“If we knew that, we would know how long we would have to wait,” observed Arthur.  “Some vessels are faster than others.”

“It would take at least three or four days,” said Jack, “and if he has sent a fast vessel and given directions to make all speed they might be here in less time.  Then they must pick up a pilot who would be likely to know these seas, and who is used to making difficult passages.  Any ordinary pilot would not do.  He should have a special one.”

“And he cannot tell just what is required till he gets here, and, perhaps, would have to hunt one up, and there is more lost time,” said Harry dolefully.  “It’s a pity we are wasting so much time.”

“Yes, but I don’t see how we are going to help ourselves.”

“No, perhaps not.”

Late that night Jack was awakened as he lay asleep in his berth, not by a flash, as before, but by hearing some one say, as he went by the door: 

“It can’t be, it’s too much like the flying Dutchman.”

“That’s what I say, but all the same I was sure I saw one come in through the reefs.”

“You didn’t see any lights?”

“No, but I could make out her masts and rigging.”

The two men went on, and Jack heard no more.

“There has some vessel come in through the reefs,” he said to himself as he sat up in bed.  “I must try to find them to-morrow.  I have always said that I thought it possible for a vessel to get through if one knew the passage, and this shows that it has been done.  No wonder these men thought it was a phantom ship.”

Partially dressing himself he went on deck, and looked around him.

He could see nothing, and he hardly expected to do so, but had yielded to impulse and had come on deck.

Ben Bowline presently came up, looked at him, touched his grizzled forelock, and said: 

“Sir to you.  Come up to get the air?”

“Yes,” Jack answered shortly.

“Kind of a pretty night, don’t you think, sir!” the old sailor said after a pause during which he stood balancing himself first on one foot and then on the other.

“Yes, it is a fine starlight night.  The moon ought to be coming up soon, and then we can see things better.”

“Yes, so we can.  Was you looking for anything particular, sir?” in a mysterious tone.

“How about that vessel, Ben?” asked Jack in a low tone.  “Are you sure you saw her?  What was she, the long, low, rakish craft we read of in old stories or a saucy steam yacht with tremendous speed?”

“Sh! the old man might hear us,” cautioned Ben Bowline.  “Do you know I don’t want to think it were the Flying Dutchman ’cause it’s plumb bad luck to see her, but how is a live ship going to get in here?”

“Easy enough, if she knows the way, Ben.  Don’t say anything about it, but are you sure you saw something?”

“Well, I dunno, but I think I did.  She was out yonder, just where you can see the open water, and she was only there half a jiffy, as you might say.  Tom saw her, too, or I would have thought I was dreaming.”