All the sail the frigate could carry was set, and as the breeze had increased, she ran rapidly through the water.
Chapter Eighteen.
The frigate in action—Bill shows that he can be of use.
The stranger, which had apparently been beating down Channel, now put up her helm, and setting studden sails stood to the eastward before the wind. She failed also to answer the private signal; no doubt, therefore, remained that she was French, and wished to avoid an action, though, as she appeared to be as large as the English frigate, if not larger, this was somewhat surprising.
“Perhaps she has some consorts to the eastward, and wishes to lead us into their midst during the night,” observed Mr Saltwell.
“She will find that she’s mistaken. We will keep too bright a look-out to be so caught,” said the captain.
The first lieutenant, as he was walking forward, caught sight of Bill and Jack.
“Why, lads, where do you come from?” he asked.