brig making all sail on the starboard tack, and
we following her--she bearing about two miles on out weather-bow. The
breeze was not steady; at one time the brig was staggering under her
top-gallant sails, while we had our royals set; at another, we would
have hands by the top-gallant sheets and topsail halyards, while she
expanded every stitch of canvas. On the whole, however, in an hour we
had neared about half a mile. Our men were all at their quarters, happy
to be so soon at their old work. Their jackets and hats were thrown
off, a bandana handkerchief tied round their heads, and another, or else
their black silk handkerchiefs, tied round their waists. Every gun was
ready, everything was in its place, and every soul, I was going to say,
was anxious for the set-to; but I rather think I must not include the
captain, who from the commencement showed no signs of pleasure, and
anything but presence of mind. When we first chased the vessel, it was
reported that it was a merchantman; and it was not until we had broad
daylight that we discovered her to be a man-of-war. There was one thing
to be said in his favour--he had never been in action in his life.

The breeze now fell light, and we were both with our sails set, when a
thick fog obscured her from our sight. The fog rolled on till we met
it, and then we could not see ten yards from the brig. This was a
source of great mortification, as we had every chance of losing her.
Fortunately, the wind was settling down fast into a calm, and about
twelve o'clock the sails flapped against the mast. I reported twelve
o'clock, and asked the captain whether we should pipe to dinner.

"Not yet," replied he, "we will put her head about."

"Go about, sir?" replied I with surprise.

"Yes," said he; "I'm convinced that the chase is on the other tack at
this moment; and if we do not, we shall lose her."

"If she goes about, sir," said I, "she must get among the sands, and we
shall be sure of her."

"Sir," replied he, "when I ask your advice, you will be pleased to give
it. I command this vessel."

I touched my hat, and turned the hands up about ship, convinced that the
captain wished to avoid the action, as the only chance of escape for the
brig was her keeping her wind in the tack she was on.

"'Bout ship--'bout ship!" cried the men. "What the hell are we going
about for?" inquired they of one another, as they came up the ladder.

"Silence there, fore and aft!" cried