"Pull with all your might!" cried Tim Bunker.
"Drive 'em into that 'ere cove, and then you can fix 'em," said Joe.
But Frank gave the cove a "wide berth." A very little exertion on the part of the club was sufficient to keep them out of the reach of the Bunkers, and they continued their course leisurely towards Centre Island.
Joe Braman saw that the chase was hopeless; and at his suggestion the Thunderbolt abandoned the pursuit, and steered towards Rippleton.
"Those are dreadful bad boys," said Mary Weston, when, to her intense relief, she saw them give up the chase.
"That they are; but our boat is so much swifter than theirs that we can easily keep out of their way."
"Do you suppose they really meant to stone you?"
"I have no doubt of it."
"Nearly twelve," said Fred Harper, looking at his watch.
"Give way, my lads; we will be there in time."