Frank obeyed this command with alacrity.
Then the two lads awaited developments.
Apparently the craft ahead had not discovered the presence of the motorboat containing Lord Hastings, Jack, Frank, and a crew of four men; neither did the distance between the two boats seem to diminish. The two were not approaching each other.
"Twenty-five knots," came Lord Hastings' command, and the little craft seemed to leap ahead.
The light ahead drew closer.
"Train your gun on her, Mr. Templeton," ordered Lord Hastings, "and if I give the command, fire to sink her."
This command was needless, for Jack had already gauged the range and trained the gun. Nevertheless he replied:
"Yes, sir."
The pursuers now had approached within fifty yards of their quarry, and still not a sound save an occasional order from Lord Hastings had broken the stillness of the night. There had been nothing to indicate that the other boat was even occupied, save the sudden appearance of the light aboard.
But now, as the pursuers crept even closer, there came a sudden startled exclamation from ahead; and at the same moment the light disappeared.