"My intention is," Captain Acton went on, "to fit out the Aurora at once for a chase. We know where the Minorca is bound to. Mr Lawrence's course must necessarily be yours. Your vessel can sail two feet to his one. If we are unfortunate enough to miss him on the high seas, we shall be at Rio a week or a fortnight before the Minorca arrives, to receive him. When can you get your ship ready for sea?"
Captain Weaver reflected. "To-day, sir," he said, "is Toosday. I'll engage to be under way by Saturday."
"Not before?" cried Miss Acton, an exclamation which Captain Weaver received with a faint smile.
"That will be giving the Minorca long odds, won't it?" said Captain Acton.
"No, sir. If we took a fortnight to fit the clipper for sea, we should overhaul the Minorca or be ahead of her long before she heaves her port into sight."
"What's the distance to Rio, Captain Weaver?" asked the Admiral.
"All five thousand miles, sir."
"What would you call the Aurora's average?" enquired Captain Acton.
"I'll put it low to make sure," responded Captain Weaver, "and call it a hundred and twenty-five miles a day, though a hundred and fifty would be nearer the mark."