"Not much, sir," came the reply; "arm's broken, I guess. That's all, sir."
Another volley came from the shore, but by this time the little craft had put such distance between itself and the shore that accurate shooting was impossible.
The speed of the little craft was increased, and it fairly skimmed over the water.
"They will be worried on the _Sylph_," Jack explained. "They are sure to wait for us till morning, but I want to get back at the earliest possible moment."
Hardly were these words out of the lad's mouth when there was a new commotion on the boat. Jack's troubles were not over yet.
"Prisoner overboard, sir!" came the cry from one of the sailors.
It was true. In the excitement of the moment Hardy had not been securely bound, and, taking advantage of a moment when his captors' backs were turned, he had slipped quietly over the side, and was swimming desperately toward the shore.
Jack sprang quickly to his feet and in a moment had divested himself of his coat and shoes. Then he dived headlong into the dark water. The searchlight of the little craft was playing upon the water, and Jack could plainly see his prisoner a short distance ahead.
Jack was a strong swimmer. At his home in the little African village he had spent many hours in the water; and now with great strokes he was overhauling his quarry.
"I'll get him if I have to chase him all over Denmark," the lad told himself grimly, as he swam along. "I should have watched him more closely."
For at least ten minutes the chase continued. Then, finding that Jack was bound to catch him, Hardy turned to face him.
Now, Hardy was no coward, and he was a big man. On even terms he figured that the lad was no match for him. He was also an accomplished swimmer; but he underrated the prowess of the lad who was pursuing him, and his arm was also in bad shape.
Jack came up with his enemy and reached out a hand to take him by the throat; but, as he did so, Hardy dove and disappeared from view. A moment later he came up close to the spot where Jack had been, and struck out fiercely, thinking to take the lad by surprise and stun him before his presence was discovered.
But Jack was not to be caught in this manner. He was far too wary. The moment Hardy sank from sight, Jack had surmised his ruse and had shifted his position accordingly. As a result, when Hardy came up, Jack had him at a disadvantage. In his haste, however, to get his prisoner back to the launch, Jack failed to use his advantage and the blow he aimed at his adversary went wide. Whereupon Hardy immediately dove again.