Part 50 (2/2)
When Bandrist and Mascola reached the _Fuor d'Italia_, the Italian kicked the dory adrift as the two men climbed aboard ”Pull the hook,”
he cried, ”while I start the motor”
”No,” Bandrist whispered ”You'd be a fool to do that The cave was filled with revenuein around here sooose-neck She would spot you in a minute with her search We must row the launch around the next point at least”
Mascola growled his resentment at Bandrist's air of authority
Nevertheless he saw the wisdo ash oars and fastened them in the brass locks Bandrist pulled the anchor and took his place at one of the sweeps For so Then the islander ceased his labor at the oar abruptly
”Head out,” he whispered ”There's a launch ahead”
Mascola's eyes sought to pierce the fog where the dim outline of athe _Fuor d'Italia_ about and skirting the point rowed doggedly away froly temper was not bettered by the physical exercise
There was no need to row the launch as far as this If Bandrist was going with hier The _Fuor d'Italia_ did not belong to Rock and the islander She was his own property He would run her where he pleased and as he pleased As he labored, he forht for the Mexican line, keeping well out to escape the patrol off San Juan Daybreak would put hioon beyond Encinitas There he would be a friends He reflected suddenly that he had but little old in Lower California would buy ive him but scant comfort Bandrist, he remembered, never trusted his old which he carried in the coin belt about his waist
The observation gave Mascola coh for them both
He would see that he received his share
He ceased rowing
”Far enough,” he muttered
”No”
Bandrist's reply was sharp and decisive
”Your exhaust can be heard forin our faces We must keep at the oars Then they will think us still on the island If you start thepursuit”
Mascola's hatred of Bandrist increased with the quiet tone of command hich the islander spoke
”There is no boat that can catch ory's boat is faster than yours for one,” Bandrist disputed quietly ”The new revenue cutters are faster for others Why are you a fool?”
A hot arguu Mascola to the cockpit
Mascola lay where he fell for ahe noticed Without doubt he had hie, the Italian growled: ”Well, you're the boss It's up to you”
As he struggled to his feet he ain resuave the order to start the motor
The _Fuor d'Italia_ leaped forward and the cool sea air fanned Mascola's fla quietly into his seat he turned his attention to the wheel
He could afford to wait, but only a little longer