f satisfaction.

"Hope so, sir," said Tom. "I should feel better satisfied, though, if
we were aboard too. My, how we could stick to the ribs of this boat
here, and lay her aboard some day, and take her again. Ah, here comes
the boat."

In effect the boat was slowly pulled alongside, and amidst a great deal
of shouting and noise, the prisoners could hear the men helped on board,
and the boat hoisted into its place.

CHAPTER THIRTY SIX.

AFTER A REST.

"I wish I knew what was best to do," said Mark Vandean. It was not long
before he had to come to the conclusion that unless accident favoured
them there was very little chance of escaping from the cabin, and he sat
at the window at last, fretting with impatience, trying to master his
disappointment, and comparing his fate with that of Bob Howlett, who was
doubtless quietly going on with his duties, and amusing himself in his
leisure teaching the chimpanzee to chew tobacco.

"I wish I knew what was best to do," Mark said to himself again.

"See that, sir?"

Mark looked round sharply.

"See what?"

"They've altered her course, sir, and are going after the other
schooner."

It was plain enough, now that his attention was drawn to the fact. The
coast which had been on the starboard side was now on the port, and
there, about a mile away was the other schooner just gliding round, and
with her sails filling for the other tack.

"Joe Dance sees what they're up to, sir, but he'll never get away. Too
short-handed."

"But he and Grote mean to try for it. Look, Tom."

"Ay, well done, my lads," cried Tom Fillot, slapping his leg and then
wincing. "Oh, how sore I am! He has the niggers hauling. Pull away,
my lads, up with her. Go on, altogether--another pull. That's her.
Now then, sheet her home. My wig, look at her now, sir. She can sail."

"Yes, like a yacht," cried Mark, as the great mainsail, which had been
only half hoisted in a slovenly way, now spread its broad canvas to the
light breeze, and the graceful vessel sped rapidly through the calm sea,
and passed out of their sight. "Why, Tom, this boat will have to sail
well to catch her."

"They won't catch her, sir, by fair means. If they do, it will be by
seamanship, and having plenty of hands to manoeuvre."

"Well, Tom, it seems as if we can do nothing?" said Mark.

"No, sir, 'cept sit on the deck and growl, and that won't do no good,
will it? Wish we could see how Joe Dance is getting