ip of war would only bring her guns upon them,
and end the conflict in the loss of at least half their number. They
entertained no hope, therefore--except to escape by fast sailing--and as
this was now well-nigh given up, they set to work to prepare themselves
for passing an examination. Several of the crew actually hid themselves
in order to avoid the suspicion which their numbers might create; for,
as I had already observed, there were too many hands for a ship engaged
in the ordinary way of commerce.

At a last measure the old skipper had got out his "ship's papers,"
which, of course, had been prepared for such an emergency, and which
were to show that he was "all right."

In this way the _Pandora_ now awaited the nearer approach of her hostile
pursuer.

The cutter had gained rapidly, and had at length got within less than a
mile's distance, when a gun was fired from her bow-ports that sent the
shot ricochetting over the water, and close to the hull of the barque.
A signal was also hoisted for the latter to "lay-to."

My heart beat wildly within my breast. It seemed as if the hour of my
deliverance had arrived; and yet I felt a contrary belief--a
presentiment that it was not yet to be! Alas! that presentiment proved
too true. With all the appearances in favour of our being captured it
was not to be. The destiny of the _Pandora_ was different.

Almost as if the firing of the gun had been a signal to the weather, and
the wind suddenly began to lull, and at each moment grew lighter and
lighter--till it was no longer a gale, but a soft and gentle breeze.
The sun, that was now setting, no doubt had caused the change and in a
few minutes' time the sails became relaxed and fell flapping against the
yards.

With a quick eye the change was observed by the crew of the _Pandora_,
and the advantage understood. Instead, therefore, of yielding obedience
to the signal from the cutter, all hands rushed quickly aloft--the
topsails were unreefed to their fullest spread--topgallants and royals
were unfurled, and even the studding-sails bent, till the whole rigging
of the barque was covered with canvas.

The effect was almost immediately perceptible. Although the cutter now
fired her guns as fast as she could load them, I could perceive that she
was every moment losing ground, and her shots now fell short of the
barque.

In another hour she was miles in our wake; and ere the darkness of night
closed over the sea, and h