"Ay, ay, sir—but the vessel yonder?"
It was evident the man was in favor of stopping to fight, and the Caroline was in good fettle as regards guns, for she had transferred those from the Monarch.
But Tempest never forgot that he was sailing under Captain Vernon, and whatever his own inclination, he would take no action without consultation with his chief.
"Haul your fore-sheet to windward!" he shouted to the men in the forecastle. "Right your helm, quartermaster. We must show our heels to the enemy for once."
On went the Caroline, as fast as the wind would carry her.
All was bustle on her deck, for all knew that unless they could outdistance the ship which was looming up in the fast darkening twilight, larger than ever, there would be no escaping a fight.
"That is the Macedonian, sir," said Scarron, touching his cap as he spoke.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, sir, and we stand no chance if she gets within gunshot. The Caroline and Lively Bee will change flags, and one and all our men will get sent to Dartmoor prison."
"Then we must fly."