Get to the sheets, you and
Dalfin, and we will chance it."
Bertric luffed, and we hauled the tack amidships. Then he paid off
to the wind, and we slacked off the sheet with the help of a turn
of its fall round the great cleat of the backstay. The wash of the
waves round the bows ceased, and there was only the little hiss of
the water as the sea broke alongside of us. It always seems very
silent for a little while when one puts about for a run after
beating to windward.
"Listen," said Bertric under his breath, "we shall hear Heidrek
directly on the starboard bow somewhere. Pray Heaven he has not
changed his course, or we shall hit him! He will not have luffed
any more, for certain."
"Suppose he thinks that we have tried some such trick as this?"
said Dalfin.
Bertric shook his head.
"He thinks we shall go on as we steered, making for the Norway
shore. It is likely that he will think that we may have paid off a
bit, for the sake of speed. Even if he did think we were likely to
do this, what could he do? He cannot tell, and to put about and run
on the chance would be to give away his advantage if we had held on
after all. Listen!"
"I hear him," said Gerda, who was leaning on the gunwale with
parted lips, intent on catching any sound.
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