"Perhaps it might be as well to hang back!" burst in Tom. "If we
remain in sight they won't land as intended."

"The thing of it is, they may change their plans, especially if
they think your brother overheard their talk," put in the police
sergeant. "My idea is, they'll keep right on down the coast
until the darkness hides them from us. Then they'll try to sneak
in some cove or river and abandon the boat."

"They'll have a job taking Dora Stanhope along," was Sam's
remark. "I don't believe she'll go another step willingly."

"As if she has gone willingly!" said Dick.

"Well, I mean she'll be more on her guard than she was, and
they'll have more of a job to make her go along."

Night settled down gradually and found every heart full of
serious speculation. Dick was especially affected, for he had
hoped to see Dora rescued hours before.

"Goodness only knows where they will take her by morning!" he
groaned. "I'd give almost anything to be at her side!"

With the going down of the sun the wind died away and the sails
of the Searchlight flapped idly to and fro.

"Now it's a waiting game," announced Martin Harris. "If we can't
move neither can they."