on.

"No doubt of it," answered the mate, wondering that he had made so
slight an impression on his companion.

"We have weathered two pretty severe gales in the Maud, and I dare say
we can do it again. I suppose the barometer will tell the same story on
board of the ship that it has on the consort."

"No doubt of that."

"Then we shall soon see the Guardian-Mother bowling this way at her best
speed," answered Louis.

The officer levelled his field-glass in the direction the ship had gone;
but there was not the least sign of her or any other steamer in that
quarter of the horizon.

"She isn't there; but she may have run in under a lee somewhere near
Damietta, in order to watch the movements of the Fatty."

"That may be; and if she has done so it was not a bad idea. But I think
we had better go forward and ascertain if there is any news there,"
added Louis, as he led the way.

If he was not alarmed at the situation in view of the weather
indications, he was certainly somewhat anxious. When he reached the
forecastle he found the captain there, using his glass very diligently,
pointing it in the direction in which the ship was supposed to be. Louis
and Morris did not interrupt his occupation. He discovered nothing, and
he was apparently going aft to get a view of the Fatime when he noticed
the members of the port watch.

"I suppose you noticed that the course of the Maud has been changed,
Louis?" said he.

This remark afforded the perplexed millionaire a decided relief; for it
proved that the captain had not intended to conceal the change from him.

"I did not observe it, but Morris did; for he is boiling over with
nautical knowledge and skill," replied Louis, and without asking any
question.

"I was going aft to take a look at the Fatty; but I suppose you can
report what she is doing," added Captain Scott.

"Morris can, but I cannot."

"Do you think she is gaining on us?" asked the captain, turning from
Louis to the mate.

"Of course I can't tell while she is coming head on; but I cannot make
out that she has gained a cable's length upon us."

"Mr. Sentrick and Felipe put our engine in first-rate condition while we
were going up and down the Nile; and both of them say the Maud ought to
make half a knot better time than before," continued the captain. "I am
confident we are fully the equal of the Fatty in speed; and perhaps we
could keep out of her way on an emergency. You know we had a little
spurt w