pursuers, much more must the
style in which sail was again made. Off she flew on a bowline on the
other tack, while the three line-of-battle ships were hurrying headlong
miles away to leeward.

A loud, hearty cheer burst from the throats of the British seamen as
they saw the success of their captain's skilful manoeuvre.

"What do you say now, Mr Hardman?" he said, laughing. "There's many a
slip between the cup and the lip."

"Yes, my lord; the Spaniards must confess to the truth of the saying
just now," he answered. "But we are not altogether clear of them yet."

"No, by Jove! the fellows are after us!" exclaimed the captain, pointing
to leeward, where the three ships were seen under shortened sail, slowly
coming up on a wind. "We must trust to our heels and the shades of
night. That trick won't answer twice."

Though not over-well managed, the Spanish ships sailed well, and were
once more in hot pursuit of the "Pallas." The wind had decreased a
little, which was somewhat in her favour, but still, with the pressure
of sail upon her, she heeled over as much as before. In smooth water
she might have had the advantage, but, with the heavy sea then running,
the Spaniards were evidently coming up with her. They were seen also to
be steering different courses for the purpose of cutting her off. Lord
Claymore, however retained his usual composure.

"Night will be down upon us soon, and then we will give the Dons the
slip," he observed calmly, and gave the order to have a lantern fixed on
a ballasted cask prepared.

This was for some time carried over the stern and then lowered into the
water. When this was done, the ship's course was altered, and she stood
to the north-east leaving the enemy to follow the false light. After a
little time one watch was sent below, and except that the sharpest eyes
in the ship were kept on the look-out, everything returned to its usual
routine, and many a weary form lay stretched in the hammocks.

Dawn came at last. As the first bright streaks appeared in the sky,
look-outs were aloft, and as the darkness rolled away towards the far
west, they shouted, "No sail in sight!"

The captain breathed more freely--so did Morton. He had begun to fear
that his prospects so lately brightening were again to be blighted. By
keeping a constant look-out the "Pallas" once more made the Eddystone
Lighthouse.

"Now, my lads, we'll show our friends on the shore that we have redeemed
our p