Steve was giving the engine all his attention and coaxing it to develop all the speed of which it was capable. Even with eight people aboard—two more than its regular complement—it was beginning to gain on the big boat ahead. Orissa, at the steering wheel, was also intent upon her task.
Mr. Cumberford turned to Chica.
"How did Ramon manage to build that house, and make such a big settlement on the island, all in secret?" he asked.
"Pietro knows," said she.
"In Mexico," stated Red-beard, halting at times in his English, "Ramon rob bank of much money. Then he escape in boat an' find islan'. He think it fine place for hide. So he go to Unite' State—to San Pedro—an' buy much thing with his money—much lumber—much food in tin can—many thing he will need. He hire ship to take all to his islan'. It big sail-ship, but it old an' not ver' good. In San Pedro Ramon find some Mexicans who do bad things an' so are afraid to go back to Mexico. He say he make them rich, so they go with him on ship. I go, too.
"Storm come an' make ship leak, but we get to islan' an' unload ever'thing. Captain start to go back, but ship leak so bad he run on rocks at West Islan'. Ship go wreck an' men drown. By'mby Ramon go out to wreck, take all thing he want an' let wreck go. It now on rocks at West Islan'. No good, now."
This terse recital was listened to with astonishment.
"Interesting—very," was Mr. Cumberford's comment, and they all supported his verdict.
"Then Ramon make us build house an' make garden," continued Red-beard. "When we get mad an' not mind Ramon, he whip some of us with his own hand, an' then others scare an' work hard. Two, three time, Ramon go in launch to Mexico. He land secret, in night time, and get more men to come back with him to islan'. Nobody know him in the places he goes. One time he coax Chica from her nice home, that way, an' bring her to islan', to make her help the women work in his house."
Chica nodded.
"But now I go home," she said, confidently. "When kind Americaños arrest Ramon, I go free."
But arresting Ramon was not so much in the thoughts of the Americaños just then as the result of the race to reach the Salvador. Madeline's launch was gaining steadily, but both boats were gradually drawing nearer to their destination and the problem was which could arrive first? Already the little boat had been seen and its purpose understood by the wily Mexican. He could not know how it was that the Americans had managed to secure their boat and were able to follow him so soon, but the fact that they were in his wake and quickly closing the gap between the two launches was sufficient information for the time being, and it did not particularly disturb him.
Ramon Ganza reasoned that in order to beat him to the yacht the little launch must pass near him, but in doing so he would intercept it and by grappling it with boat-hooks take it and its occupants along with him. If the Americans kept out of range and gave his boat a wide berth, he would be able, in spite of their superior speed, to beat them to the yacht by maintaining his course in a straight line.
This danger was soon appreciated by the pursuers; for, whenever they altered their course, Ganza altered his, to head them off by getting directly in their way.
"Ah," said Mr. Cumberford, grimly, "this interests me."
"It interests us all," observed Steve, dryly. "The big boat is like a rock in our path."
Orissa looked at her brother inquiringly.
"How shall I steer?" she asked.
"We shall have to circle around them, to keep out of their way. They think that they will beat us, and they may; but I'm not sure of it—as yet."
"Is it best to argue the point, Steve?" asked Chesty.
"I really think our salvation depends on our getting to the yacht first," was the reply.
For some time after this no one spoke. The engine, under Steve's skillful handling, was doing its utmost, with never a skip or protest of any sort. The man who was running the larger boat was also crowding his engines, urged thereto by his domineering master. The sea was ideal for the race and favored both boats alike.
They continued the dodging tactics some time longer, the smaller boat being forced to the outside and unable to cut in ahead.
"Confound it!" cried Steve, much chagrined, "here's the island, and they've got the inside track."
"Yes; but something's wrong with them," remarked Mr. Cumberford. "They're slowing down."
"By Jove, that's a fact!" cried Chesty, elated.
Steve stood up and shaded his eyes with his hand.