"A Paddy's hurricane clear down to the horizon," returned the bosun's mate.
"The schooner's in it?"
"Aye, an' kotched it first. She's over three cables' lengths away now, an' slewin' round without steerage way."
"By Jove, then, boys, we'll beat them yet," declared Jack excitedly. "Out with the oars and let's put the horizon between us as soon as we can. I can't see, but hang me if I won't show Dago Charlie I can row."
His words put fresh life into the castaways.
"You hits it, this time, old son, for shore," burst out the cowboy. "This hand shall be played with renewed sperit, an' that on-tamed wild-cat's goin' to be out-held, or I'm a sheepman."
CHAPTER XII
"THE PLUCK OF WOMAN"
Swiftly the sail was gathered in and the mast lowered, amidst a rattle of eager words. Only Loyola remained silent and downcast, for this blindness which attacked Jack so curiously with every sunrise hit her harder than any peril caused by the marooner's actions.