The chase lasted some time, without any increase of the intervening distance, or any hope of its diminution. It was a grave, a terrible chase. Meantime new and strange intentions had occurred to the commander of the smugglers' boat. From what dark source could he have received the inspiration that dictated the command? "Knock out the bung of the top brandy-barrel, and let us drink; that will refresh our courage and rejoice our hearts. Be merry and drink as long as you like." And now ensued a wild bacchanalia. The men drank out of large mugs, they drank out of cans, and the result was not wanting, while the boat was nearing the entrance to the sea. "Now, my men," began Olagus in powerful penetrating tones, as he stroked his reddish beard, "shall we allow one of those government fools to force us to go a different way from the one we ourselves wish to go?" "Olagus," Tuve ventured to interpose,--for Tuve still possessed full consciousness, as he had only made a pretense of drinking,--"dear Olagus, let us be content if we can place the goods in safety. I think I perceive that you mean something else--something dangerous." "Coward! You ought to sit at home and help your father weave nets. If you are afraid, creep under the tarpaulin; there are others here who do not get the cramp when they are to follow the Mörkö Bears." "For my part," thought Börje, as he bent over his oar, "I should like to keep away from this hunt. But who dare speak a word? I feel as though I were already in the fortress, the ship and crew in the service of the Crown." Perhaps Ragnar thought so too; but the great man was so much feared that when he commanded no contradiction was ever heard. It was almost the first time that Tuve had made an objection, and his brother's scornful rebuke had roused his blood also; but still he controlled himself. What was resolved on meantime will be seen from what follows. "Why, what is that?" exclaimed the lieutenant of the yacht. "The oars are drawn in! He is turning,--on my life, he is turning!" "He knew that we should catch him up," said Sven, delighted once more to be able to indulge in his usual humor. "Fists and sinews like mine are worth as much as four of them; and if we take Pelle into account, they might easily recognize that the best thing they can do is to surrender at once." "Silence, you conceited idiot!" commanded the lieutenant; "this is no matter of parley. He is making straight for us. The wind is falling; it is becoming calm." "What does the lieutenant think, Pelle?" asked Sven, in a loud whisper. "Can Olagus have weapons on board and want to attack us?" "It almost looks like it," answered Pelle shortly. Meantime the two boats approached one another with alarming speed.