"I won't agree to it."

"But, my dear little Bantam, I didn't ask you to agree to it. Your hands
are already tied behind you; and, when I have done with you, I shall
throw you overboard, if that happens to be the most convenient way to
get rid of you. I was speaking to Mr. Peppers, whose hands are not yet
tied behind him; and you should not interrupt the conversation of those
who are older and wiser than you are."

"I don't agree to the plan. We will turn in and go to sleep, and you can
take us where you please; but you will find in the end that this world
isn't big enough to hide you from me," replied Peppers.

"Just as you please, Peppers. We shall not quarrel about a little matter
like this. I suppose you came over after me. Allow me to suggest that
you haven't stated the nature of your business with me," continued Pearl
gayly in appearance, though Dory could see that he did not feel half so
chipper as he talked.

"I think I won't talk any more at present," replied Peppers. "I can wait
till we see this thing through."

"You won't have to wait many hours," answered the skipper, as he looked
astern to see if any craft was coming near the Goldwing.

Dory was certain that the skipper was disgusted with the decision of the
officer, and that he was very anxious to get rid of his troublesome
passengers. But the owner of the boat was delighted with the conduct of
the detective. He had been afraid that he would compromise with the
villain, and that he should lose his boat, or at least be deprived of
the use of her for a long time.

"Where is the Sylph now?" asked the officer half an hour later.

"She is not more than a mile astern of us," replied Dory.

"Is she coming near us?"

"She is headed directly for us."

"And where is this boat?" continued Peppers.

"We are approaching Long Point, and are within half a mile of it. We are
inside of Sister Islands, and the Sylph seems to be taking the same
course. She acts just as though she was following us," said Dory, who
had been watching the progress of the beautiful steam-yacht ever since
she first came in sight.

"She does act as though she was following us, don't she, Dory Dornwood?"
added Pearl Hawlinshed.

"I have no doubt she is following us," replied Dory.

"Do you know of any reason why she should follow us?" asked the skipper,
trying to conceal his anxiety.

"I don't," answered Dory.

"Do you know her owner, Dory?" inquired Pearl.

Dory hesitated. I