The speed of the little craft was increased, and it fairly skimmed over the water.
“They will be worried on the Sylph,” Jack explained. “They are sure to wait for us till morning, but I want to get back at the earliest possible moment.”
Hardly were these words out of the lad’s mouth when there was a new commotion on the boat. Jack’s troubles were not over yet.
“Prisoner overboard, sir!” came the cry from one of the sailors.
It was true. In the excitement of the moment Hardy had not been securely bound, and, taking advantage of a moment when his captors’ backs were turned, he had slipped quietly over the side, and was swimming desperately toward the shore.
CHAPTER XXXI.
ABOARD THE “SYLPH” AGAIN.
Jack sprang quickly to his feet and in a moment had divested himself of his coat and shoes. Then he dived headlong into the dark water. The searchlight of the little craft was playing upon the water, and Jack could plainly see his prisoner a short distance ahead.
Jack was a strong swimmer. At his home in the little African village he had spent many hours in the water; and now with great strokes he was overhauling his quarry.
“I’ll get him if I have to chase him all over Denmark,” the lad told himself grimly, as he swam along. “I should have watched him more closely.”
For at least ten minutes the chase continued. Then, finding that Jack was bound to catch him, Hardy turned to face him.