"Boom!" went the little gun, and all strained eagerly forward to watch the result of the shot.
A volume of water shot up a few yards behind the pursued.
"Missed again," said Frank sorrowfully.
"Again," commanded Lord Hastings. "Fire!"
And the second shot also went wide, for even as Jack fired the boat ahead again swerved suddenly. Now the pursued began to steer first to one side and then to the other, momentarily approaching closer to shore, however.
Twice more Jack fired in response to Lord Hastings' command, but the result was always the same. As long as the pursued continued to zig-zag there was little hope of a successful shot.
But in the meantime the pursuers were gaining. A bullet from ahead whistled over Frank's head.
The lad grew angry and drew his own revolver. Taking careful aim, he fired. So far as he could see there was no result.
"Where's that infallible aim of yours?" demanded Jack.
Frank made no reply but fired again. This time his effort was rewarded.