"So it is."
"Come up closer and give us a lift."
"Can't, we are behind time now."
Then, without warning, a Bengal light was lit on board of the schooner. A large reflector was placed behind the light, which was thus cast on the deck of the Rocket. At once Dick, Peterson, and the others were exposed to the gaze of Captain Langless.
"Ha! I suspected as much!" roared the master of the schooner. "Sheer off, Wimble, or the game is up!"
The helm of the Peacock was at once thrown over, and she began to move off. A stiff breeze caused her to make rapid progress.
"Stop!" cried Dick. "Stop, or we will fire on you!"
He had scarcely spoken when the report of a pistol rang out and a bullet cut through the air over his head.
"Let that be a warning to you to leave us alone!" cried Captain
Langless.
Then the schooner increased her speed, the flare from the Bengal light died out, and soon the Peacock was lost to view in the darkness.