The fog was lifting as rapidly as it had come, and soon he could see several of the boats, but they were not as close as he had feared.
"Reckon our fire made them pull off a bit," he thought.
"Don't fire," came the order in the captain's voice.
"But they're coming," Jack shouted at the top of his voice.
A glance told Bob that his brother was right. The boats were beginning to move and all in the direction of the Valkyrie.
"Everyone get inside," was the next order, and, wondering what it was all about, the boys ran for the big cabin.
"I'm going to try once more to start her, and there's no use in exposing ourselves to their darts if she goes off.
"And if she doesn't?" Mr. Lakewood asked.
"Then we'll have to get out and fight."
Even as he spoke the propeller began to churn the water astern, and it seemed that everyone held his breath as they waited the outcome.