Then it was but empty glory that hung in the
balance, while now I settled my feet more firmly, and lengthening
my stroke, pulled with a will. Lisbeth sat up, and I saw her
fingers tighten upon the rudder-lines.
"You asked me to row, you know," I said in response to her look.
"Yo ho!" roared Scarlet Sam in the gruffest of nautical tones.
"By the deep nine, an' the wind's a-lee, so heave, my mariners all
- O!"
At first we began to gain considerably upon our pursuer, but
presently I saw him turn his head, saw the Panama tossed aside as
Mr. Selwyn settled down to real business - and the struggle began.
Very soon, probably owing to the fixedness of my gaze, or my
unremitting exertion, or both, Lisbeth seemed to become aware of
the situation, and turned to look over her shoulder. I set my teeth
as I waited to meet her indignant look, for I had determined to
continue the struggle, come what might. But when at last she did
confront me her eyes were shining, her cheeks were flushed and there
actually was - the dimple.
"Sit sti1l, children," she said, and that was all; but for one moment
her eyes looked into mine.
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