ile several ports at her side left me no
longer in doubt that she was an enemy most devoutly to be wished away.
Do everything I could, however, to increase the speed of the Ranger, she
rapidly came up with us. Still it was not in my nature to give in while
a chance remained of escape. Some man-of-war might heave in sight, or
some other craft the privateer might think more worthy of chasing; or we
might keep ahead till darkness came to my help. The chances were,
however, very small in my favour, and Mr Scuttle could not help showing
his satisfaction at the prospect of the probable change in our fortunes.
I went aloft and swept the horizon with my glass in every direction,
but not a sail appeared in sight. The breeze held steady, and indeed
seemed rather inclined to increase than fall. My heart sank lower than
it had ever done before. In another hour my people and I would be
prisoners, and Mr Jotham Scuttle would be offering me his
commiseration. He was speaking to my two men; doubtless telling them
they had nothing to fear. I felt a very strong inclination at the
moment to pitch him overboard; I wanted some one on whom to vent my
vexation. Poor man! however, there was in reality much to admire in
him. In another half hour the game would be up. Suddenly a bright idea
occurred to me. I had often seen a poor silly creature followed by a
troop of urchins hallooing at his heels and mocking him with their
thoughtless jests, when he would turn round with clenched fists and
grinning lips, and they would take to an ignominious flight. I would
try the effect of a similar trick. Descending on deck, I ordered
Grampus to get lines fastened to all the ports, so that they might be
lifted at once. As soon as the arrangement was made I put the sloop
about, and at the same moment, suddenly lifting all our ports--of which,
as I have said, we had eight on a side--under all sail, I stood boldly
down towards the enemy. Still she stood on, and my heart began to quake
for the success of my manoeuvre.

"It can't be helped, sir, I fear," said Grampus. "We are in for it."

"No, no," I exclaimed, with a shout of joy. "It's all right. Hurrah,
my lads!" The brig had taken in her studden-sails and was standing away
from us, close-hauled on a wind. I was so eagerly watching her that I
did not see what had become of friend Scuttle. I was aroused by a cry
from Tom Rockets.

"Just you come down, master!" he exclaimed.

I looked u