Page:The Naval Officer (1829), vol. 3.djvu/26

 tain followed his example; they then looked at each other, and .pronounced their cruize at an end.

"We are done, Sir," said the mate; "and all owing to that d—d English renegado that you would enter on the books as one of the ship's company. But let's have him aft, and give him his discharge regularly."

"First of all," said the captain, "suppose we try what is to be done with our heels. 'They used to be good, and I never saw the brass-bottomed sarpent that could come a near us yet. Send the royal yards up—clear away the studding-sails—keep her with the wind just two points abaft the beam, that's her favourite position; and I think we may give the slip to that old-country devil in the course of the night."

I said nothing, but locked very attentively to all that was doing. The vessel was well manned, certainly, and all sail was set upon her in a very expeditious manner.

"Heave the log," said the captain.