An intensely exciting struggle for supremacy ensued. Up to that time the 'Merrie England' had been considered the fastest vessel in the company's service, and although Captain Thorne had long desired to try conclusions with her, he had never been successful.
Now, however, his opportunity had come, and he was determined to test the sailing qualities of both ships in fair seaman-like manner.
The challenged captain, fully aware of his opponent's intentions, did everything possible to avoid defeat, and hoisting his colours in token of acceptance, he immediately endeavoured to secure the weather berth.
But Captain Thorne held it, while seizing the main tack, and to the strains of
'Haul the bowline, the packet ship's a-rolling;
Haul the bowline, the bowline ... Haul!'
Many young emigrants dragged the great clew of the mainsail nearly down to the chestrees, and the boatswain cried 'Belay all!' the fore and the main bowlines were also rove and hauled out, the jibs were set up, and the 'Silver Crown' stood up splendidly in the fresh breeze.
Of course, all the passengers were by that time on deck, cheers were given and returned, and the beautiful clipper still drew closer to her equally fast-looking rival.
She was now almost on her best sailing point, and could always be trusted to pass anything less able to hold its wind. With colours flying from masthead and gaff-end, and jets of glittering spray sometimes leaping high over the forecastle-head, she drew up on the weather quarter of her rival. For a few anxious moments she seemed to hang stationary in that position, till an increasing wind laid her still deeper on the port-bilge. Then gathering fresh impetus for the final struggle she forged ahead, took the wind completely out of her opponent's canvas, and sweeping forward passed her in magnificent style.
A tremendous outburst of cheering greeted the performance. When well clear Captain Thorne sheered to leeward, and allowed his competitor to pass ahead, but directly she was clear he again 'luffed' into the wind, and completed a circle round his fairly beaten rival.
'Throw us a line and we'll give you a tow!'