a train of profound thought.

It was, in truth, time to lend every faculty to the movements of the
brigantine; for there was great reason to apprehend, that by changing her
direction in the darkness, she might elude them. The night was fast
closing on the Coquette, and at each moment the horizon narrowed around
her, so that it was only at uncertain intervals the men aloft could
distinguish the position of the chase. While the two vessels were thus
situated, Ludlow joined his guests on the quarter-deck.

"A wise man will trust to his wits, what cannot be done by force;" said
the Alderman. "I do not pretend to be much of a mariner, Captain Ludlow,
though I once spent a week in London, and I have crossed the ocean seven
times to Rotterdam. We did little in our passages, by striving to force
nature. When the nights came in dark, as at present, the honest schippers
were content to wait for better times; by which means we were sure not to
miss our road, and of finally arriving at the destined port in safety."

"You saw that the brigantine was opening his canvas, when last seen; and
he that would move fast, must have recourse to his sails."

"One never knows what may be brewing, up there in the heavens, when the
eye cannot see the color of a cloud. I have little knowledge of the
character of the 'Skimmer of the Seas,' beyond that which common fame
gives him; but, in the poor judgment of a landsman, we should do better by
showing lanterns in different parts of the ship, lest some homeward-bound
vessel do us an injury, and waiting until the morning, for further
movements."

"We are spared the trouble, for look, the insolent has set a light
himself, as if to invite us to follow. This temerity exceeds belief! To
dare to trifle thus with one of the swiftest cruisers in the English
fleet! See that every thing draws, gentlemen, and take a pull at all the
sheets. Hail the tops, Sir, and make sure that every thing is home."

The order was succeeded by the voice of the officer of the watch, who
inquired, as directed, if each sail was distended to the utmost. Force was
applied to some of the ropes, and then a general quiet succeeded to the
momentary activity.

The brigantine had indeed showed a light, as if in mockery of the attempt
of the royal cruiser. Though secretly stung by this open contempt of their
speed, the officers of the Coquette found themselves relieved from a
painful and anxious duty. Before this beacon was seen, the