For some time the stranger did not appear to alter her position. When, however, at length the Indiaman, under all sail, began to put forth her speed, giving evidence that she might be many leagues to the southward by nightfall, the ship in the distance let fall her courses, and her head coming round, she was seen to be steering a course which would intersect that of the “Osterley.”
“It will come to a fight, sir, I suspect,” observed the captain to Colonel Armytage.
“So much the better, for I suppose that there is but little doubt that we shall beat off the enemy,” answered the colonel. “We have plenty of men, and some serviceable guns, and I trust your fellows will do their duty like men.”
“I trust so, too, sir; but probably that ship out there has more men and longer guns than we have,” said the captain, gravely. “We should not conceal from ourselves that the contest will be a severe one, at all events, and the termination doubtful. I would not say this to the crew, or to the passengers generally, but in the event of disaster, how are we to protect the helpless beings committed to our charge—the ladies and children? Some of these Frenchmen, I have heard, are fiends incarnate in the moment of victory, and if we offer a stout resistance, and are conquered at last, what is to be done?”
“I should feel inclined to blow up the ship rather than run any risk of the ladies suffering violence,” exclaimed the colonel, pacing the deck in an agitated manner.
“That were scarcely right in the sight of God, or wise in that of men,” said the captain, calmly: “I had to propose that at a signal which the chief officer who survives shall give they all assemble in the main cabin, and that then we rally round them, and refuse to yield till the enemy agree to terms.”
“Your plan is good, but you look at the dark side of things,” remarked Colonel Armytage.
“I look at both sides, sir,” was the answer. “The ‘Osterley’ is a fast ship, and we may run away from our pursuer; if we are overtaken, we may beat her off, or after all she may prove to be no enemy at all. You see, sir, I turn the state of the case right round; I like to settle beforehand how, under all circumstances, I shall act.”
“I see, Captain Winslow, you are a man of forethought—a useful quality in your profession,” said Colonel Armytage, though he did not make the remark with the best possible grace. In truth, he was inclined to look down on the sea captain as a person of a very inferior grade to himself, though compelled under peculiar circumstances to associate with him. With one of his formal bows he said that he must go below to make the ladies understand the arrangements contemplated for them.
Edda heard of the expected combat with perfect calmness.