I took the glass and looked for myself; what he reported was quite correct. We were caught like rats in a trap. Just as I returned the glass to him Alie appeared and joined our group.
"This is bad news, gentlemen," she said quite calmly. "I suppose there can be no doubt they are after us. What have you to suggest?"
"It is difficult to say," answered Patterson. "Two things, however, are quite certain."
"What are they?"
"The first is that unless we are prepared to run the schooner ashore, we must go backwards or forwards. There is no middle course. In either case the result will be the same."
"Have you sent word to the engine-room to get up steam?"
"We have had a full pressure this hour past."
Alie turned to me.
"What do you advise, my husband?"
"There is nothing else for it," I answered, "but to run the gauntlet of them. We must try and get through."