Of course, we then knew no more than we could see; and we were not slow to perceive how fast the pursuers were gaining on the pursued, I really began to tremble for the result; and this so much the more, as the larger cutter was near enough, by this time, to permit me to discover, by means of the glass, the ends-of several muskets, rising out of her stern-sheets.  Could she get near enough for her officers to use these weapons, the chance of our people was gone,—­since it was not to be even hoped they had any arms.

The end approached.  The Dawn had got good way on her—­Marble and Diogenes having dragged down the main-top-gallant sheets, and hoisted the sail.  The water foamed under our bows; and the boat was soon so near, it became indispensable to haul our wind.  This we did with the ship’s head to the westward, without touching a brace, though we luffed sufficiently to throw the wind out of all the square sails.  The last was done to deaden the vessel’s way, in order that the fugitives might reach her.

The struggle became frightful for its intenseness!  Our men were so near, we could recognise them without the aid of a glass; with it, I could read the glowing anxiety that was in my second-mate’s countenance.  Each instant, the pursuers closed, until they were actually much nearer to the pursued than the latter were to the Dawn.  For the first time, now, I suspected the truth, by the heavy movement of the flying cutter, and the water that the second-mate was constantly bailing out of her, using his hat.  Marble brought up the muskets left by the privateersmen, and began to renew their primings.  He wished to fire at once on the pursuing boat—­she being within range of a bullet; but this I knew would not be legal.  I promised to use them should the English attempt to board the ship, but did not dare to anticipate that movement.

Nearer and nearer came the boats, the chasing gaining always on the chased; and now, the Black Prince and the Speedy each threw a shot quite over us.  We were about a mile from the three frigates—­rather increasing than lessening that distance, however, as they drifted to leeward, while we were slightly luffing, with our yards a little braced up, the leeches lifting.  Neb steered the ship, as one would have guided a pilot-boat.  He had an eye for the boats, as well as for the sails—­knew all that was wanted, and all that to be done.  I never saw him touch a wheel with so delicate a hand, or one that better did its duty.  The Dawn’s way was so much deadened as to give the fugitives every opportunity to close, while she was steadily coming up abreast of their course, in readiness to meet them.