, though the canoe was somewhat deeply laden, Owen felt
confident that she would be able to go through any sea which was likely
to get up. His chief anxiety arose from the possibility there was of
falling in with the _Ouzel Galley_. Should they do so, they could
scarcely expect any mercy from the pirates. He, of course, intended to
do his best to keep clear of her. This he trusted that he might easily
do, as the canoe, being low in the water, was not likely to be attract
the attention of those on board the ship, while she could be seen in
time to be avoided.

A breeze came at last; the sail was hoisted, and the canoe ran merrily
before it. Dan begged that he might take the steering paddle, and that
the captain would lie down and get some rest, which Owen was glad to
obtain, as he intended to steer during the night. The sun was setting
when he awoke, and after some supper was served out he resumed the
steering paddle, and told Dan and Pompey, who had hitherto been keeping
watch, to turn in. Notwithstanding the sleep he had obtained, towards
morning he began to feel very drowsy; still his eye was fixed on the
star by which he was directing the course of the canoe.

Tim had been stationed forward to keep a look-out, and Owen had hailed
him every now and then to ascertain that he was awake. He had not done
so, however, for some time, and was on the point of crying out, when Tim
exclaimed, "By the powers, captin, there's a big ship ahead!"

"Lower the sail!" exclaimed Owen. "Dan and Pompey, out with your
paddles."

They started up at hearing their names called, and obeyed the order.

"Paddle for your lives, lads!" cried Owen, keeping the canoe to the
eastward.

Tim was not mistaken. The wide-spread canvas of a large ship was seen
towering upwards not half a mile away; in a few minutes more she would
have been close to the canoe. Owen and his companions watched her
anxiously; there could be little doubt that she was the _Ouzel Galley_.
Although she was clearly seen, they might hope to escape observation.
They continued, however, paddling away at right angles to her course
till they were well abreast of her, when Owen once more put the canoe's
head to the southward; but not, however, till she was out of sight did
he venture again to hoist the sail. The danger he had chiefly feared
was past. It would take her probably a day or two before she could
reach the harbour and discover their flight, and they might ho