“Are you certain?” doubtingly inquired Justin.
“Humph! these infernal pirates sometimes show false colors. This is what has happened, Mr. Rosenthal. When I came up on deck I found her within good range of our lee-bow chaser. I ran up the Stars and Stripes and sent a blank cartridge into her by way of a visiting card. She returned the compliment by firing a salute from her stern-chaser; but did not show her colors, and did not cease to run.”
“And then?”
“I sent a more urgent message to her in the form of a round shot from our lee-bow chaser. She returned the fire in kind and hoisted the English Union Jack.”
“But didn’t heave to?”
“No, nor cease to run away from us. Whatever she does, she does not cease to run.”
“But an English ship, or an honest ship, scarcely would do that.”
“Scarcely. And that is what makes the affair doubtful and awkward. If she is an English ship we have no business to pursue her; but if she is a rebel privateer sailing under English colors we must take her.”
While the captain spoke, Mr. Rosenthal had been attentively regarding the chase. Now he said:
“The longer I look at that ship, the more familiar she seems to me. Will you lend me your telescope, captain?”