of business, sailing backward."

"Oh, nonsense," snapped Mrs. Noah. "You are as timid as a zebra. During
the Flood, we sailed days and days and days, going backward. It didn't
make a particle of difference how we went--it was as safe one way as
another, and we got just as far away in the end. Our main object now is to
get away from the pirates, and that's what we are doing. Don't get
emotional, Lizzie, and remember, too, that I am in charge. If I think the
boat ought to go sideways, sideways she shall go. If you don't like it, it
is still not too late to put you ashore."

The threat calmed Elizabeth somewhat, and she was satisfied, and all went
well with them, even if Portia had started the propeller revolving reverse
fashion; so that the House-boat was, as Elizabeth had said, backing her
way through the ocean.

The day passed, and by slow degrees the island and the marooned pirates
faded from view, and the night came on, and with it a dense fog.

"We're going to have a nasty night, I am afraid," said Xanthippe, looking
anxiously out of the port.

"No doubt," said Mrs. Noah, pleasantly. "I'm sorry for those who have to
be out in it."

"That's what I was thinking about," observed Xanthippe. "It's going to be
very hard on us keeping watch."

"Watch for what?" demanded Mrs. Noah, looking over the tops of her glasses
at Xanthippe.