to lower the boats, the
sails were once more filled and a fresh breeze from the eastward sprang
up, the schooner felt it at the same moment, when, keeping before the
wind she rigged out her studding-sails, and lightened as she was, she
skimmed like a bird over the blue ocean.

Murray ordered studding-sails and royals to be set, and kept the _Tudor_
away towards the chase, which, however, it was soon evident gained on
her. Both vessels were now rising the land.

"Sail on the port bow," cried the lookout from aloft.

"That must be Rogers," exclaimed Murray; and before long the
_Supplejack_ was made out standing to the northward, so as it was hoped
to cut off the chase. No sooner did the schooner discover her, than
taking in her studding-sails she hauled to the wind. The corvette did
the same, and had now to depend on her own speed more than on the
assistance she could obtain from the _Supplejack_.

The chase now became more exciting than ever, the breeze freshened, and
both vessels tore along through the water; their bows, as they clove
their way through it, throwing up masses of sparkling foam, while they
left a long white line in their wake.

The wind after some time again shifting to the southward, both the
schooner and her pursuer once more set studding-sails, the former
somewhat edging in towards the land, behind which the bright sun was
rapidly sinking.

"I would give a half-year's pay if we could but catch her," exclaimed
Snatchblock to some of his messmates. "If night comes on before we are
up to her, she may give us the go-by after all."

The wind, which had been variable all day, still continued so, and now
once more came from the eastward. The chase immediately took advantage
of it to alter her course. The corvette had now gained greatly on her.

"I think our bow-chasers will reach her," said Murray. "Try them,
Adair; we will see if we can knock away some of her spars."

The excitement on board increased, and every one now felt as if the
chase was already within their grasp. The gun was run out. Murray gave
the word, "Fire!" Scarcely had its loud report rung through the air,
than his voice again was heard--

"All hands, shorten sail! In studding-sails and royals. Let fly tacks
and sheets."

The corvette had been taken aback, but every man was at his station, and
the sails came in without the loss of a royal or studding-sail-boom. As
soon as the sails were handed, and the ship wearing r