“The wind has got round to the westward; it is fairing off, and we shall have a good day,” continued the captain of the yacht. “As near as I can make it out, the Maud must have got under way about half-past eleven last night.” “That was about the time,” added Captain Ringgold. “The wind has come round so that she can turn out her reefs and make a fair wind of it.” “Even if the Maud is bound to Bermuda, Captain, do you believe she will lay her course from Sandy Hook to the islands?” asked Captain Alcorn. “I believe you were in the navy in the war as well as myself, and you know what it is to chase an enemy even with no more than four hours the start of you.” “I was telling Louis this morning that my ship followed the Alabama for months without getting a sight at her,” replied the shipmaster. “The Maud has the advantage over any man-of-war enemy, for she can go into any port she pleases,” suggested Captain Alcorn. “This Scoble, from what you have told me, is aware that his vessel is not a high-flyer. After the mischief he has done, or the crime he has committed, he may reasonably expect to be pursued by some fast craft.” “But he is not aware that we know he is bound to Bermuda, and if we chase him at all he will suppose we will follow him to Southampton,” said Louis. “Very true, and there is a good deal in that. Now, I believe the fellow will skulk into some inlet or bay where there is little or no population, and remain there concealed till he is satisfied any pursuers are half-way across the Atlantic,” added the captain of the yacht. “I have considered that idea very faithfully, and I think it is a reasonable supposition.” “There are plenty of openings all along the New Jersey coast, and probably Scoble went into one of them to have his vessel painted.” The course was agreed upon between the two sea-captains. CHAPTER XXI FELIX McGAVONTY ON WATCH Mrs. Belgrave was so exhausted by the violence of her emotion during the day, and by her sea-sickness, that she fell asleep almost in spite of herself; and she knew nothing of what transpired on board of the Maud during the evening. Louis had put his ear to the door of her room every time he went near it; but hearing no sound to indicate that she was awake, he had refrained from disturbing her. Felix McGavonty was wide awake as soon as Louis called him. He had gone on deck with his crony, and watched the boat till it disappeared in the darkness. Then he walked the deck for a time, and all was as still as death. The single sailor who was doing duty as anchor watch was fast asleep on the windlass, as the other was in the forecastle. The Milesian had nothing to do and nothing to think about. Mrs. Belgrave was in her stateroom, and though he was in charge of her, he could do nothing in the line of the duty he had promised to perform. It was chilly on deck, and he went below.