The man laughed and shook. "I only said s'posing," he protested. He weaved his fingers together again over his ample stomach. "As a matter of law, young gentlemen, you have an excellent claim, a steel-bound, double-riveted claim. Whether it's against the owners or some insurance company is what you'll have to find out first. Most likely that ship and cargo were insured. As to just what amount you are entitled to, the law doesn't state. That's a matter generally agreed on between the salvors and the owners. When no agreement can be reached the case goes to the Admiralty Court." "Oh," said Steve. "The first thing to do--" "I guess the first thing to do is find out who the owners are and see what they have to say. If they make you a fair offer, well and good. Now, do you want me to take this case for you?" "Why, yes, sir, I think so," replied Steve, glancing inquiringly at the others, who nodded assent. "How much--that is, what--" "What would I charge you for my services?" boomed the lawyer. "Nothing at all, boys, unless you get a settlement. If we don't have to go to court you may pay me a hundred dollars. If we do, we'll make another arrangement later. That satisfactory?" "Yes, indeed," answered Steve heartily, and the rest murmured agreement. "How long will it take to find out, sir?" "I'll have the owner's name in half an hour. Then I'll send them a wire. You drop in tomorrow at this time and I dare say I'll have something to tell you. I'll have a look at the boat this afternoon and get an idea of her value as a bottom. Then we'll get someone to give an estimate on her cargo. Would you be willing to pay ten dollars for an appraisement?" "Yes, sir, if that's advisable." "Well, I think it is. We'd better know what we've got, eh? All right, gentlemen. You leave it to me. Where are you stopping?" "We're staying aboard our boats, sir, the _Adventurer_ and the _Follow Me_." "I want to know! Regular mariners, ain't ye? Well! Well! Guess you're having a fine time, too, eh?" "Yes, sir, we've had a pretty good time. About--about how much do you think we ought to get for the boat, Mr. Hyatt?" "Including cargo? Well, now, I don't know, Mister--What did you say your name is?" "Stephen Chapman." "Mr. Stephen Chapman, eh?" The lawyer wrote it on a scrap of paper and thrust it carelessly into a pigeon-hole of the old walnut desk. "Well, there ought to be a tidy sum coming to you, sir; yes, sir, a tidy sum. Lumber is fetching money just now, and you tell me the _Catspaw_ is loaded high." "Yes, sir, she's loaded up to her rails. Do you suppose we'll get a thousand dollars?"