{109}
before the
had sailed over half the distance to the river. It could now be seen with one glance that the Queen had been captured, and even this was not required, as the ladies were excitedly calling the news the moment the boats came within hailing distance.
King Tommy and Mr. Poodle were the first to reach the abandoned yacht, and without waiting for the others, they sprang quickly to the sail and the helm, and soon had the boat headed for the river and chasing the pirates’ craft.
The