ting on board here. If you ever come on shore
when there's anything doing, I will show you how we manage things
there."

The colonel spoke in a good-natured lively tone, as he always did the
moment there appeared a prospect of fighting.

"Keep our guns loaded, and trust to Providence, sir," replied the
captain.

"Please, sir, Mr Timmins begs you will just step on deck for a moment,"
said the steward, putting his head in at the door, and looking at the
master.

Bowse jumped up and hurried on deck, for he knew the mate would not have
sent for him except on a matter of importance.

"Here, Sims, what's the matter now?" said the colonel, calling the
steward from the pantry; "any more visitors?"

"O Lord, no, sir, I hope not," answered Sims, coming forward and showing
by the pallor of his countenance, and his trembling hand, that whatever
the matter was it had alarmed him.

"What is the matter, then?" exclaimed the colonel. "Out with it."

"Why, sir, they say on deck, that the _Flying Dutchman_ is following us,
and that we shall be sure to drive ashore or go to the bottom," answered
the steward, almost crying with alarm.

"Fiddle-de-dee, with the _Flying Dutchman_. What arrant fools the men
must be to think of such nonsense," exclaimed the colonel, in a
contemptuous tone. "Come, Ada, let us go on deck before you return to
your cabin, and we will have a look at the phantom."

Bowse found his mate standing on the poop, looking intently over the
weather quarter. He was so absorbed in what he saw, that he was not
aware of his commander's presence till the latter touched his arm.

"I thought it was better to send for you, Captain Bowse, for as I'm a
living man there is that cursed felucca, instead of going to Malta,
following at our heels, and coming up with us hand over hand."

As the mate spoke, he pointed in the direction towards which he had been
looking. Bowse, having just left the bright light of the cabin, could
not at first discern anything; but gradually he perceived the dark
shadowy outline of the speronara's sails brought into one, and like a
phantom gliding over the waves. There could be no manner of doubt that
it was she, but the question in his mind was how to treat her. Though
he might be almost certain that her intentions were evil, he could not
fire into her, till there was no doubt of the matter, and she might be
alongside, when the advantage he possessed in having heavy guns, would
be much