Biff joined his father, Hank Mahenili, and Li in the cockpit. They were still dazed and only now beginning to breathe easily.
“I thought he was going to ram us, Dad.”
Mr. Brewster shook his head.
“I get it now,” Biff continued. “To ram us would have damaged his boat—put it out of commission, even if it didn’t sink. He wanted to swamp us.”
“And nearly did!” Mr. Mahenili said.
The steady beat of the pumps continued. They were rapidly bailing the yawl out.
“Well, Biff, you know what we’re really up against now,” his father said seriously.
“I think I always did, Dad. This Perez Soto will stop at nothing.”
Li sat quietly, but he was shaking as if from a chill. It was the recent frightening experience which caused him to tremble.
“Tom, I’ve been in and around water, in and out of boats all my life. But that was the nearest brush I’ve ever had with a watery grave.” Hank Mahenili’s voice was solemn. “He’ll never get away with it,” he added fiercely.