for
success and audacity go hand in hand, and long familiarity with the first
had, even at that early day, given a confidence that often approached
temerity to the seamen of Great Britain and her dependencies. The mandate
to prepare for battle was received by the feeble crew of the Coquette, as
it had often been received before, when her decks were filled with the
number necessary to give full efficiency to her armament; though a few of
the older and more experienced of the mariners, men in whom confidence had
been diminished by time, were seen to shake their heads, as if they
doubted the prudence of the intended contest.

Whatever might have been the secret hesitation of Ludlow when the
character and force of his enemy were clearly established, he betrayed no
signs of irresolution from the moment when his decision appeared to be
taken. The necessary orders were issued calmly, and with the clearness and
readiness that perhaps constitute the greatest merit of a naval captain.
The yards were slung in chains; the booms were sent down; the lofty sails
were furled, and, in short, all the preparations that were then customary
were made with the usual promptitude and skill. Then the drum beat to
quarters, and when the people were at their stations, their young
commander had a better opportunity of examining into the true efficiency
of his ship. Calling to the master, he ascended the poop, in order that
they might confer together with less risk of being overheard, and at the
same time better observe the manoeuvres of the enemy.

The stranger had, as Trysail perceived, suddenly worn round on his heel,
and laid his head to the northward. The change in the course brought him
before the wind, and, as he immediately spread all the canvas that would
draw, he was approaching fast. During the time occupied in preparation on
board the Coquette, his hull had risen as it were from out of the water;
and Ludlow and his companion had not studied his appearance long, from the
poop, before the streak of white paint, dotted with ports which marks a
vessel of war, became visible to the naked eye. As the cruiser of Queen
Anne continued also to steer in the direction of the chase, half an hour
more brought them sufficiently near to each other, to remove all doubts of
their respective characters and force. The stranger then came to the wind,
and made his preparations for combat.

"The fellow shows a stout heart, and a warm battery," observed the m