But the smuggler had more wind than the revenue cutter, and increased her distance.
'If we were to wear round, my lord,' observed Mr. Stewart, 'she is just abreast of us and inshore, we could prevent her escape.'
'Round with her, Mr. Stewart,' said Lord B.; 'we must do our duty and protect the laws.'
'That will not be fair, papa,' said Cecilia Ossulton; 'we have no quarrel with the smugglers: I'm sure the ladies have not, for they bring us beautiful things.'
'Miss Ossulton,' observed her aunt, 'it is not proper for you to offer an opinion.'
The yacht wore round, and, sailing so fast, the smuggler had little chance of escaping her; but to chase is one thing—to capture another.
'Let us give her a gun,' said Lord B., 'that will frighten her; and he dare not cross our hawse.'
The gun was loaded, and not being more than a mile from the smuggler, actually threw the ball almost a quarter of the way.
The gun was loaded, and not being more than a mile from the smuggler, actually threw the ball almost a quarter of the way.