“Then he is the mate of the Blanche, which is Mr. Woolridge’s yacht. I know him very well,” replied Louis, who had heard the captain of the yacht call him by his first name when they were in conversation. “If he is the mate of a yacht he is not likely to be at home, though he may be. I know where his house used to be, and I can find it. We will look him up, for we have nothing better to do.” Captain Ringgold led the way very directly to a small cottage on a side street, where he knocked loud enough to wake all the sleepers within a mile. The summons was effectual, for a man soon put his head out a window on the lower floor, and demanded who was there. “Captain Royal Ringgold,” replied the gentleman from the Park. “And Louis Belgrave,” added the young man. “I know you both, and what can I do for you?” asked Mr. Boulong, whose voice was readily recognized. “Is there a steamer of any sort to be had at this port?” inquired the captain. “Not unless some tug has put into the Kills for the night.” “We could not find one. Is there any sort of a craft to be had?” “Possibly,” replied the mate of the Blanche. “Wait a moment, and I will let you in. Then we will see what can be done.” A few minutes later Mr. Boulong opened the front door, and showed them into his little parlor. In as few words as possible Louis explained the situation, declaring that his mother was a prisoner on board of the Maud, at that moment, without doubt, proceeding to sea. He told all it was necessary to know in order to understand the unfortunate dilemma of Mrs. Belgrave. The mate asked some questions, which were promptly answered. “We brought the Blanche down here yesterday to clean her bottom, and she is at anchor just below the town, where there is a beach. I suppose you know that Captain Alcorn lives here as well as myself, Louis?” added Mr. Boulong. “As you and your mother are good friends of our owner, he may be able to do something for you, as I am sure Mr. Woolridge would if he were on the ground. If you will wait a few minutes I will call up Captain Alcorn; or we will go to his house if you like.” The party attended the mate to the residence of the captain of the yacht. He listened to the story of Louis, and then immediately volunteered to pursue the Maud in the Blanche. They proceeded to the beach off which the yacht was anchored, stopping at the railroad station to send a night message to the owner. All the ship’s company of the Blanche were on board; the captain hailed the vessel, and the anchor watch sent a boat for the party. All hands were astir when the party reached the vessel, and in a very short time she was under way, standing towards the entrance to the inlet. “You say the Maud is bound to Bermuda, Louis,” said Captain Alcorn, after the yacht was fairly under way. “That is what Bickling, the cook of the schooner, overheard Captain Scoble say,” replied Louis.