Of course,
they are certain to fight now, for they can do so without risk, as
they can swear that they took us for a pirate.
"How many do you think that the gig will carry, Hawkins?"
"Well, sir, you might put nine in her. You brought ten off at
Southampton; but if you remember, it put her very low in the water,
and we should run a good deal heavier than your party then."
"Yes, I think that we had better take only nine. If we overload her
she will row so heavily that we shall be a long time overhauling
them."
"I am not quite sure that we shall overhaul them anyhow, sir. Look
at those clouds coming over the hills. They are travelling fast,
and I should say that we are likely to have a squall. No doubt they
get them here pretty often with such high land all round."
"Well, we must chance that, Hawkins. If one does come you must pick
us up as we come along. I agree with you; it does look as if we
should have a squall. It may not be anything very serious, but
anyhow, if it comes it will take her along a great deal faster than
we can row.
"Purvis, I suppose that the dinghy will carry seven?"
"Yes, she will do that easily.
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