"Because we have ascertained, sir, that Mr. Hareston was indeed very drunk and in very bad shape last night, sir. If, then, you—I mean Mr. Manling, sir, had him locked up in the cabin as he says, he would probably sleep very heavy and very late, sir, so he would not naturally wake and call the shore station till rather late."
"Yes; but can't you call the Bahia and get them to wake the man up?"
"We can, sir; and we are probably doing that down there now. But we have found out from her owners that, though the Bahia carries 'wireless' for protection, she has no regular operator. The freight clerk operates when needed."
"I see."
"Yes, sir; he would be very busy with other things after leaving port; we hardly hope to have him much before noon."
"I'll go down there with you now, anyway," the American decided. He turned to the other three.
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