"All ready, Hawkes," he called, "bring us up to within a hundred and fifty fathoms of her!"
The mate spun the wheel to starboard, and the schooner, answering, drew nearer to the enemy.
"Close enough—port your helm," cried Job.
But even as the Tiger swung into position for a broadside, there came the roar of the pirate's guns, and a shot crashed through the forestays, while others, falling short, threw spray along the deck.
"All right below," shouted Captain Job, steady as a church. "Ready a starboard broadside!" And at his sharp "Fire!" the five cannon spoke in quick succession. The deck rocked beneath Jeremy's feet, where he stood by the companion, ready to carry Job's orders below.
As the dense smoke was swept away forward on the wind, they could see the Revenge, her rigging still further damaged by the volley, going about on the starboard tack, and making straight for the shore.
"Put your helm hard down and bring her to the wind!" roared Job, at the same time jumping toward the mainsheet.
The schooner swung to starboard, heeling sharply as she caught the wind abeam, and was in hot pursuit of her enemy before a full minute had passed.