This they did, for fifteen minutes. Then Tom laid the glass down in its rack by the wheel.
“The launch has just gone out of sight,” he announced. “Not even the button on her masthead is visible through the glass. Now, head about for that schooner’s tops, Joe.”
After a few minutes more they could make out the schooner’s cross-trees. Bit by bit more of her masts became visible. Then followed the first glimpse of the schooner’s upper hull.
Throwing on the speed to full eighteen miles an hour, Captain Tom now gave fast pursuit. The schooner had now observed the “Rocket’s” chase and was using all sail, but could not make more than seven knots.
“We’ve surely kicked up some excitement on that other craft,” laughed the young skipper, gleefully.
“How many men can you make out on her decks?” queried Joe.
“Five.”
In a stern chase of this kind the “Rocket” was not long in coming to close quarters with the sailing vessel. But now eleven men were visible on her decks.
“And all rough, hard-looking customers, too,” chuckled Halstead.
“Hm! I can’t quite understand what you’re so merry about,” said Mr. Moddridge, wonderingly.