"Did he say he might remain away?" came from Roger.
"I don't know, and neither does Mr. Shepley."
"What will you do about----" began Dave, and cut himself short, as Jasper Van Blott came into the cabin.
"Mr. Van Blott, do you know anything about the captain?" questioned Phil.