“There she is!” cried Jack excitedly. “Look how Mr Bartlett has turned the boat’s head straight for the light.”
“Yes; we shall follow the bright path straight away now,” said the doctor.
“How are you getting on there?” came from the boat in front. “Hungry, or will you wait till we get on board?”
“We’ll wait, father,” shouted Jack.
“Yes. Only half-an-hour now. Mr Bartlett thinks we’ve distanced the canoes.”
They were soon to learn for certain, as they followed the bright path of light which minute by minute grew clearer, till they could see as it were right up to the anchored yacht.
“Shall we hail the captain?” said Jack.
He had hardly spoken when he felt a jar run through the boat, and found that the towing-line had been hauled upon till the prow of the second boat touched the stern of the first.
“Hist there!” said the mate. “Perfect silence, please. We must creep alongside so as to give warning. There must be no hailing. This is the most dangerous time.”
“How far are we away?” said the doctor in a whisper.