A moment or two afterwards there came across the water the sound of a plash, and next minute there was a repetition of the dreadful yells and cries.
The captain took two or three hasty turns up and down the deck. He was a very humane and kindly-hearted officer.
“I hardly know what to do for the best,” he said.
“Suppose, sir,” replied Mr Dewar, whom he seemed to be addressing, “we fire a gun to let her know we are near?”
“No,” replied the captain; “there is still wind enough, and time enough, for her to escape in the dark. We’ll keep on yet a short time. Stand by to lower the boats. They are already armed?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Escape in the dark!” muttered the captain to himself through his set teeth. “Dark indeed will be the work as soon as our lads get on board of this fiend’s ship.”