If it is more, we can get on our southward course in it shortly, and if he sights us again, he will have all his work to catch us, for his men will be tired of rowing." "What if the fog lifts directly ?" "We shall be little worse off than now--and we shall be heading down on Heidrek before he knows it." "Aye," he answered, "with way enough on us to sink him offhand, and maybe take this ship clear through his.

Get to the sheets, you and Dalfin, and we will chance it." Bertric luffed, and we hauled the tack amidships.

Then he paid off to the wind, and we slacked off the sheet with the help of a turn of its fall round the great cleat of the backstay.

The wash of the waves round the bows ceased, and there was only the little hiss of the water as the sea broke alongside of us.

It always seems very silent for a little while when one puts about for a run after beating to windward.
"Listen," said Bertric under his breath, "we shall hear Heidrek directly on the starboard bow somewhere.