"Why, of course it does!" cried Elizabeth. "What can you be thinking
of? People who walk backward are in great danger of running into
other people. Why not the same with ships? It seems to me, it's a
very dangerous piece 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."