It would not only take time, but it might also lead to questioning concerning the fate of the steamer, and he was afraid he would be hauled into some marine court for running into the Tacoma, for that was what he had done.
"Do you know anything about the steamer ?" asked Sam.
"No, she got away from us in the darkness, after we hauled seven of you aboard." "The steamer lost some of her crew," said Tom, shuddering.

"Did you lose any men ?" "One sailor, and one of my passengers got hurt in the leg by the collision." By this time Dick joined the party, followed by old Jerry and the three girls.
"Will the captain carry us away to Australia ?" asked Dora, when the situation was explained.
"I suppose so," said Dick soberly.

"If I had some money I might buy him off, but I haven't a dollar.

What little I did have I left on board of the Tacoma." The others were equally destitute, and when Captain Blossom heard of this his face grew dark.

He was a close man, and his first mate, Jack Lesher, was no better.
"If you haven't any money, you'll have to work your passage," he growled.