s remained below longer than was
necessary to take their meals, and every glass was in requisition to
watch the chase.

Towards the evening, the wind, although keeping steady in the same
quarter, gave indications of falling light, and there seemed every
probability of what most on board had prognosticated would not take
place--a calm.

"The wind has dropped very much, sir," said Mr Saltwell to the captain.

"It has," replied Captain Fleetwood. "I know what you would say--Get
the boats ready for hoisting out. We'll overhaul her in them, if it
falls calm, as I trust it will. As yet, she goes faster ahead than we
should pull. I will go with them, and you, Saltwell, must take charge
of the ship."

The first lieutenant signified his comprehension of his commander's
orders, and immediately set about carrying them into execution.

The prospect of a calm was seen by all on board, and the news that the
chase was to be attacked with the boats, should such happen, gave the
greatest satisfaction, every one being anxious to go in them.
Notwithstanding the dangers and hardships of boat service, it is one
Jack likes excessively, on account of its excitement and variety. The
commander intended to lead in the first gig. Linton was to command the
cutter, and Tompion, one of the mates, the second gig, which were the
only boats to be employed.

The arrangements had scarcely been concluded, when a loud flap of the
canvas against the masts gave indication of the cessation of the breeze.
Still, however, the brig had considerable way through the water.
Linton was looking through his glass at the vessel ahead.

"She still seems to have the breeze," he observed to Saltwell. "I hope
the fellow is not going to carry it off with him."

"I suspect he'll soon find it leave him," replied Saltwell. "But I wish
it would be quick about it, for otherwise it will be getting dark before
we get alongside."

"As long as we can make out the enemy, that will not much signify,"
replied Linton. "There will be less chance of our being hit."

"Yes; but remember, in boarding in the dark, you are fighting on the
enemy's ground," observed Saltwell. "He knows his position and
resources, and has you at a disadvantage. Give me daylight, and let me
see my enemy's face."

"Ah! there seems a prospect of our having it, for the sails begin to
flap heavily, and, by Jove, the chase is no better off," exclaimed
Linton. "See, he has got the wind already