Hurrying on deck they
found that the schooner had reached open water and was beginning to
feel the influence of an offshore breeze. At the same time the man
whom White had left at the tiller was pointing up the coast, where they
caught sight of a steam launch that had just cleared South Head.
"He fired a shot at us," announced the steersman.
"That's all right 'long's he didn't hit us," replied Captain Bland.
"It is our French friend, and he only took that way of hinting that he
wished us to wait for him. I don't think we can afford the time just
now, though--leastways, I can't. Hello there in boats! Drop your tow
lines and come alongside."
"Do you think there is any chance of our getting away from him?" asked
Cabot.
"Dunno. Mebbe, if the breeze freshens, as I believe it will. Anyhow,
I'm going to give him a race for his money. Good-bye! Good luck, and
I hope we'll meet again before long."
So saying Captain Bland, taking the steersman with him, stepped into a
dory that had come alongside and was rowed towards his own schooner.
He had hardly gained her deck before she set main and jib topsails and
a big main staysail. Our lads also sprang to their own sails, and
spread to the freshening breeze every stitch of canvas that the "Sea
Bee" possessed. When they next found time to look at the "Ruth," White
uttered an exclamation of astonishment, for she had already gained a
good half mile on them and was moving with the speed of a steam yacht.
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