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"Did he tell you why he came?" asked Mr. Bredejord. "He came to help us, if we stood in need of assistance, and also to inquire about a strange enough personage, whom I had incidentally mentioned in my correspondence, and in whom Mr. Tudor Brown seemed to take a great interest." The four visitors exchanged glances. "Patrick O'Donoghan was not that the name?" asked Erik.
"I think not, for I feel convinced that it would have produced no results. You see how difficult it is even today, after we have related all the facts in our possession, to arrive at any definite conclusion!" "But how can you explain the part which Patrick O'Donoghan has taken in this matter?" asked Dr. Schwaryencrona.
They could not doubt that they were in the dwelling-place of Patrick O'Donoghan, and according to all appearances he had only left it a short time ago. Had he quitted the island, or had he only gone to take a walk? The only thing they could do was to make a thorough exploration of the island.
That would cost a great deal, and might only frighten Patrick O'Donoghan, no matter how well worded the advertisement might be, provided it is to his interest to remain concealed. Would it not be better to employ some one to visit personally those seaports which this man would be likely to frequent?" "But where could we find a trusty man who would be willing to undertake such a task?"
And as he watched him intently, he saw that in spite of the affected coolness of the stranger his eyelids fell and the muscles of his month contracted. But almost immediately Tudor Brown recovered his self-possession, and said: "Well, doctor, if you have no other means of solving this mystery, except by discovering Patrick O'Donoghan, I am afraid that you will never find it out.
But as soon as they descended to the saloon, upon which their cabins opened, they took counsel together. "What could have been Tudor Brown's motive in trying to make them believe that Patrick O'Donoghan was dead? And what was his purpose in taking this voyage upon the 'Alaska'? It was impossible for them to say.
Ward, it was at Zanzibar that he came on board." Dr. Schwaryencrona made him describe Patrick O'Donoghan, and was convinced that it was the same man whom he was seeking. Both these men seemed honest and sincere. They had honest and open countenances.
Fifteen minutes later they were on board the "Albatross." They were received by an old gray-headed seaman, with a rubicund face, whose open countenance betrayed only truth and loyalty. "Mr. Ward, this gentleman wishes to make some inquiries about the fate of Patrick O'Donoghan," said Mr. Tudor Brown. "Patrick O'Donoghan," answered the old sailor, "God rest his soul.
Patrick O'Donoghan is dead." The doctor was too much taken aback by this disappointing announcement to say a word, and only looked at his visitor, who continued: "Dead and buried, three hundred fathoms beneath the sea.
"No, matter," said he suddenly; "Nordenskiold must be found, and with him Patrick O'Donoghan. They shall be, or it will not be my fault." Erik's plan was a very simple one. He proposed to write an anonymous letter to the leading newspapers of Stockholm, and thus proclaim his fears as to the fate of the "Vega."
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