“We are spared the trouble, for look, the insolent has set a light himself, as if to invite us to follow.  This temerity exceeds belief!  To dare to trifle thus with one of the swiftest cruisers in the English fleet!  See that every thing draws, gentlemen, and take a pull at all the sheets.  Hail the tops, Sir, and make sure that every thing is home.”

The order was succeeded by the voice of the officer of the watch, who inquired, as directed, if each sail was distended to the utmost.  Force was applied to some of the ropes, and then a general quiet succeeded to the momentary activity.

The brigantine had indeed showed a light, as if in mockery of the attempt of the royal cruiser.  Though secretly stung by this open contempt of their speed, the officers of the Coquette found themselves relieved from a painful and anxious duty.  Before this beacon was seen, they were obliged to exert their senses to the utmost, in order to get occasional glimpses of the position of the chase; while they now steered in confidence for the brilliant little spot, that was gently rising and falling with the waves.

“I think we near him,” half-whispered the eager captain; “for, see, there is some design visible on the sides of the lantern.  Hold!—­Ah! ’tis the face of a woman, as I live!”

“The men of the yawl report that the rover shows this symbol in many parts of his vessel, and we know he had the impudence to set it yesterday in our presence, even on his ensign.”

“True—­true; take you the glass, Mr. Luff, and tell me if there be not a woman’s face sketched in front of that light—­we certainly near him fast—­let there be silence, fore and aft the ship.  The rogues mistake our bearings!”

“A saucy-looking jade, as one might wish to see!” returned the lieutenant.  “Her impudent laugh is visible to the naked eye.”

“See all clear for laying him aboard!  Get a party to throw on his decks, Sir!  I will lead them myself.”

These orders were given in an under tone, and rapidly.  They were promptly obeyed.  In the mean time, the Coquette continued to glide gently ahead, her sails thickening with the dew, and every breath of the heavy air acting with increased power on their surfaces.  The boarders were stationed, orders were given for the most profound silence, and as the ship drew nearer to the light, even the officers were commanded not to stir.  Ludlow stationed himself in the mizen channels, to cun the ship; and his directions were repeated to the quarter-master, in a loud whisper.

“The night is so dark, we are certainly unseen!” observed the young man to his second in command; who stood at his elbow.  “They have unaccountably mistaken our position.  Observe how the face of the painting becomes more distinct—­one can see even the curls of the hair.—­Luff, Sir! luff—­we will run him aboard! on his weather-quarter.”

“The fool must be lying-to!” returned the lieutenant.  “Even your witches fail of common sense; at times!  Do you see which way he has his head, Sir?”