Dory wondered what the discussion between the captain and the passenger of the Missisquoi was all about. He judged that the master of the steamer was not willing to follow the Goldwing any farther. He hoped they would continue the dispute for a while longer. If they did, he should be out of their reach in a short time; for he was confident the schooner was making at least six miles an hour. But the skipper was not to be fully gratified; for the next time he looked about at the steamer, she was under way again, and with her bow pointed to the Goldwing. She was half a mile astern of the schooner, and this was a considerable distance for her to gain. But Dory began to feel the excitement of the race, for it was evident that there was to be a race. The high land at the southern end of Valcour's Island was making it altogether too mild for the Goldwing, for the Missisquoi was evidently gaining very rapidly upon her. Dory started the sheets, and ran to the southward, where he could get more wind. The steamer promptly changed her course, and followed the schooner. It was plain that Captain Vesey or Pearl Hawlinshed, whichever was managing the steamer, had no idea of using any thing like tact or stratagem in the chase. Probably the pilot did not consider that any thing of the kind was necessary, and that the steamer ought to overhaul the sailboat simply by outsailing her. By this time the other members of the Goldwing Club had eaten all they could, and their occupation became uninteresting. Corny put the provisions into a locker in the cabin, and there was enough left for two or three meals more. First one stood up, and then another, until all had taken a view of the Missisquoi. "The steamer is chasing you, Dory," said Thad, as though he had made a discovery. "She is following us with all her might." "I know it," replied Dory, looking behind him at the steamer. "What is she chasing us for?" asked Corny. "She wants to catch us," added Dory. "Is it to find out whether she can beat the Goldwing?" asked Nat. "She's a steamer, and she ought to beat her every time." "Perhaps she ought to, but I don't intend that she shall." "You don't expect to run away from a steamer, do you, Dory?" said Dick Short. "I don't expect to let her catch us; but it will depend upon how fast that steamer can go," added Dory. "But what does she want to catch us for, Dory?" persisted Corny, repeating the question he had put before. "I thought I told you about it. The man in the bow wanted to buy the Goldwing. I bid over him, and got the boat. That made him mad. This is all I know about the reason for his chasing us. He is a wicked fellow, and I think he means to do me harm. All I want to do is to keep out of his way," replied Dory. "I don't know what he wants of me, and you are just as wise as I am. We won't say any thing more about that matter." "Of course he will catch you," added Thad. "Who ever heard of such a thing as a sailboat running away from a steamer?"