The two ships ran on for some distance, the pirate gaining but slightly, if at all, on the chase. All the time a rapid fire was kept up from the two guns run through the stern-ports of the Research, the pirate almost as frequently discharging her bow-chasers. Her shot as she drew close began to tell with deadly effect. The second mate was the first to fall; two of the crew were soon afterwards desperately wounded, and another was killed; still the spars and rigging had hitherto escaped much damage. Matters were becoming very serious, when the shot from a gun trained by Captain O’Brien brought down the pirate’s fore-topsail yard; the studding-sail booms being carried away at the same time, the studding-sails were seen flapping wildly in the wind.
“I am thankful that my old eyes are still of some use,” he said, as he saw the effect he had produced. The British crew cheered right lustily.
The wind, which had been falling, breezed up a little, and the Research glided on out of reach of the pirate’s guns. Not a moment was lost in repairing the slight damages her rigging had received. It was seen, however, that the pirates were similarly employed.
“The yard was only shot away in the slings, without damaging the mast, I fear,” observed Captain O’Brien. “It will take the rascals some time, however, before they can sway it aloft, and ere then, if this breeze holds, we shall have run the pirate well out of sight.”
But the breeze did not hold. As the day advanced the wind fell, and the two vessels lay becalmed just within long range of each other’s guns. Both continued firing as before.
Poor Norah, as she sat all alone in the dark hold, was not forgotten. Sometimes Captain O’Brien and sometimes her father hurried below to say a few cheering words, assuring her that they hoped before long to get clear of the pirate.
The calm continued, allowing time to repair damages, and to commit the poor fellows who had been killed to the deep. A breeze was eagerly looked-for by all on board the Research. Should it come from the eastward, she would probably get it as soon as the pirate and retain her present advantage, but if from the northward, the enemy might creep up to her before she could move. Preparations were made for every emergency. The crew stood ready to brace the yards, from which the sails hung down against the masts, as might be required; the guns were loaded, and run out; pikes, cutlasses, muskets, and pistols were placed ready, in convenient positions to be grasped, should the pirate succeed in getting alongside.
The day wore on, and evening was approaching. The old captains were looking out astern.
“Do you see yonder dark line of water?” asked Captain O’Brien, grasping his friend’s arm. “The pirate, after all, will get the wind before we do.”
“It cannot be helped. We must do our best, and trust in Providence,” answered Captain Tracy. “Our men will prove staunch, and though the villains outnumber them, and their metal is heavier than ours, we may still beat them off.”