"We will do the best we can for you. Pull, Tom," replied the spokesman.
Then commenced an exciting race; and I will do my men the justice to say that they did the best they could. But the shipping master's boat was lighter and sharper, and his men were exceedingly well trained. Ben Waterford was in earnest, and not only crowded his oarsmen to their utmost, but he took a spare oar and helped them with his own muscle. Our pursuers were gaining upon us, and my heart sank within me.
"We are losing it," said the man at the stroke oar. "I am sorry for you, for I don't believe that bark is going to Palermo, or anywhere else up the Mediterranean."
"Where is she going?" I asked, startled by this suggestion.
"Of course I don't know; but, in my opinion, she is going to the coast of Africa."
"Coast of Africa!" I exclaimed.
"I don't know, but I think so."
"Her shipping papers say Palermo."
"Shipping papers are not of much account on such voyages."
"Pull away!" I cried, as I saw the other boat gaining upon us.