Round Sherman’s Point rushed the little launch, past the steamboat wharf she ran, and headed straight up into the harbor. She stopped at Adams’ Wharf, and Frank went ashore to make inquiries. Steam was kept up, and the _Fox_ was ready to get away as soon as he returned. He was gone more than thirty minutes, and he returned, followed by several boys, two of whom were carrying bundles for him. “What news?” anxiously asked Diamond. “None,” was the answer. “The yacht has not been seen. I have bought some provisions. Here, boys, is a quarter for each of you.” One of the boys took the money, but the other drew back, saying: “If you please, Mr. Merriwell, I’d like something of more value to me than that.” “What?” exclaimed Merry, astonished. “Aren’t you satisfied with a quarter? Why, I thought it good pay for what you have done.” “It’s more than the job was worth. I don’t want money, but I’d like to have something as a keepsake—something to remember you by. I’ve read all about you, but I never expected to see you. Won’t you please give me one of those buttons off your coat?” Frank was touched. “My boy,” he cried, “you could have the coat if I had another here to put on! A button? Of course! And the quarter, too! Take it—keep it!” He cut a button off his coat, and gave it to the boy, together with the quarter. The bundles were taken aboard, and soon the _Fox_ was speeding out of the harbor, bound eastward. “I am well satisfied now,” said Frank, “that the _White Wings_ did not come down the bay.” It was midday, and they ate on board the launch. As they were passing Lime Island they saw a schooner that was running in from the Eastern Bay. Frank directed Dustan to run close to the schooner, and he hailed the vessel, asking if the captain had seen anything of a sloop yacht named _White Wings_. “Ay, ay,” was the answer. “Sighted such a schooner off the southern end of Deer Isle about nine o’clock. Made out her name after she passed.” “Thunder!” cried Hodge, excitedly. “We’ve struck the trail at last!” Diamond was excited. “Which way was she headed, captain?” shouted Frank. “Sou’ by sou’wes’, sir,” was the answer. “I reckon she was makin’ for Green’s Landing or the Reach.” “Thank you, captain.” “Ye’re welcome, sir.” On sped the launch, but now she bore some passengers who were elated by the piece of news they had learned. At last they were on the right course. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER XII IN THE NIGHT. “I believe that is the _White Wings_!” Diamond uttered the exclamation, being in a flurry of excitement. It was sunset on the Eastern Bay, and far in the distance, slowly creeping round an island, was a sail. Again the boys had heard from the _White Wings_. She had been seen by some lobster fishermen, and they aided the pursuers in striking the right course.