Although times were bad, Cartwright could run her and earn some profit.

He had known the company that bought her was getting near the rocks, but they had insured her heavily and there was something strange about the wreck.

Cartwright understood the underwriters had hesitated before they paid.

He, himself, would not have paid; he had a notion--.
An effort had been made to float _Arcturus_, but the salvors did not know all Cartwright thought he knew.

If his supposition were correct, the wreck might be worth buying and one could, no doubt, buy her very cheap.