It was galling to the Englishman, and our young Yankee intended it should be.
The sails were spread to the breeze; the jib which extended along the bowsprit was hoisted, and the good ship Caroline, bending low before the wind, moved along with increasing velocity.
The sloop gained upon them.
"Set the gaff-topsails, and hoist away the spencer!" shouted Tempest, and the men answered with a ready obedience.
The spencer, with three small, triangular sails stretched from the topmast, were now spread to the wind, giving additional speed to the vessel.
Straining through every joint, the Caroline parted the green waves before her, flinging the foam in feathery showers around her bows.
The sloop was gaining even then, and Tempest saw that they were in for a fight, unless darkness came on suddenly.
He heard his name called, and knew that Bertha was awake.
He hastened down the companionway.
"What was that report, John?" she asked.