o, as they got the wind astern, set fresh sails;
and it was evident that we no longer increased our distance from them,
rather at times we feared the contrary. We ran on, and, had the ship
been free of water, we might probably have distanced our pursuers.
Still hope kept us up. At night we might have a better prospect of
escaping, but night was still far-distant. On looking ahead, we
observed in the horizon another sail. After looking at her for some
time, we were convinced that she was standing the same way that we were;
therefore, even if a friend, she would not render us any assistance.

We stood on, but every hour showed that our pursuers were gaining on us.
But we also were gaining on the vessel ahead. And now, as we looked,
another appeared. She, too, was a tall ship. Though we saw her, our
pursuers did not; and thus, as I before said, we continued to run on,
the chances of our escaping lessening every hour. At length, a flash
and a puff of smoke were seen, and the sound of a gun came rolling over
the water.

"Your shot will not reach us yet, my friends!" exclaimed Captain Davis;
"and while you are inclined to play at long bowls, we need not fear
you." Another and another followed, till the enemy ceased firing,
seeing that their shot fell short. The sound, however, had the effect
of calling the attention of the vessels ahead, and we now saw them
coming round to the wind and standing toward us. There were two tall
ships, and a third much smaller. As they approached, our pursuers
seemed to think that they had followed us far enough. All their light
sails were taken in, and they now also hauled to the wind. The two tall
ships were evidently English men-of-war, while the third was, as I had
supposed, the _Falcon_. As she passed us, Captain Rover hailed,
desiring us to continue our course, saying that he would keep us
company, while the men-of-war would pursue the enemy. We had now a
friend near us; and although the leak gave us ample employment, we at
length safely entered the Thames.

The wind continuing favourable, we ran up, and came to an anchor off the
Tower.

The fugitives at once landed, and joined their countrymen who had
already settled in England. The Government of the Queen had wisely and
liberally made all possible arrangements for their accommodation;
abodes, and places of worship where they might hold their services
according to the Protestant form, being assigned to them.

I proce