"The Ben Nevis is good for fifteen knots at least."
"I know that; she did it while we were coming up."
"The Chatauqua can't make more than twelve."
"That's true."
"Then, of course, the Chatauqua could not catch the Ben Nevis."
"That's clear enough. But we were out in the boats, and were close aboard of her."
"And just then she sheered off. Could the boats have overhauled her?"
"Sartinly not; but you could have put a shot through her hull."
"Which might, at that distance, have disabled her, and might not. The chances were all against us. But the moment Mr. Pillgrim hailed her, and swung his cap, she stopped her wheels. They knew very well he would not detain her."
"I see now."