Soon after it was reported that negroes in great numbers were observed upon her deck.
Meanwhile, the chase was kept upon the same bearing, and, as the two vessels neared each other, for we gained on the chase, they approached closer and closer to the land.
We were now off the harbour of Inhambane; and it was evidently the intention of the stranger either to beach herself, or to run into Inhambane harbour, under the protection of the fort, when we could not board her without the sanction of the Portuguese authorities.
The vessel was urged to the utmost, under the power of steam; but still it was evident that the stranger sailed well, and, under her crowd of canvas, it was feared that she might attain one of the two objects which she had evidently in view.
During the whole of the chase, the “Hermes” displayed the British ensign and pennant, but the stranger showed no colours.
At last, moments became hours, and the stranger stood boldly on to destruction on the reefs, or safety under the Portuguese flag at Inhambane.
“Clear away the ‘long gun,’ and load with blank!”
In a minute was heard the report, “The gun is ready, sir!”
“Very good—Fire!”
Bang went the fifty-six pounder, and when the smoke cleared away, the stranger was seen holding on the same course.