rmed their
duty, and carried out with energy the designs of their government.

The crew of the barque, therefore, on perceiving that it was in reality
a British cruiser that was in the wake, were put into the greatest
confusion and trouble. I say in the wake, for long since the _Pandora_
had turned stern towards the strange vessel, and was making all sail to
escape.

It was evident that the cutter was a fast sailer, and knew it--else she
would have used more strategy in making her first approach. On the
contrary, she had taken no pains whatever to conceal her character; but,
setting her head right for the _Pandora_, had given chase at once. The
barque had been equally prompt in showing her stern; and for some hours
a regular tail-on-end run was kept up between the two vessels.

CHAPTER TWELVE.

For my part, I awaited the result with the deepest interest. I watched
the two ships as they sped; and, with my eye, kept constantly measuring
the sea between them. My heart was full of hope, and beat joyfully as I
observed that the distance was gradually decreasing, and the cutter each
minute seemed larger upon the waves.

There was but one drawback to the exultation which I felt--and that was
a serious one. Brace had confessed to me that he was a deserter from
the Royal Navy. If taken he might be recognised. The stripes upon his
back would lead to suspicion--for there are brands almost peculiar to
the navy--proofs of his desertion would be sought--perhaps easily
obtained, and then I knew the terrible punishment he would have to
undergo. For my own sake I wished the cutter to capture us. For the
sake of my friend--the preserver of my life--I wanted the _Pandora_ to
escape. I wavered between two hopes--now my own horrid situation was
before me--the disgust I felt for the life I was compelled to lead, the
hopelessness of getting away from it; and when these thoughts came into
my mind I looked with longing eyes towards the pursuer, and wished her
nearer and nearer. Then my eyes would rest upon poor Brace, as he
hurried over the decks--Using all his efforts to aid the _Pandora's_
speed--my thoughts would undergo a complete revulsion, and my late hopes
would suddenly change into fears. For a long while I awaited the
result, with this singular alternation of contradictory emotions.

During all this time there was a stiff breeze blowing, and this it was
that gave the cutter the advantage. As already intimated to