There could be no doubt as to the outcome of the race.

It was only a question of time.

The thieves had staked all on the attempt to elude the _Adventurer_ in the shallows, and now they were doomed to open water, for Plum Island ran straight and unbroken for seven miles, and not until the entrance to Newburyport Harbour was reached was there the smallest chance to slip out of sight.
Ossie announced that dinner would be ready in a few minutes, but no one paid any attention.

Every eye was fixed on the _Follow Me_, which, dead ahead, was scurrying along at a rate which Tom, who had thought he knew the engine thoroughly, marvelled at.

But the distance was shortening between pursued and pursuer.