It took no more than two minutes after they had scrambled on board to set things in motion.
"We are too late," said Blair to the anxious waiters. "We follow at once, captain. They will have filled up here, and will make straight for home. Lay her straight for the Chincha Islands, please, and make all speed possible."
Captain Cathie had foreseen the possibility. He set their course due east for the present, and spread his wings again to the last stitch, and they swept away past the other islands, with no more than fleeting glimpses of them in the mellow distance.
Then Blair begged them to confer with him in the saloon, and laid his difficulties before them.
"I take it for granted we shall catch them," he said.
"Certainly," said the captain.
"I am distressed at thought of bringing you ladies into contact with bloodshed and violence. But there is no help for it; it would not be safe to leave you behind."
"Certainly not," said Aunt Jannet Harvey emphatically.
"We would not have been left in any case," said Jean. "Our places are by your sides," and the others quietly endorsed her.
"The next thing is this: we shall catch this ship, we shall rescue these islanders, by force if necessary. What are we to do with the crew and the ship?"