“You have a fine vessel, my Lord,” he said after his curiosity was satisfied.
“A good one, and that is best,” replied Glenarvan.
“And what is her tonnage?”
“Two hundred and ten tons.”
“I don’t think I am far out,” continued Ayrton, “in judging her speed at fifteen knots. I should say she could do that easily.”
“Say seventeen,” put in John Mangles, “and you’ve hit the mark.”
“Seventeen!” exclaimed the quartermaster. “Why, not a man-of-war—not the best among them, I mean—could chase her!”
“Not one,” replied Mangles. “The DUNCAN is a regular racing yacht, and would never let herself be beaten.”
“Even at sailing?” asked Ayrton.
“Even at sailing.”