"If he goes to the London Belle he'll find out we have not been there and he will guess we have come to the Sea-mew," said Hector. "I cannot risk it, Brack."
"Leave him to me. We'll reach the Sea-mew long afore he can get to the Belle. That's her out there, right beyond the yacht. I'll put you aboard and row round to her like h——, and I'll meet him comin' to her if so be he's set out; I'll see he doesn't board her if I have to run him down."
Brack was pulling with all his might; the boat seemed to skim through the still water of the bay like a skiff; they were nearing the Sea-mew.
Captain Ben Bruce was on deck, looking over the side. They were about to leave the harbor; Picton was anxious to get away. He was in the cabin. Ben left him reading; probably he had fallen asleep after the excitement of the day.
He heard the sound of oars, and in another minute or two saw the boat shooting toward the yacht.
"Who's this coming here?" he wondered.
He made no sound, merely watched, wondering what would happen.
Brack did not see him as he came alongside; the gangway steps were up; how was he to get Hector aboard?
"Is that you, Brack?" said Ben.
"It's me, sir. Let down the steps quick. I've something to say to you, something that won't keep."