Her pebble ballast had been taken out when she was drawn up for the last time on shore, and in the hurry it had been needless to replace it.
So the two pirate longships overhauled us fast, and presently their low, black hulls were plain to us.

It was time we did somewhat if we were not to be taken without an effort to escape.
"See here," said Bertric suddenly, "I know somewhat too well how those ships can sail; but I think that this ship would beat them in a reach to windward.

That, of course, would run us in toward the Norway shore, and I have ever heard that it is as dangerous as any.
I do not know it, but the Lady Gerda may do so.

If the worst came to the worst, it is in my mind that we might take to the boat and let the ship go her own way, if she is beyond our handling when we make the shore." "If we can sight land, it is possible that we may be sighted also," said I."It seems our only chance.

I will call Gerda." Bertric nodded, and I went forward and called her accordingly, rousing Dalfin, who slumbered in the sun under the lee of the boats amidships, as I passed him.
Gerda came quickly from her awning as she heard me, and saw the two ships at once.