The direction was given. It was the sail seen between the Caroline and the shore.
"What does she look like?"
"A square-rigged vessel, sir."
After a few minutes Tempest again shouted:
"Masthead, there!"
"Sir?"
"What flag does she fly?"
There was a silence deep and profound as the answer was awaited.
"She shows no colors, sir! She is a large ship and bearing down upon us. The Britisher is gaining on us as well."
For a moment only did the brave young officer hesitate.