The Wild Princess

Fifty-four



Byrne lowered the binoculars. “She didn’t drown. They’ve got her.”

“Thank God,” Lorne said, grinning.

Only then did it occur to him that Lorne didn’t know who had pulled his wife out of the drink or what Rupert Clark was capable of. He made short work of an explanation, watching Lorne’s face transform from joy to utter despair.

“But what will they do with her?”

“I don’t know. Doesn’t matter. We have to catch up with them and take her back before they reach land.” Byrne tossed the binoculars back to the marquess and raced from the bow to the cockpit of the tug, with Lorne close behind.

“Why before? Wouldn’t it be easier at a dock, on dry land?”

“No. They’ll have arranged to meet their mates. We don’t know how many of them will be waiting, and there’s no way to alert the police.” Byrne glanced at the old man and his son, trying to gauge how much they’d be willing to risk for the life of a princess. “See that steamer up ahead, Cap?”

“The one just hauled that lady outta the drink?” The old man chuckled his approval. “He done a good job gettin’ her out alive, I’d say.”

“Those two men are the ones who blew up the bridge,” Byrne said. The captain’s brow rose as one piece above milky eyes. “And the woman he just beat us to is Princess Louise.”

“Gor’,” said the boy.

“ ’Tis a dark day on the river,” the captain said, shaking his head.

“It will be darker if we don’t stop that boat. Can you catch up with them?”

“Don’t know.” The captain frowned. “Them’s pretty sprightly boats them old ferries. Tugs’re built more for pushing and pulling than speed.”

“But your engine is powerful. You have a screw propeller, no paddle wheels—more thrust, right? Maybe up to more stress than theirs. If you had to run her hard, could you overtake them?”

Byrne saw decision flash in the old man’s eyes. “Mebbe.” He turned to the boy. “Johnny, get busy with that boiler. Give me all she’s got.” He looked back at Byrne. “I’ll bring you close to the bastard as I can. How you get aboard, I’ve no idea.”

Neither do I, Byrne thought, but that’s exactly what he’d have to do. Or Louise would be lost to him.