land, while the _Coquille_ was getting further from it. Another tack
would, however, place her astern, and it would then be a question
whether she could overtake the _Ouzel Galley_ before the latter could
run up the harbour. Much would depend upon the way the wind blew when
she got inside; it might come down the harbour, and in that case the
Frenchman might overtake her before she could get up to Credda Head,
within which it was not likely even Thurot himself would venture. The
breeze held firm; the captain looked over the side.

"The good ship seems to know her danger, and is slipping along
famously," he observed to Owen. "We shall be up to Waterford Quay
before nightfall, I hope; we have still a good part of the flood, and
when Captain Thurot finds that there is no chance of taking us, he'll
give up the chase."

"He'll not do so till the last moment, captain," observed Lieutenant
Vinoy. "There is no man like him; and should the wind fail us when we
are inside the harbour, he will, or I am much mistaken, send in the
boats to cut your vessel out."

"We'll hope, then, that the wind will not fail us," answered the
captain--and he much doubted whether the Frenchman would venture on so
bold an act. "If your friends come, we'll give them a warm reception,
and we shall be under the necessity of shutting you up in your cabin
again."

"I shall be ready to submit to your orders," said the lieutenant,
shrugging his shoulders.

Poor Norah naturally felt very anxious, even though Owen endeavoured to
reassure her by pointing out the position of the French ship, which
could not tack with advantage till a considerable way astern. The
breeze was every moment freshening, and the tall lighthouse on the east
side of Waterford harbour became more and more distinct.

"No fear now," cried Gerald at length, as the very beach on it stood,
with the water rippling on it, could be clearly discerned, and the
harbour up to Duncannon Fort opened out to view. The _Ouzel Galley_ was
just abreast of Hook Tower when the French ship was seen to tack and
boldly to stand after her.

"That looks as if the lieutenant were right in his notion; and should we
get becalmed inside, or find the wind drawing down the harbour, Thurot
will send in his boats after us," observed Owen to the captain.

"I have no fear of being becalmed till we get inside of Credda Head, and
still less of the wind, as it is outside, drawing down the harbour,"
answered