“What is the matter, Mr Hurry?” asked Mrs Tarleton. “It appeared in the cabin as if there was a fearful gale blowing.”
“You see that the weather is not so very bad,” I answered evasively, “and I am naturally anxious on your account to reach port.”
I never could act the hypocrite, and the lady was not satisfied. As her quick-sighted eye ranged round the horizon she caught sight of the stranger.
“What is that vessel out there?” she asked.
“That I cannot exactly say, madam,” I answered. “She may be a friend or she may be a foe. Under present circumstances I think it best to avoid her.”
“If she is an American vessel her captain would never think of detaining you; and if she is English, you at all events need not fear her,” she replied quickly.
“I would rather not run the risk of detention,” said I. “It is possible, should she be an American vessel, that her people may not believe our story.”
“Well, sir, I have no doubt that you act for the best,” answered the lady, evidently not satisfied as she saw the vessel tearing furiously through the water.
Her niece had said nothing, but seemed rather to enjoy the rapid motion and the fresh air.
While they were still on deck, the stranger caught sight of us and bore up in chase. Mrs Tarleton soon discovered what had occurred, and was constantly watching the stranger.