“It has,” replied Captain Fleetwood. “I know what you would say—Get the boats ready for hoisting out. We’ll overhaul her in them, if it falls calm, as I trust it will. As yet, she goes faster ahead than we should pull. I will go with them, and you, Saltwell, must take charge of the ship.”
The first lieutenant signified his comprehension of his commander’s orders, and immediately set about carrying them into execution.
The prospect of a calm was seen by all on board, and the news that the chase was to be attacked with the boats, should such happen, gave the greatest satisfaction, every one being anxious to go in them. Notwithstanding the dangers and hardships of boat service, it is one Jack likes excessively, on account of its excitement and variety. The commander intended to lead in the first gig. Linton was to command the cutter, and Tompion, one of the mates, the second gig, which were the only boats to be employed.
The arrangements had scarcely been concluded, when a loud flap of the canvas against the masts gave indication of the cessation of the breeze. Still, however, the brig had considerable way through the water. Linton was looking through his glass at the vessel ahead.
“She still seems to have the breeze,” he observed to Saltwell. “I hope the fellow is not going to carry it off with him.”
“I suspect he’ll soon find it leave him,” replied Saltwell. “But I wish it would be quick about it, for otherwise it will be getting dark before we get alongside.”
“As long as we can make out the enemy, that will not much signify,” replied Linton. “There will be less chance of our being hit.”
“Yes; but remember, in boarding in the dark, you are fighting on the enemy’s ground,” observed Saltwell. “He knows his position and resources, and has you at a disadvantage. Give me daylight, and let me see my enemy’s face.”
“Ah! there seems a prospect of our having it, for the sails begin to flap heavily, and, by Jove, the chase is no better off,” exclaimed Linton. “See, he has got the wind already up and down his mast.”
“Huzza!” cried Jemmy Duff, who was midshipman of the cutter. “There’s farewell to the wind for Mr Grego.”