stion, what had so far
been to him a mystery was explained.

"We are in for one of those hurricanes that come on so suddenly here,"
said the lad, "and we are going right out to sea, to try and get under
shelter of one of the isles before it breaks."

"But why not stop here in harbour?" said Fitz sharply.

"Because there is none. When the wind's easterly you can only expect
one thing, and that is to be blown ashore."

"But is there time to get under the lee of some island?"

"I don't know. We are going straight into danger now, for as likely as
not we shall meet the gunboat coming right across our bows to cut us
off."

CHAPTER TWENTY.

ON TWO SIDES.

The speed they were able to get out of the schooner, and the admirable
seamanship of her commander enabled them to reach the sought-for shelter
before the fury of the West Indian hurricane came on. It was rough
work, but with two anchors down, the _Teal_ managed to ride out the
blast, and fortunately for her crew the storm subsided as quickly as it
had risen, leaving them free to run in for Velova with a gentle breeze
over a heavy swell, which as evening approached began to subside fast.

It still wanted a couple of hours of sunset when the morning's position
was reached, and with favourable wind and the signal flying they were
running close in, when Fitz suddenly caught Poole by the arm.

"Look yonder," he said.

"What at?--My word!"

The boy rushed aft to where his father was standing watching the distant
city through his glass; but that which he was about to impart was
already clearly seen. From behind a wooded point about a mile behind
them the black trail of smoke rising from a steamer's funnel was slowly
ascending into the soft air, and for a few moments the skipper stood
with his teeth set and his face contracted with disappointment and rage.

"Think they have seen us, Burgess?" he said at last.

"Yes; they have been lying in hiding there, watching us till we were
well inside."

"Can we get outside again?"

"Not a chance of it," was the reply; "the wind will be dead in our
teeth, and we can only tack, while they are coming on full speed, and
can begin playing long bowls at us with heavy shot whenever they like."

"What's to be done?" said the skipper, and without waiting for an answer
he added, "Keep on right in. There is one chance yet."

"There, don't look so precious pleased," Poole whispered to Fitz. "We
are not taken yet."

"I--