“Any chance of our giving out?”
“No; we can keep this up for many hours yet.”
“And they?”
“I don’t know. Judging from the qualities they have shown so far, it’s best to assume they are fully as well equipped as we.”
“What are the prospects of overtaking them?”
“Not very favorable, I should say,” replied the Professor. “We’ve been going at our topmost ever since we started and yet we haven’t gained upon them. In fact, they’ve gained a trifle on us. You see, they are somewhat larger and probably have more power. As it is, I am astonished we haven’t lost them before now.”
“What’s the likelihood of our losing them altogether?”
“I can’t say,” replied the Professor, “but our chances against losing them improve every minute as the light comes on. We’ll soon be able to at least keep them in sight for a very great distance. You may shut off the flash-light now.”
“There’s nothing you can suggest?”
“Nothing,” answered the Professor. “Under existing conditions, there are only two courses open to us.”