e
same the Madras had passed six days before. As the passengers came up,
they were full of curiosity as to the vessels.

"Of course, we know no more actually than you do yourselves," the
captain said, as some of them gathered round and questioned him, "but
I may as well tell you, frankly, that we have very little doubt about
their being two French privateers. We passed them during the gale, and
had some hopes that we should not see them again; but, in the light
breeze we have been having during the last few days, they have made up
lost ground, and I am afraid we shall have to fight them."

Exclamations of alarm broke from some of the ladies who heard his
words.

"You need not be alarmed, ladies," he went on. "We carry twelve guns,
you know, and I expect that all of them are of heavier metal than
theirs. The Madras is a strongly-built ship, and will stand a good
deal more hammering than those light craft will, so that I have no
doubt we shall give a good account of ourselves."

After breakfast, the hatches were opened and the gun cases belonging
to the passengers brought on deck. Scarce one of them but had a rifle,
and many had, in addition, a shotgun. The day passed without any
change in the positions of the vessels, for they still lay becalmed.

"Why don't they get out their boats, and tow their vessels up?" Dick
asked the doctor.

"Because they would be throwing away their chances, if they did so.
They know that we cannot get away from them, and we might smash up
their boats as soon as they came within range. Besides, their speed
and superior handiness give them a pull over us, when fighting under
sail. They may try to tow up during the night, if they think they are
strong enough to take us by boarding, but I hardly think they will do
so."

The night, however, passed off quietly. But in the morning a light
breeze sprang up from the east, the sails were trimmed, and the Madras
again began to move through the water. By breakfast time, the craft
behind had visibly decreased their distance.

The meal was a silent one. When it was over, the captain said:

"As soon as those fellows open fire, ladies, I must ask you all to go
down into the hold. The sailors have already cleared a space, below
the waterline, large enough for you; and they will take down some
cushions, and so on, to make you as comfortable as possible, under the
circumstances. Pray do not be alarmed at any noises you may hear. You
will be below the