"'Tis a barque, skipper, and he's got 'em flyin'."
The two men watched the vessel a long time, and they determined to run down on her as near as might be safe. As they drew on her it appeared that she was not actually hard-and-fast, but she was bumping apparently, and they guessed she had her anchors out. There is nothing in the way of close shaves that a smacksman will not venture, and the Esperanza was soon within speaking distance.
"We have a pilot aboard!" sang out someone on deck.
"A lightning sort of pilot to ram her nose on the Galloper!" growled the old skipper. "Do you want any assistance?"
"Stand by for a bit and we'll see."
So the Esperanza went to leeward of the shoal and hove-to. Presently the stranger signalled, "Come on board of us."
Then Joe said, "That fellow's in a frap before his time, skipper. I believe she'll come off when the tide turns. If she does, and we have her in charge, that's a nice lump of money for all of us."
"But how are we going to get to him?"
"I'll go," said Joe. "Give me old Bill, and we'll take the boat down on him. You get the trawl warp ready, and we'll either tow him or steer him."
"Right, chap; over with your boat, lads!"