“But they’re not gaining much, Bill! Let’s keep it up to the finish!” urged Fred.
Down through Gilkey’s Harbour, out past Job’s Island, and into East Penobscot Bay, the thieves led the chase.
“Say, Cap’n, can’t I fire a shot across their bows?” begged Billy.
“Might as well, son,” replied the Captain.
But the thieves paid no attention to this nautical command to stop.
“They must be headin’ fer Pulpit Harbour, on North Haven,” declared the Captain, taking his bearings.
Billy simply couldn’t stand the thought of their getting away. “Oh, Captain, just let me take one shot at their boat!”
The Captain hesitated too long, for silence gives consent. So Billy, quick to take advantage of it, aimed for the engine of the fleeing launch.
“Gee whiz! you hit it!” yelled Paul, excitedly.
“You winged her all right!” admitted Captain Ed, with a grin of satisfaction now that the deed was done.