at up wind in a
south-westerly direction, than the crew of the slaver found themselves
within half a mile of the brig, which was steering towards them. All
was immediately hurry and confusion on board the slaver. Her course was
altered, and additional sails were ordered to be placed on her, which,
now that she was again put before the wind, she could carry. The
English brig, however, was determined to put a stop to this, if
possible: altering her course to suit that of the slaver, she also
prepared to carry additional sails, but at the same time showed her
intention of endeavouring to stop her quick-sailing enemy. The flash of
a cannon, followed by the whistle of a shot over the ship, which was
accompanied by the report, showed that she was in earnest. In rapid
succession shot after shot flew over the brig and between her masts, yet
none struck a mast, yard or spar. Already had the slaver begun to draw
ahead, when a shot from the brig struck the main-mast of the slaver, and
so nearly cut it in two that it could not bear the pressure of the sails
upon it, and the next instant it snapped like a reed, and a mass of
canvas and rope fell partly on the deck, and was partly supported by the
mainyard, and immediately checked the speed of the vessel.

The captain shouted his directions to the men to clear the deck, whilst
he swore at his luck; for he now saw that capture was almost certain.
He dared fight the boats of the brig, but he had no means of
successfully combating a vessel armed as she was. Finding that capture
was almost a certainty, he called to the mate next in command, rushed to
the side of the vessel, and lowered a boat which hung there; then
rushing to the cabin, he brought up a heavy bag, apparently containing
gold, and before any of his crew were aware of his intention he had left
the vessel with the mate alone, and thus hoped to escape to the coast,
which was not more than fifty miles distant.

The lucky shot which had struck the slaver's mast enabled the brig to
come alongside, and several shots having been fired into the rigging,
the slaver became unmanageable, and entirely lost her way, lying a wreck
on the water. The brig, having come close to her, hailed to know if she
had surrendered; but as no one except Hans seemed to understand what was
said, no answer was at first returned; so Hans shouted in reply, "The
captain has left the ship in a boat. Come on board, and free us."

Still fearing treach