CHAPTER XV.
OFF FOR LABRADOR.
Slowly but surely the launch gained on the flying schooner, until, as the sun was sinking behind its western horizon of water, she fired a shot that passed through the "Sea Bee's" mainsail and fell a hundred yards beyond her.
"Wh-e-e-w!" exclaimed White, as he glanced up at the clean-cut hole.
"That's rather too close for comfort, and I shouldn't be surprised if the next one made splinters fly.

However, it will soon be dark, and then, if we are not disabled, we may be able to give them the slip." "I don't believe there's going to be another shot," cried Cabot, who was gazing eagerly astern.

"No--yes--hurrah! They are turning back.
They have given it up, old man, and we are safe.

Bully for us! I wonder what possesses them to do such a thing, though, when they had so nearly caught us ?" "Can't imagine," replied White, who was also staring at the launch, which certainly had circled back and was making towards the place whence she had come.

"They are afraid to be caught out at sea after dark perhaps.