For an hour the steady pursuit was kept up, the naval party keeping as close as they dared to the stern of the other craft. Evidently their plan was working to perfection. It was clear that those on the leading boat had no idea that they were being pursued. Once or twice a snatch of song floated back to those behind her.
“Sing away while you’ve got the chance,” muttered Stanley grimly. “You’ll sing a different tune before long.”
Suddenly out of the blackness ahead something flashed from a low point of land.
“A red light!” exclaimed Ned.
“Red light ahead, sir!” warned Stanley hoarsely.
“Ay, ay, I see it,” breathed the middy. “We’re on the old fox’s hole now.”
All at once the speed of the launch, which had been as steady as an automobile, suddenly checked. She began to drop behind.
“Consarn it! what’s the trouble now?” growled Stanley, while the middy skipped aft.
“What’s the matter, my man?” he asked of the solitary figure bending over the engine.