Calling to the master, he ascended the poop, in order that
they might confer together with less risk of being overheard, and at the
same time better observe the manoeuvres of the enemy.
The stranger had, as Trysail perceived, suddenly worn round on his heel,
and laid his head to the northward. The change in the course brought him
before the wind, and, as he immediately spread all the canvas that would
draw, he was approaching fast. During the time occupied in preparation on
board the Coquette, his hull had risen as it were from out of the water;
and Ludlow and his companion had not studied his appearance long, from the
poop, before the streak of white paint, dotted with ports which marks a
vessel of war, became visible to the naked eye. As the cruiser of Queen
Anne continued also to steer in the direction of the chase, half an hour
more brought them sufficiently near to each other, to remove all doubts of
their respective characters and force. The stranger then came to the wind,
and made his preparations for combat.
"The fellow shows a stout heart, and a warm battery," observed the master,
when the broadside of their enemy became visible, by this change in his
position. "Six-and-twenty teeth, by my count! though the eye-teeth must be
wanting, or he would never be so fool-hardy as to brave Queen Anne's
Coquette in this impudent fashion! A prettily turned boat, Captain Ludlow,
and one nimble enough in her movements.
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