BY CHARLES J. PETERSON, AUTHOR OF “CRUISING IN THE LAST WAR.”
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“Sail O!” cried the look-out from the mast-head.
“Whereaway?” asked the officer of the deck.
“On the lee-beam.”
We had been dodging about the horse-latitudes for several weeks, most of the time becalmed; and, of course, without meeting a single vessel. At this announcement, therefore, a general excitement pervaded the decks; the watch above placed themselves eagerly on the look-out, while the watch below crowded up the gangway to catch a glance of the stranger if possible.
In due time the character of the chase became evident. She was a heavy, fore-topsail schooner, and apparently a man-of-war. Instead of flying us, as was the case with most vessels, she stood boldly on her course, and in consequence was soon within range. Meantime, through our glasses, we could see that her decks were filled with men, who appeared to be eagerly scrutinizing us.
“Show him our flag,” at last said our captain.
The roll of bunting ascended to the gaff, and blowing out, disclosed our country’s ensign, the white stars sprinkling the field of azure, and the crimson stripes gleaming out against their white background.
No answer came from the schooner, however. She had apparently mistaken us for a friend, but now being assured of the contrary, and aware also by this time of our greatly superior force, she tacked hurriedly, and went off almost dead before the wind.