“Let us radically change our course, captain, and see if they follow us,” said the professor.
“That isn’t a bad idea,” agreed the captain. “It won’t do any harm to try it. We will have her head put due west. I see that we are running about S. S. W. now. If they change their course it will be pretty conclusive evidence that it is purpose and not chance that keeps them in our wake.”
“Mr. Berwick,” said the professor, “the wind is light and fitful, suppose we add steam to our propelling force. Give us all the speed you can, and we will see if we can’t shake them off.”
“All right, sir,” replied the engineer, going toward the engine room. “I will do my very best to get all the speed there is in her.”
An hour later the throbbing of the engine, as the pressure was gradually increased, was felt throughout the vessel. Like a spirited steed with a bit in her teeth, and at the snap of the whip the vessel darted forward, plunging through the long rolling waves, and leaving behind her a white wake that curved like a bow as her prow was turned to the west.
The group on the after deck of the Storm King watched with interest the course of the other vessel, which was now being rapidly distanced, would pursue.
“Hurrah!” cried Tom. “We are leaving her behind.”
“But she is getting up more steam,” observed Jo, as a thickening volume of smoke poured from her funnel.
“She is following us, too,” cried Tom a little later. “She evidently likes company.”