time we were
becalmed, while they still stood on with their sails full. From some
reason, for which we could not account, several of them stood back again
towards the land, three only continuing the pursuit of us. But they
were fast vessels, and though we soon again got the wind, they continued
gaining on us. At length the breeze once more became favourable, and
with our sails spread, we stood away across the Channel, hotly pursued
by the strangers. Although they gained upon us, yet it was evident that
the chase would be a long one; and we hoped in the meantime that
something would happen in our favour. It was satisfactory also to
believe that our consorts, with the unhappy fugitives on board, had
escaped; for it was very certain that, had they been captured, the lives
of all would have been sacrificed. We trembled for the fate of the poor
people with us, for so barbarous were the orders issued by Alva, that
the commanders of any of his ships finding refugees on board, might,
without ceremony, either hang them to the yard-arms, or cast them into
the sea with weights round their feet, or shoot them as they floated
when thrown into the water.

Whether our captors, should we be overtaken, would venture to treat the
English on board the _Falcon_ in the same manner was doubtful; at the
same time, it was too probable that they would do so first and apologise
afterwards.

As to offering any resistance, that would certainly be useless. Master
Clough especially entreated that they would not. He, however, was far
from contented with the prospect of what was too likely to occur, as
even, should his life be spared, they would not scruple to take
possession of all his property, of which he had contrived to get a
considerable amount safe on board the _Falcon_.

Hour after hour we watched the strangers, calculating how much they had
gained upon us during the time. Every particle of canvas we could set
was spread, but all we could do would not drive her at a greater speed
through the water. If we could keep ahead during the whole of the day,
we might still, as we had before done, escape during the darkness. But
this was not probable. Long before that we should be within range of
the enemy's guns. It was a time of great trial to all of us, to the
unhappy refugees especially; yet we could do nothing but hope. Captain
Radford not only maintained his own serenity, but did his best to keep
up the courage of all on board.