Since then the ship, under another name, has been
engaged in running contraband goods. We were ordered to get after
her, but, so far, we have had our trouble for our pains. We hoped
you might have sighted her."
"We're going to keep on trying," said Cora. "We are going back to
St. Kitts, to land him," and she nodded at the sailor they had
rescued.
"Well, then we may see you again," the lieutenant said, with a bow,
that took in the motor girls impartially. He shot a quick glance at
Inez, but Cora did not think it wise to speak of the Spanish girl,
nor mention her father.
After some further talk, in the course of which the lieutenant said
the mutineers and smugglers would be harshly dealt with when caught,
he returned to the cutter, which was soon under way again. She
sheered off on a new tack, while the Tartar resumed her journey to
St. Kitts.
"Wasn't that remarkable?" asked Bess.
"Very strange," agreed Cora.
"And it gave us news," spoke Belle. "We know now that your mother,
Cora, and that our folks are all right."
"All right?" cried Jack, questioningly.
"Well, I mean they are safe on board, and not suffering on some
little island," went on Belle.
"They might better off on some island," murmured Jack, but only
Walter heard him, and he cautioned his chum quickly.
"Don't let the girls hear you say that," he whispered. "I agree with
you that they might be better off on an island, than on the steamer,
with the mutineers and smugglers.
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