“He’s worse than any native,” said Titty, over her shoulder, as she ran up to the lookout point. The others were close behind her.
Nancy had been nearly halfway back when Captain Flint in his rowing boat shot out of Houseboat Bay in pursuit of her. She was now close to the island, and Captain Flint, though he had gained a great deal, was still some little way behind her. His was a heavy boat.
“Well,” said John, “he is coming after her, isn’t he?”
“Perhaps she’s invited him,” said Susan.
“And she rowing fit to bust,” said Peggy. “Not she. He’s giving chase.”
“And look how he’s rowing,” said John.
“Like a steam engine,” said Roger.
“He’s fairly lifting his boat along,” said Peggy. “But Nancy’ll beat him. She’s got too much start. Go it, Nancy! Well rowed! Keep it up! Go it, Nancy!”
The little group on the lookout point shouted as if they were watching a race. Nancy heard them, and glanced once over her shoulder.
“Come on,” yelled Peggy. “It’s no good putting to sea to help her. But she’ll get here first, and then we can all stop him from landing. Come on. Swallows and Amazons forever!”
“And death to Captain Flint,” shouted Titty.
They ran down to the landing-place. Nancy came rowing in, very much out of breath, but still six or seven lengths ahead of Captain Flint.
“We’re in for it now, my lads,” she panted, as she jumped ashore.