The battle over, the captain of the Shohirika sailed away, to look for the big brig once more and to report to the flagship of the fleet. But the brig had taken time by the forelock and left for parts unknown.
"I suppose that is the last of Shamhaven and Peterson and my money," said Larry, when this news reached him. "I wish we had met that brig a week ago."
"Oh, it's possible we may see her again," said Luke, cheerfully. "But it gets me that she ran away, unless she had something to run for."
"She must have been carrying some contraband of war, Luke."
"It ain't unlikely, lad. Well, she's gone, an' it ain't no use to cry over spilt milk. When you write to Captain Ponsberry you can tell him ye saw them two rascals an' thet's all the good it did."
"Do you know what I'm thinking?"
"Well?"
"I'm thinking that brig was bound for Port Arthur, and she'll slip into that port some dark and misty night."
"It's a risky piece o' business. Either our ships or the mines are likely to blow her up."
"That is true. But the Russians at the port must be getting desperate, and they'll most likely pay any kind of a price for supplies. A captain who ran the blockade successfully could make a fortune," returned Larry.