“The American Prince must have sailed some time in the evening, if she was not delayed by the storm; and she may have overhauled the Josephine before this time.”
“Possibly; but the two vessels got so much off their course during the blow, that I hardly expect to see the Prince till we reach Funchal,” replied Capt. Wainwright. “All I care for is to get the vice-principal on board again; and then he can settle all disputed questions, and order the Ville d’Angers to Funchal or to Cadiz, as he pleases; and I shall be relieved of all responsibility.”
“I see,” said O’Hara; but he did not see what he wished to see.
“The Josephine must be becalmed, as we are, within fifty miles of us; and, as the weather is clear now, we shall be likely to see her,” continued the captain. “So, Mr. O’Hara, you will range your steamer ahead of the Tritonia, and take on board our best hemp cable. In other words, you will take the schooner in tow. When you have made fast our line, you will make your course south south-west, and run under full steam.”
“South south-west, under full steam,” repeated O’Hara, not at all pleased with the prospect; for he did not like the idea of having the Ville d’Angers changed into a tow-boat, as he contemptuously expressed it afterwards.
“It is now nearly eight bells in the morning,” continued Wainwright. “You will take the course given you; and if by meridian we don’t see any thing of the Josephine, I shall be ready to give you new orders.”
O’Hara returned to his boat, and was pulled to the steamer. She went on, and took a position ahead of the schooner, and as near as it was safe to lie. The second cutter carried the tow-line to her stern, and the end was hauled on board. It was made fast under the direction of Mr. Rimmer, for there were no proper bitts for the purpose.
“Are you all ready?” shouted the captain of the Tritonia.
“All ready, sir,” replied O’Hara, when the hawser had been secured.
“Then go ahead,” responded Capt. Wainwright.