His curiosity would seem reasonable enough, and he might thus gain some clue as to their destination.

Then, even if they did sail before Mac appeared, they could be safely intercepted in time for a rescue.

Indeed, such information, if it could be gained, would give opportunity to plan effective action.
Circumstances seemed to work to this end, the two men strolling carelessly back toward where he sat, pausing within a few feet of him, all their attention apparently riveted upon the yacht.
"Had some hard luck ?" he ventured.

"Engine give out ?" The red-moustached one glanced about, his eyes surveying the speaker indifferently.
"Broke a piston, and had to be towed in," he replied carelessly, "We'll be off again presently." "Nice day for a sail." "Sure is." The very indifference of the fellow led West to take a chance.
"Some nice boat you've got there.

The Coolidge yacht, isn't it?
Haven't seen it out lately." "Are you a yachtsman ?" "A bit of an amateur, yes; have a cat-boat I play with some.