“So can we—and faster. What a rate we’re going at. Shan’t capsize, shall we?”
“Hope not, because if we did that schooner would escape. Why don’t they fire?”
“Waste of powder and shot, my boy,” said a voice behind them; and, looking sharply round, there stood the first lieutenant with his glass to his eyes, watching the flying boat. “Ha! we’re moving now. Better get on a lifebelt, Mr Vandean, if you feel afraid.”
He walked away, leaving the lad flushed and indignant. “Needn’t catch a fellow up like that,” he muttered. “Who said anything about being afraid?”
Bob Howlett laughed, and then turned his eyes in the direction of the schooner.
Chapter Four.
In Great Jeopardy.
Meanwhile everything possible was being tried to get another half knot of speed out of the Nautilus, which glided along under her cloud of sail, sending the water foaming in an ever-widening double line of sparkling water on either side. The hose was got to work, and the sails wetted, sheets were hauled more tightly home, and the captain and officers walked the decks burning with impatience as they scanned the distant schooner.