He had just come on deck when the gun was fired, and saw the water
thrown up just under the ship's stern, and the shot was dancing away
to leeward. The next shot struck the merchantman on the quarter. A
moment later the vessel was brought up into the wind and a broadside
of eight guns fired. Two of them struck the hull of the privateer,
another wounded the mainmast, while the rest cut holes through the
sails and struck the water a quarter of a mile to windward. With an
oath the captain of the privateer brought his vessel up into the wind,
and then payed off on the other tack.
The merchantman carried much heavier metal than he had given her
credit for. As she came round too, some redcoats were seen on her
deck. Apparently well satisfied with the display she had made of her
strength, the ship bore off again and went quietly, on her way, while
the privateer was hove to and preventer stays put to the mainmast.
Ralph remained below for some time; he heard the men savagely cursing,
and thought it was best for him not to attract attention at present.
The sails were lowered and the brig drifted quietly all day; but about
ten o'clock Ralph heard a creaking of blocks, and knew that the sails
had been hoisted again. Half an hour later the watch below was ordered
to come quietly on deck. Ralph went up with the rest.
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