The galley was now rowing all her oars, and in full pursuit.

For a quarter of an hour not a word was spoken.

Every man on board was doing his utmost.

Francis had glanced backwards several times, and at the end of a quarter of an hour, he could see that the distance between the boat and her pursuer had distinctly lessened.
"Is she gaining on us ?" the captain asked, for the cabin in the stern hid the galley from the sight of the oarsmen.
"She is gaining," Francis said quietly, "but not rapidly.

Row steadily, my lads, and do not despair.