“I guess not,” replied Jerry, seizing one of the oil lanterns and holding it over the side of the bow. He could see a big dent in the wooden hull of the motor boat, and a larger one in the schooner. The two boats were now drifting apart.
Aboard the schooner there was much confusion. Several persons seemed to be talking at once. Lights flashed here and there.
“Look out, I’m going to back away,” said Jerry to Bob and Ned. “Is it all clear to the rear?”
He swung the search lantern so that the beams cut a path of light aft.
“Nothing in the road,” sung out Ned.
Slowly the Dartaway separated from the side of the schooner. As she did so the stern of the larger vessel swung over toward the motor boat, and Bob, who was watching it gave a sudden cry.
“What’s the matter? Is she going to hit us again?” called Jerry, slowing up the engine.
“No!” cried Bob. Then lowering his voice and crawling to where Jerry stood he whispered:
“This boat has the name of Bluebird on her stern!”
At the same instant there came floating over the water the sound of a voice from some one aboard the larger craft.