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Rh up under the quarter of the power-cruiser. Within two minutes the motor was spinning contentedly, the mooring had been slipped, the motor-boat was heading out into the sound. Rose, made comfortable on a transom of the tiny cabin, went almost instantly asleep, while Alan made all snug, and joined his friend by the wheel.

For the best part of an hour neither spoke. Alan drowsed, soothed by the slap of waves against the side and the dull sing-song of the engine. When he roused himself, for no particular reason, it was to regard with admiration the spectacle of Barcus, tirelessly vigilant and efficient, at the wheel.

"My friend," he observed, languidly, "as our acquaintance ripens I am more and more impressed with the belief that neither of us was born to die a natural death, whether abed or at the hands of those who dislike us; but rather to be hanged as common pirates."

"You have the courage of ignorance," Barcus replied coolly. "If you'll take the trouble to glance astern" Alan sat up with a start to see behind them the milk-white sails of an able schooner.

Sheets all taut and every inch of canvas fat with a beam wind, she footed it merrily in their wake, a silver jet spouting from her cutwater.