"Why don't you want to let that chap Blight know we've a motor?"
"Frankly, Andy, I don't trust him. If he plays a straight game, well and good; but, should he act treacherously—and I have every reason to believe he will, judging by his past career—we must keep a trump card up our sleeves. That's why I wanted to make sure of the respective speeds of the two craft, for you may be certain that, since the chief is in her, yonder canoe is the largest and swiftest they possess. Under power we can easily outstrip her, I have no doubt."
No sooner had the motor started than Terence and Ellerton appeared.
"Hullo! Where's the wind?" asked the latter.
"And where's the canoe? added Donaghue.
"Hull down," replied Andy. "They've gone on ahead to give us a house-warming. Now, you fellows, get yourselves something to eat, and then give us a spell. I'll let you have the course. Keep your weather eye lifting, and look out for a breeze. It may come down suddenly."
"You bet I will," assented Ellerton. "How far are we from Ni Atong?"
"About twenty miles. Directly the island hoves in sight call us."
At about four in the afternoon Terence, who had climbed the main-mast and had taken up a perch upon the diminutive cross-trees, reported land ahead.
Mr. McKay and Andy were instantly warned, and, a breeze springing up, the motor was shut off.