ntly watching the stranger.

I kept away a little, and, trusting to the Pigot's superior sailing
qualities, I had little fear of continuing ahead of her during the day,
and of escaping her observation in the night. The state of the weather,
however, gave me most concern. I saw Grampus looking up anxiously at
our spars, and ever and anon at the heavy seas which came up hissing and
foaming astern. One of our best hands was at the helm, but he came aft
and stood by him. I caught his eye as he was glancing over his
shoulder.

"Beg pardon, sir; the more haste the worst speed, Mr Hurry, you know,"
said he in a low voice, thinking the ladies would not hear him.

Thick heavy clouds were rushing up, one past the other, rapidly astern
of us. I saw that the time had indeed come to shorten sail if I would
not run the risk of losing my masts, or, perhaps, of broaching-to and
capsizing. I entreated my passengers in a few hurried words to go below
to be out of the way of danger. Mrs Tarleton seemed inclined to stay.
I was obliged to be somewhat peremptory, and I did not lose her good
opinion by being so.

"Indeed, madam, there is considerable danger for you on deck. I cannot
allow you to run it. You must go."

She gave me a look of surprise, and, without another word, allowed me to
conduct her and her niece to the companion.

In the meantime the crew had come aft to take in the mainsail and
gaff-topsail. I next had the fore-topgallant-sail and foresail off her.
This was done only just in time, before the squall came down on us and
I had to lower away and close-reef the foresail. The wind had at the
same time caught the ship. I took her to be a flush-decked vessel, a
corvette probably. She had been looking at us and not thinking of
herself probably, for I soon discovered that several of her sails had
been blown away, and I suspected that she had received further damage.
We at all events benefited by her misfortune, and kept well ahead of
her. Still she continued the chase. I felt the truth of the saying
that it is much pleasanter chasing than being chased. All day long we
ran on, plunging into the seas, and wet from the foam which blew off
them over our counter. More than once I thought we should have been
pooped. The vessel also began again to leak. Night came on; the leak
increased. We lost sight of our pursuer, but our condition became very
trying. I endeavoured to make the best of matters, but my anxiety