A troubled expression came over the face of the young captain, as he answered:
“I don’t know, for there has never been a test. We kept company most of the way out, but we rattled along without any thought of speed, sometimes together 240 and sometimes apart; but my opinion is that in moderate weather like the present there is little difference between us, or if there is any it is in our favor. In a strong wind, the other would he apt to outspeed us.”
“We are going to have more wind,” said the mate, looking anxiously about him. “I think I perceive it freshening already.”
“I fear the same thing,” said Fred, who was manifestly very uneasy. “We are now about two miles apart, and the prospect is that that will be cut down one-half by sunset.”
“And then?”
Fred shrugged his shoulders.
“All is not lost. When the sun goes down, with us a mile apart, we shall be invisible; but they will crowd all speed, and stand a good chance of coming up with us again.”
“But we gain a chance to maneuver.”
“There is hope and yet great risk in that, for if we can throw them off the track we shall be safe, for we can easily get beyond their range of vision long before sunrise; but at the same time, in making these sharp turns, we shall lose a great deal of ground, provided we don’t succeed, and if they once get in sight of us after the moon rises, the race will be ended, for we won’t gain a chance to dodge them again.”