Meanwhile, George and Harry were leading their pursuers a long chase. Under their skillful management—standing first on one tack and then on the other—they had succeeded in outmaneuvering several of the swiftest-sailing vessels in the squadron.
Two or three small sloops had succeeded in getting between the Alert and the island; but Harry, who was at the helm, did not deem them worthy a moment's notice. He was confident that his schooner, by their superior sailing qualities, would soon leave these behind also.
The smugglers began to grow jubilant over their success, and George called out,
"Where are your men-o'-war now? Throw us a line, and we'll tow you."
"Come on, you coast-guards," chimed in Harry. "You will never catch us, at this rate."
If the smugglers had succeeded in eluding their pursuers, it would, indeed, have been an achievement worth boasting of; but they had
