"I don't know. I've been trying to find him."
"Do you expect me to believe that?" exclaimed the other. "There isn't
a soul missing from that wreck!"
"I can't help it," replied Richard stoutly, for he was recovering from
the shock he had received. "What I'm telling you is a fact."
"What's the matter here?" broke in a hearty voice; and Doc Linyard
elbowed his way through the crowd. "What's wrong with the young
gentleman?"
"What business is that of yours?" returned the man sharply.
"Not much may be, but if there's trouble for him I want to know it.
He saved my life down in the smash-up, and I intend to stand by him,"
returned the old tar decidedly.
"They think I'm trying to steal this valise," explained Richard.
"_What!_" roared Doc Linyard. "Confound you for a pair of landlubbers!
Don't you know an honest figurehead when you see it? Look at him! 'Pears
to me he looks more straightforward than those as accuses him."
Both officials were taken back by the tar's aggressive manner.
"Better be careful," continued the sailor. "You don't know who this
young gentleman is, and before long you'll be laying up a heap of
trouble for yourselves."
"We have to be on our guard," said the first official in a milder tone.
"The young man will have to leave the valise here, at least," added
the other.
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