Strang bit his lip. He knew that Captain Carrington was right. But it went bitterly against the grain to abandon the people whom he had rescued with so much trouble. As for Ken, the idea of losing his father again just after he had found him sent his spirits down to zero.
After a moment's thought, Strang spoke again. 'I might leave the boat, sir, and tackle this fellow, whoever he is. It's on the cards I might sink him and come back again and pick you up.'
'That might be worth trying,' answered Captain Carrington. And he spoke as calmly as if the upshot was of absolutely no consequence to him whatever.
Ken, who had been staring hard at the approaching craft, turned quickly to the commander.
'Couldn't you capture her, sir?' he said eagerly.
Strang stared as if he thought that Ken had suddenly taken leave of his senses.
'Capture her?' he repeated.
'Yes, sir. Then you could put all the prisoners aboard her, and they could find their own way to the hiding place. And Horan and myself, too, perhaps.'
Strang gave a low whistle.
''Pon my soul, it's an idea. Especially as, being an enemy ship, she wouldn't be so likely to be searched.'