After the second shout the cutter was hove to, and the Nancy was soon alongside.
“What is it you want, my men?” asked the commander, looking down into the boat.
Harry explained what had happened.
“I shall be glad to lay hands on the lugger, you may depend on that, for she has given me more trouble than any other craft on this coast,” he answered. “We have two of our boats away, and are short handed, though we would tackle the fellow as we are. It would be better if some of your men would come on board, and if we can overtake the lugger, they will be able to identify the lad you are in search of.”
“I will willingly accompany you,” said Harry, who, knowing how anxious May was about Jacob, wished to do what he thought she would desire.
“If the captain will take charge of the Nancy, I will go also with two of my lads,” said Adam. “I would take more, but must not leave the craft with fewer hands on board.”
Headland was well pleased with the arrangement, and undertook to escort Julia back to Texford, if she had not already gone, when he arrived at Downside.
There was no time to consider the matter further, as not a moment was to be lost, or there would be no prospect of overtaking the lugger.
“I hope that you will be back to-morrow, Harry, and I will ride over to Hurlston to meet you,” said Headland, as he stepped into the boat.
The cutter immediately kept away in the direction the lugger had last been seen, while the Nancy, hauling her wind, prepared to beat back to the shore.