breeze, which had now
overtaken us, increased, and, filling our sails, made the yards and
masts crack and crack again. The countenances of the officers, as they
saw the speed at which we were going, brightened considerably, and I saw
them smiling as they gazed astern at our pursuer. Presently a puff of
smoke issued from the bows of the brig, and the sound of a gun was heard
across the ocean. Another and another followed. The Portuguese only
laughed, and made mocking gestures towards the brig. I was glad that
Kate and her brothers were below, for they naturally would have been
anxious at seeing what was going forward. The _Andorinha_ was
undoubtedly a fast craft, and there seemed little probability, if the
breeze continued, of the brig overhauling us. That she was a British
man-of-war, I had no longer any doubt. What then could be the schooner?
It was now late in the day, and I saw that there was every probability
of her escaping. Still, unless she was a slaver, I could not account
for the anxiety of her crew to avoid communication with the British
man-of-war. The Portuguese crew made every effort to keep ahead, by
throwing water on the sails as soon as they dried. Sails were also
rigged close down to the water on either side, and several of the crew
went below with shot, which they slung in hammocks in the hold, under
the idea, I believe, that their weight, as the vessel pitched into the
seas, would urge her forward. Two of the officers were at the helm
steering her, every now and then exchanging remarks as to the best
course to be pursued. The brig, I saw, was also doing her utmost to
come up with us, and had also rigged out studdingsails on either side,
with lighter sails above the royals, often called sky-scrapers, as well
as sails hanging from the lower studding-sail booms. The Portuguese
colours were flying at the peak of the schooner, but I observed that the
pennants had been hauled down. Again the brig fired, but without any
other effect than making the captain utter a low scornful laugh, and
drawing from the crew gestures of contempt. When I first saw the brig I
had hopes that we should be able to get aboard her; for, polite as
Senhor Silva and the Portuguese captain were, I could not help wishing,
for my fair cousins' sakes at all events, that we were in better
company.

Night was drawing on. It threatened to be dark, for there was no moon,
and I saw the mist rising which so often hangs over th