The entries in the log of the Peterel at this date tell their own story:
“May 10.—On the passage from Minorca to Palermo.
“12 noon.—Off shore four or five miles.
“2 o’clock.—Answered the private signal made by a ship in the S.S.E.
“4 o’clock.—Showed our pendants to a ship in the S.S.E.
“5 o’clock.—Joined H.M.S. Hyena; lowered the jolly-boat, and went on board.
“10 past 5.—Up boat and made all sail; the Hyena parted company, standing to the N.W.
“May 12. A quarter past 9.—Saw a sail on the lee bow, made the private signal to her, which was answered. Made the signal for having gained intelligence, and repeated it with four guns, but it was not answered.
“15 minutes past 11.—Hove to; lowered the jolly-boat and went on board the stranger, which proved to be H.M.S. Pallas, with a convoy for the westward.
“20 minutes past 11.—Up boat, filled, and made all sail as before. Observed the Pallas bear up and follow us with her convoy.