The stranger soon drew near, and Captain Benbow having explained his wants, which were indeed very evident, the Dutch Captain at once offered not only to furnish him with spars, but, it being almost calm, to send some of his crew on board to assist in getting them set up. The offer was too good to be refused. The stranger was the Elephant, Captain Coopman, who, knowing Captain Benbow by reputation, said that he was delighted to be of service to him. While the two ships lay close alongside each other, their crews busily engaged with the work in hand, another ship was approaching, which was not discovered till she was a couple of miles or so off. Captain Coopman, on observing her, expressed his astonishment and annoyance.
“She is French,” he exclaimed. “By not keeping a proper look-out, I have allowed myself to be caught.”
“But I cannot permit you to be caught by the Frenchman,” said Captain Benbow.
“Thanks, friend,” answered the Dutch Captain. “I would willingly not expose you to an attack from the Frenchman, but I cannot help myself. See, the wind has fallen completely; it has become a dead calm.”
While he was speaking, a boat was seen to put off from the stranger, and as she approached, it was observed that she was full of armed men. Captain Benbow, on this, ordered the guns to be loaded and run out, and directed his men, while the Dutch Captain, going on board his ship, followed his example. In a short time the stranger was alongside. Captain Benbow stood at the gangway.
“You are welcome to come on board if you visit us as a friend,” he said, “but I cannot allow you to step on my deck if you approach as an enemy.”
“Whither are you bound, and to what nation do you belong?” asked the stranger.
“I am English,” answered Benbow, “and am bound from Cadiz to the Thames. You, I see by the colours you carry, are French.”
“What is the other vessel alongside you?” asked the French Captain.
“She is Dutch, and has delayed her voyage to render me assistance in getting fresh masts set up, as you will observe, mine having been carried away in the gale.”