I could get another knot an hour out of her, sir, by running the risk
of losing one of her spars; and that means risking the delivery of the
despatches."

"Look here, Mr Leigh," said the officer; "you seem to be doing all you
can to delay the delivery of these despatches. I order you, sir, to
shake out the reefs of that mainsail."

Hilary took up the speaking-trumpet to give the order, but as he held it
to his lips he felt that he would be doing wrong. He knew the cutter's
powers intimately. He saw, too, that she was sailing her best, and he
asked himself whether he would not be doing wrong by obeying what was,
he felt, an insensate command. Surely there must be some limit to his
obedience, he thought; and more than ever he felt what a peculiar
position was that in which he had been placed, and he wondered whether
Captain Charteris could be aware of the peculiar temperament of his
companion.

Hilary lowered the speaking-trumpet, as the cutter rushed on through the
darkness.

"Well, sir," said his companion, "you heard my orders?"

"I did, sir," replied Hilary. "Here, bosun."

"Ay, ay, sir."

"How much more canvas will the cutter bear?"

"Bear, sir?" said the experienced old salt; "begging your pardon, sir, I
was going to ask you if you didn't think it time to take a little off if
you don't want the mast to go."

"Silence, sir!" said the officer. "Mr Leigh, these despatches must be
delivered at all hazards. I order you again, sir, to risk more canvas."

Hilary stood for a moment undecided, and his thoughts flashed rapidly
through his brain.

This man was unreasonable. He did not understand the _Kestrel's_
powers, for she was already dashing at headlong speed through the sea,
and he wanted him to run an unwarrantable risk. At all hazards he would
refuse. He knew his duty, he felt that he was a better seaman than his
mentor, and he turned to him quietly:

"My orders were, sir, to refer to you for advice in times of emergency;
but I was not told to run risks that my commonsense forbids. The cutter
will bear no more canvas, sir, for the wind is increasing. In half an
hour we shall have to take in another reef."

"If you dare!" said the officer, laying his hand upon his sword.

"I dare do my duty, sir," replied Hilary, ignoring the gesture; and the
cutter dashed on through the darkness of the night.

CHAPTER FORTY THREE.

DELIVERING DESPATCHES.

The men had been witnesses of all that took