sight. The captain went aloft, and so did
several of the officers, to examine the strangers with their glasses.
On their return on deck, they pronounced them to be English, but the
greater number of the ships were well on the frigate's quarter.

"As soon as we are seen they will give chase, but we must do our utmost
to get under the batteries of Aix before they reach us. We have a good
excuse for running away."

More sail was set on the frigate. It was a question, however, whether
she could reach the shelter which was sought for, in time. Several of
the English ships were seen making sail in chase.

Edda Armytage looked out eagerly towards them. She at all events had no
wish to remain a prisoner. Some wild hopes, too, rose in her heart as
she understood that the pursuing ships were frigates.

"They will not overtake us, young lady," said the captain, who observed
the nature of her thoughts. "I would rather, too, that you did not
indulge in the wish, for I cannot bear to see you disappointed."

"Thank you for your kindness, but it is but natural that I should wish
to be free," she answered, endeavouring to smile.

She fancied, by the countenances of some of the other officers, that
they had not the same confidence as the captain. She observed the point
for which the French frigate was steering, and it appeared to her that
the English ships were just as near. This gave her hopes. Still she
was afraid that the French would fight, and that there would be a
desperate struggle before they allowed their ship to be captured. She
was not aware that the French frigate was to windward of Rochelle, and
that the English were some way to leeward, which gave the advantage to
the former. The ships were, however, rapidly approaching each other.
She saw, indeed, that even the captain thought that there might possibly
be a fight, for the guns were being cast loose, and powder and shot were
brought up on deck.

So much engaged had everybody been in observing the movements of the
English fleet on the larboard beam, that no one had been watching the
proceedings of the little felucca which had been on the other side. A
loud oath from the lips of Don Tacon gave them notice that something was
wrong, and looking out over the starboard bulwarks she was seen close
hauled under all sail, standing away to the southward. The old man
walked up and down the deck, throwing furious glances at her, while he
stamped and swore, and tor