"Do any of our ships ever sail to Barbados?"

"Not very often. I could have had a cargo for that port from here, but the firm didn't take it, and it went to the _Emma Brower_."

"The very ship we are after!" murmured Dave.

"Could you get another cargo for Barbados, do you think?"

"I don't know-maybe. Why?"

"We want to go there!"

"You do! That isn't much of a place."

"But we have a reason for wanting to go," went on Phil. And then, knowing he could trust Captain Sanders, he told the story of the stolen gems and the search for Merwell and Jasniff.

"Humph! that's a queer yarn," mused the captain of the _Golden Eagle_.

"Supposing I got a cargo for that port-you'd go along?"

"I would," answered the shipowner's son, promptly. "That is, if dad would let me-and I'm sure he would."

"So would I go," added Dave.

"I'd have to go-to look after the others," said Dunston Porter, with a smile.

"Well, you can't leave me in the cold," came from Roger. "If the rest went, I'd go too."

"Come down to the cabin and talk it over," said Captain Sanders, and led the way across the deck and down the companionway.

Once below they were invited to remain to supper and did so. While at the meal the boys and Dunston Porter told all they knew concerning the case against Merwell and Jasniff, and the captain told what he knew about the _Emma Brower_ and her commander.

"I am going to telegraph to my father about this," said Phil, a little later. "If this vessel can get a cargo for Barbados she might as well sail for that port as anywhere."

"Well, I'm willing," answered Captain Sanders. "When will you send word to him?"

"Right away-I'll send him a telegram at once."

"I hope it turns out all right," said Dave. "I feel it is my duty to get after Merwell and Jasniff, and do it as soon as possible."

CHAPTER XVIII-OFF FOR BARBADOS

The next three days were busy ones for the boys and Dunston Porter.

Telegrams were sent back and forth between Phil and his father, and also between Dave and Mr. Wadsworth.

"Here is news!" cried our hero, after receiving one of the messages.

"Just listen to this." And he read the following, from the jewelry manufacturer:

"Clew in Boston proved to be false, also clew in New York. Hope you are on the right track and get gems. Spare no expense if you feel you are right."

"And here is a telegram from my dad," said Phil. "He tells us-Captain Sanders and myself-to use our own judgment."

"Can you get a cargo for Barbados, Phil?" asked Roger.

"We can get a half-cargo."

"At once?"

"Yes, that is, inside of two days."

"Then by all means take it, Phil!" cried Dave. "I know Mr. Wadsworth will stand the extra expense. And if he won't, I know my father will."

"Where is your Uncle Dunston?" questioned the shipowner's son.

"He's out on a little business trip. He got a telegram from New York that upset him somewhat. I hope it isn't anything serious," added Dave, soberly.

The boys rushed off to talk the matter over with Captain Sanders. They found the master of the vessel at the shipping office, talking over the matter of a cargo for Barbados.

"Four men want to take pa.s.sage with us, if we go," said the captain.

"That will help pay for the trip, since they are willing to pay good pa.s.sage money."

"We want you to take that half-cargo," said Phil, and explained matters.

"All right, if you say so," answered Captain Sanders. "But you had better speak to Mr. Porter about it first."

Half an hour later Dunston Porter came driving up in a cab. He was plainly excited.

"I've got to go to New York at once," he said. "I must look after some valuable investments in Wall Street. Do you think you boys can get along alone?"

"I think we can, Uncle Dunston," answered Dave. "You know we are used to taking care of ourselves," and he smiled faintly.

"Then go ahead and do as you think best."

"We want Captain Sanders to start for Barbados as soon as he can,"

went on our hero, and told of the telegrams received.

A general talk followed, lasting until Dunston Porter had to ride away to catch the train for New York.

"You must be right, and Merwell and Jasniff must be guilty," he said.

"And if they are, spare no expense in catching them. I think the quicker you start for Barbados the better. And as soon as you arrive do your best to locate the rascals and have the authorities arrest them. And above all things, keep your eyes open for the jewels, for we need them much more than we need to catch Merwell and Jasniff. To catch the rascals and miss the gems will do us no good."

"I understand, Uncle Dunston," answered Dave. "And if the jewels are anywhere around we'll locate them."

"Then good-by and good luck!" finished Dunston Porter, and in a minute more he was off.

As soon as he was gone the boys and Captain Sanders commenced preparations for the trip to Barbados. An extra number of longsh.o.r.emen were engaged, so that the half-cargo to be taken along could be gotten aboard quickly, and the boys spent their time in buying such things as they needed for the trip.