"We've been gaining, sir. We can make out the upper hull, now. Mr. Baldwin is here on the bridge, and declares the stranger is the 'Victor.' One of the deputy marshals, who knows the boat well, is also certain."
"Is the 'Victor' burning coal as hard as ever?"
"Just as hard, sir."
"And we're gaining? That shows we can overhaul the other craft in time. How's the weather?"
"Slight haze, Captain, but fine weather," reported Dick Davis.
So Captain Tom Halstead felt that he could still safely take his time, for he expected to be all night on duty. He indulged in the luxury of a bath, dressed comfortably, drew on his reefer, then leisurely left his cabin, ascending the stairs to the bridge.
"I've hardly been away from here," announced Mr. Baldwin.
"I doubt if I shall be, to-night, sir," Tom answered.
"You speak of to-night as though you thought the chase would last through the hours of darkness."