On her way she stopped twice to shout inquiries, and the second time a sleepy mariner, leaning, in pajamas across the rail of a small launch, supplied the information they sought.
"Yes, there was a cruising motor-boat went by about nine, or a little after, headed toward the Pier Head.

I didn't notice her much, but she was painted dark.

Come to think of it, it must have been pretty nearly half-past, for I remember hearing three bells strike just afterwards." "You didn't see her after she went by here ?" asked Steve.
"No, I was getting ready for bed and saw her through a port.

Anything wrong ?" "Nothing," replied Steve dryly, "except that she belongs to us and someone's evidently stolen her.

Thanks very much.