“We are well supplied with provisions, and can soon fill up with water; we can be off this evening, I know,” replied Mr Vernon.
“Away with you! and may your search be prosperous,” said the Admiral, with much feeling.
The order to go to sea again was at first received with no little surprise on board; but the fact that the Ariadne was missing being generally known on shore, and the blue-peter being hoisted, the officers who had gone on leave came hurrying back.
That night, with a fine breeze we had run Malta out of sight.
Chapter Fifteen.
Sail in Search of the Ariadne—Fall in with a Boat and Crew—The Master of the Helen—His Narrative—Attack of Pirates—Captain Delano—Can he have seized the Ariadne?
“Something black and low over the starboard bow,” sung out the man stationed on the main-topgallant-masthead.
“How far off is it?” hailed the first-lieutenant.