Soon the breeze struck them, and, as it came from shore, it hit the Searchlight first and drove her fairly close to the other yacht. But before anything could be said or done, the other craft also moved; and then the chase began as before.
"We're getting all we want now," announced Tom, as the wind grew heavier. "Just look how the yacht dips her nose into the brine!"
"We'll have to shorten sail before long," said Martin Harris.
"If we don't, a sudden gust might make us lose our stick."
"I'd like to see the Flyaway lose her mast!" cried Tom. "It would just serve the Baxters right if they went to the bottom."'
"No, we don't want to see that yacht harmed," put in Dick quickly. "Remember, Dora is on board—and that stolen fortune, too."
Swiftly both yachts flew on their outward course, the ocean growing more tempestuous each minute. The police officers viewed the turn of affairs with alarm.
"If it's not safe, let us turn back," whispered Carter.
"Don't get scared so soon," replied Harris, who overheard the remark. "I've been' in a worse blow than this, twice over."
The sails were reefed, and they continued on their course. The Flyaway was now but a shadow in the gloom, and presently even this died out.
"The chase is over," announced Harris with disgust. "Hang the luck anyhow!"