The three stood for a few minutes without speaking, when Martella straightened up and asked in a low voice:
“Have you noticed, Major, that our speed has increased within the last few minutes?”
The American looked off over the water and then at the shore, but could see nothing to enlighten him.
“The other boat is falling behind,” said Captain Guzman.
Glancing at the smaller craft, all doubt was instantly removed. The tug was steadily drawing away from it.
“Captain,” he called, looking up at the pilot house; “we are going too fast; slacken your speed.”
“As you please, Señor; I beg your pardon.”
The signal was sent down to the engineer, who quickly brought about a diminution in the progress of the tug.
“Probably it was unintentional—”
At that moment, all felt a jar through the craft, accompanied by such a rapid slackening of pace that the three took an involuntary step forward.