y were obliged
to exert their senses to the utmost, in order to get occasional glimpses
of the position of the chase; while they now steered in confidence for the
brilliant little spot, that was gently rising and falling with the waves.

"I think we near him," half-whispered the eager captain; "for, see, there
is some design visible on the sides of the lantern. Hold!--Ah! 'tis the
face of a woman, as I live!"

"The men of the yawl report that the rover shows this symbol in many parts
of his vessel, and we know he had the impudence to set it yesterday in our
presence, even on his ensign."

"True--true; take you the glass, Mr. Luff, and tell me if there be not a
woman's face sketched in front of that light--we certainly near him
fast--let there be silence, fore and aft the ship. The rogues mistake our
bearings!"

"A saucy-looking jade, as one might wish to see!" returned the lieutenant.
"Her impudent laugh is visible to the naked eye."

"See all clear for laying him aboard! Get a party to throw on his decks,
Sir! I will lead them myself."

These orders were given in an under tone, and rapidly. They were promptly
obeyed. In the mean time, the Coquette continued to glide gently ahead,
her sails thickening with the dew, and every breath of the heavy air
acting with increased power on their surfaces. The boarders were
stationed, orders were given for the most profound silence, and as the
ship drew nearer to the light, even the officers were commanded not to
stir. Ludlow stationed himself in the mizen channels, to cun the ship; and
his directions were repeated to the quarter-master, in a loud whisper.

"The night is so dark, we are certainly unseen!" observed the young man to
his second in command; who stood at his elbow. "They have unaccountably
mistaken our position. Observe how the face of the painting becomes more
distinct--one can see even the curls of the hair.--Luff, Sir! luff--we
will run him aboard! on his weather-quarter."

"The fool must be lying-to!" returned the lieutenant. "Even your witches
fail of common sense; at times! Do you see which way he has his head,
Sir?"

"I see nothing but the light. It is so dark that our own sails are
scarcely visible--and yet I think here are his yards, a little forward of
our lee beam."

"'Tis our own lower boom. I got it out, in readiness for the other tack,
in case the knave should ware. Are we not running too full?"

"Luff you may, a little,--luff, or we shall cru