They must have taken to the boats." "Then they can't be far off," cried Blunt, sweeping the horizon with his glass.

"They must have pulled all the way, for there hasn't been enough wind to fill a hollow tooth with." "Perhaps they pulled in the wrong direction," said Frere.

"They had a good four hours' start of us, you know." Then Best came up, and told the story to a crowd of eager listeners.

The sailors having hoisted and secured the boats, were hurried off to the forecastle, there to eat, and relate their experience between mouthfuls, and the four convicts were taken in charge and locked below again.
"You had better go and turn in, Frere," said Pine gruffly.

"It's no use whistling for a wind here all day." Frere laughed--in his heartiest manner.