"I know that an hour or even a day will make no material difference, but I am in a fever to be off." "Have you found out which way they have gone, Major ?" "I have found out that they have sailed for the south, but whether for the Mediterranean or for the West Indies or South America I have no idea; but I have some hopes of finding out by the time we get to Gibraltar." "And they have got a three days' start of us ?" "Yes, I can hardly believe that it is not more.

It seems to me a fortnight since I went ashore to dine at the club.

Three days is a long start, and unless the change of rig has spoiled her, the Phantom is as fast, or very nearly as fast, as we are.

We can't hope to catch her up, unless she stops for two or three days in a port, and that she is certain not to do.

No, I don't think that there is any chance of our overtaking her until she has got to whatever may be her destination.