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This sudden avowal created a half panic aboard the mysterious

schooner, and the man astern exchanged his megaphone for

field-glasses. After a long scrutiny he went back to the

megaphone.

"Congratulations, captain!" came the bellow. "When are you going

to rejoin the Lass?"

"As soon the Rosan catches her," replied Code, and then,

exasperated by the unexpected maneuvers of this remarkable

vessel, he cried: "Who are you and what do you want that you

chase me all over the sea?"

Instantly the man put down the megaphone and gave orders to the

crew, and in five minutes she was on her way north into the very

heart of the fleet.