The Phantom was not among the latter, nor did the rig or approximate tonnage, as guessed, of any of the others, at all correspond with hers.
After thanking the officer, Frank returned to his boat, and half an hour later the Osprey was again under weigh.
At Ceuta, Tarifa, and Tangier there was a similar want of success.
Such a craft might have passed, but if so she was either too far away to be noted, or had passed during the night.

From Tangier he crossed to Gibraltar, and anchored among the shipping there.
So far everything had gone to confirm his theory that the Phantom would not go up the Mediterranean.

Of course, she might have passed the three places, as well as Saint Vincent, at night; or have kept so nearly in the middle of the Strait as to pass without being remarked.

Still, the chances were against it, and he regarded it as almost certain that she would have put into one or other of the African ports, as she passed them, for water, fresh meat and fruit.
It was six days after the Osprey passed Saint Vincent before she anchored off Gib.

She had made her number as she came in, and in a short time the health officer came out in a boat.