"I'm ready," replied the deputy sheriff, as he went forward to the bow of the yacht.
"Stand by the sheets, Bobtail, for I don't know what he will do next."
"Ay, ay, sir!" responded the skipper. "Have a fender ready, Monkey."
"All right."
In a moment more, the forecastle of the Skylark was abreast, on the weather side, of the Eagle, taking the wind out of her mainsail in part.
"Hard down," shouted Mr. Brooks, as he saw Captain Clunks jam down the helm of the schooner.
Both boats came up into the wind alongside each other, and Monkey was busy with his fender. The deputy sheriff leaped upon the deck of the Eagle, and Mr. Hines, giving the helm to Bobtail, followed him. The skipper permitted the yacht to come about, and she went clear of the other boat.
"You are my prisoner, Captain Chinks," said Mr. Brooks.
"What for?" gasped the captain.
"For stealing that letter."