“Close-hauled, Titty,” said Captain John.
“Close-hauled it is,” said Able-seaman Titty, bringing Amazon nearer to the wind. “But what are they in such a hurry about?”
“I don’t know,” said Captain John. “Don’t stint her. We’ll race Susan for the harbour. She’s beating up the other side.”
But Swallow had too good a start and was sailing in the open lake. When Titty brought her prize round the rocks at the southern end of the island, Swallow was already there. Susan had taken down her sail and was waiting with oars out, just outside the entrance to the harbour.
“It’s all right,” shouted John. “You can go in. They’ve surrendered. They’re in an awful hurry about something. We’ll go in together.”
Susan pulled with one oar and backwatered with the other, turned Swallow round, and paddled her in towards the harbour.
“Let me row Amazon in,” said Titty. “I got her out in the dark last night.”
“Look here, Titty, can you see the marks? The wind’s exactly right. You can sail her in. I’ll lower the sail at the right moment. You needn’t think about anything but keeping the marks one behind the other.”
“I’ll try,” said Titty, and steered straight in.
“Don’t take any notice of me,” said John. “Keep the marks together.” Just as they shot in among the rocks he lowered the sail and pulled up the centreboard. “Keep your eye on the marks. That’s right. Look out for Swallow . Well done!”
Just as Swallow grounded on the beach in the little harbour, Amazon slid quietly in and grounded close beside her.