Almost at the same instant a sharp report reached our ears.
"A blank cartridge to show that they mean business," I answered.
"Hadn't we better go ahead?" Alie remarked.
"I think so," said Patterson, and rang the telegraph. The needle flew round to "Full steam ahead," and off we went.
"Give her every ounce she can carry," shouted Patterson down the speaking tube, and the engineers proved fully equal to the occasion. Before very long the whole fabric of the vessel trembled under the pressure. She quivered like a frightened stag, and cut through the green water at a furious pace. Then, seeing our ruse, the cruiser fired. But, either intentionally or because they had not accurately guaged our distance, the ball went wide.
"We're in for it now," said Alie; "this looks as if it will be the most exciting flight in the Lone Star's history.
"If only we could give them one in return," I said longingly. "However, we can't stop for that. So go on, little barkie!" I cried enthusiastically, patting the bulwark with my hand, as if to encourage her, "you know how much depends upon you."
As if she were really aware of it, the gallant little craft dashed on—throwing off the foam in two great waves from her cutwater, and sending the spray in clouds above her bows. The pace was terrific, and it seemed already to have dawned upon the cruisers that if they wanted to catch us they must be quick about it. By this time we had run between them, and therefore they had to turn round before they could pursue us, which meant a
