"I am well aware of it without any prompting," added the commander.
"You will excuse me, Captain Scott, for saying as much as I have, for I know that it isn't regular or proper to criticise the commanding officer; but I am really nervous about this business," Louis explained.
"Don't mention it, my dear fellow!" exclaimed Scott heartily. "We are only playing ship's company and navigation, and we are not strained up as they are on board a man-of-war. In fact, I have rather enjoyed your uneasiness, and I am not the least bit hurt or offended at anything you have said."
"I will try to do better."
"No need of it."
The young millionaire was watching the Pacha's steamer with all his eyes, and though he had only two of them, he was working them very hard. Felix and Morris had gone aft to the standing-room, where they had seated themselves on the plush cushions, and were observing the approach of the Fatimé, though she did not appear to have gained a foot on the chase. They did not see Malabata Point ahead, and had not worried over the matter which had exercised the patience and the nerves of Louis.
"The steamer astern is changing her course!" almost shouted the lookout on the forecastle.
"All right!" exclaimed Captain Scott. "That is just what I expected her to do, and it means victory for the Maud. This is a part of my little game."
"She is headed almost to the north now," added Louis.
"Precisely so," returned the captain at the wheel, who seemed to be as cool now as a frozen cucumber. "Now come up to the window where I can hear you think, and I will explain my plan from the beginning."