“Are we gaining on the chase?” asked the commander, when the second lieutenant, who had just before gone forward, returned.
“I think so, sir; but unless the breeze freshens, it will be a long time before we can get her within range of our guns.”
Everything that could be thought of was done to make the corvette move through the water. The sails were wetted, the hammocks were piped down, and the watch were ordered to turn in, with a couple of round shot with each, under the idea that as the hammocks swung forward with the surge of the ship, her speed would be increased.
The privateers were at that time committing so much havoc among the English merchantmen, that it was of the greatest importance to stop their career.
As the night drew on, the crescent moon, which had before been affording some light, sank beneath the horizon, and the darkness increased, a mist gradually filling the atmosphere, and obscuring all objects around. The chase was thus shut out from view. Still the Lily continued standing in the direction she had last been seen.
Rayner was on the forecastle near Ben Twinch, both endeavouring to pierce the veil which surrounded the supposed privateer.
“We may at any moment run through this mist, and we shall then, I hope, see the chase again,” observed Ben. “It won’t do for a moment to shut our eyes, for maybe we shall find her much closer than before.”
“I fancy that I can even now see her, but my imagination may deceive me,” said Rayner. “Can that be her out there?”
“I can’t see anything,” said the boatswain, putting his hands on either side of his eyes.
“What is that on the lee bow?” suddenly exclaimed Rayner.