went away down wind_."

Already in receipt of such intelligence, it is no wonder that the
frigate's crew feel something more than mere curiosity about a vessel
corresponding to the one of which these queer accounts have been given.
For they are now near enough the barque to see that she answers the
description: "Polacca-masted--all sail set--ensign reversed--Chilian."

And her behaviour is as reported: sailing away from those who would
respond to her appealing signal, to all appearance endeavouring to shun
them!

Only now has the chase in reality commenced. Hitherto the frigate was
but keeping her own course. But the signal of distress, just sighted
through the telescope, has drawn her on; and with canvas crowded, she
steers straight for the polacca.

The latter is unquestionably a fast sailer; but although too swift for
the brig and whaler, she is no match for the man-of-war. Still she
makes quick way, and the chase is likely to be a long one.

As it continues, and the distance does not appear very much, or very
rapidly, diminishing, the frigate's people begin to doubt whether she
will ever be overtaken. On the fore-deck the tars stand in groups,
mingled with marines, their eyes bent upon the retreating craft, making
their comments in muttered tones, many of the men with brows o'ercast.
For a fancy has sprung up around the forecastle, that the chased barque
is no barque at all, but a _phantom_! This is gradually growing into a
belief; firmer as they draw nearer, and with naked eye note her
correspondence with the reports of the spoken vessels.

They have not yet seen the skin-clad men--if men they be. More like,
imagine some, they will prove _spectres_!

While on the quarterdeck there is no such superstitious thought, a
feeling almost as intense agitates the minds of those there assembled.
The captain, surrounded by his officers, stands glass in hand gazing at
the sail ahead. The frigate, though a fine sailer, is not one of the
very fastest, else she might long ago have lapped upon the polacca.
Still has she been gradually gaining, and is now less than a league
astern.

But the breeze has been also declining, which is against her; and for
the last half-hour she has barely preserved her distance from the
barque.

To compensate for this, she runs out studding-sails on all her yards,
even to the royals; and again makes an effort to bring the chase to a
termination. But again to suffer disappointment.