and Vincent may not capture her quite
so easily as he expects. I looked in vain for the other vessel; I could
not see her; I therefore concluded that she must be somewhere under the
land, and hidden by it from my sight.

The signals were repeated till dusk when I went down the hill, and found
that all was bustle and activity, Vincent superintending himself the
preparations for sailing. I did not interrupt him to tell him that I
had perceived the schooner making signals. I had an idea, somehow or
another, that I should regain my liberty, and was as anxious as Vincent
that the Stella should be under weigh.

Before ten o'clock everything was ready. Vincent had told his men that
the English man-of-war schooner was outside, and that he intended to
fight her; the men appeared delighted at the proposal, and as resolute
and determined as men should be.

As soon as the Stella was clear of the bay, everything was got ready for
action, and I must say that nothing could be more rapid or more quiet
than their movements. We stood out until we had gained an offing of
five miles, and then made a reach along the shore towards the Havannah.

As soon as the Stella had laid her head towards the Havannah, Vincent
came down below. I had latterly slept on one of the cabin sofas, but
had this night remained with my clothes on, for I was not sure that we
might not be in action before the morning.

The Arrow had gained the knowledge that our Rendezvous Bay was somewhere
about the east end of the island, and had cruised accordingly, but could
not discover it.

Vincent threw himself on the other sofa, and I pretended to asleep; as I
did not wish to enter into conversation with him was too much occupied
with my own thoughts, and felt that there would be nothing in common
between us at such a moment. He was very soon asleep, and he talked in
his sleep. He was evidently in action, and gave his orders, every now
and then speaking a few words aloud, and then it appeared as if he had
taken the English schooner, and that he was fulfilling his vows of
retaliation. I shuddered as I heard the half-broken menaces--the
exulting laugh which occasionally burst from his lips. I arose and
watched him as he slept; his hands were continually in motion, and his
fists clenched, and he smiled. Merciful Heaven! what a tale of savage
cruelty that smile foretold if he were successful! I knelt down and
prayed that he might be foiled in his endeavours.