Ned suggested to Jack that he get the Manhattan under motion at once, as she lay within easy reaching distance of the shore. Jack replaced the wires in the jar and the propeller was soon singing a merry tune to the waters of the bay.
"You got the engine in order quick!" French suggested.
"Of course," Jack replied. "Did you have any idea that I would help you steal our Uncle Sam's boat?"
"Take to your heels," Ned directed, as soon as the boat was fairly out of the little harbor. "It won't take long for the news to get to the other boats, and they will, of course, pursue us. Can they overtake us?" he asked, turning to French.
"They can make about fifteen miles an hour," was the reply. "What can you make?"
"Rather more than that, under pressure," was the reply.
French sat easily on the bridge deck as the Manhattan glided away. He appeared to be as thoroughly satisfied with the situation as when he was the captor instead of the captive. When Frank related the story of the night, in his presence, he laughed and asked for the wigwag code which Frank had used.
"So that is the meeting of the chiefs?" Ned asked. "They are there to sign the treaty of rebellion?"
"Something of the sort," was the reply. "At least, they were there to pass upon the treaty. Now, they'll duck. That is, they will if you boys succeed in getting away from them."
"Do you know where they will go?" asked Ned.