Every sail was set, and her course was directed toward this
other end of the island upon which the watchers were standing. The two
French sailors burst out into a torrent of oaths, expressive of
surprise and alarm; for it was evident that from the course the
schooner was taking she intended to intercept the two privateers, and
engage them until the frigate came to her assistance.
"Run, boy! run for your life!" one of them exclaimed, "and tell the
captain. But no; wait a moment," and he directed the glass upon the
schooner. "A thousand curses!" he exclaimed. "It is the Cerf schooner
the English captured from us six months ago. She is the fastest craft
in these waters. Tell the captain that I am coming after you, but your
legs will beat mine."
Ralph dashed off at full speed, but as soon as he had fairly distanced
the French sailor he began to run more slowly. For the moment he had
so entered into the feelings of his companions that he had identified
himself with them, but now he had time to think, his sympathies swung
round to the English ship. He did not particularly want La Belle Marie
to be captured; for he had been so well treated on board her that he
felt no ill-will toward her. But her capture meant his deliverance.
He thought over the matter as he ran, and wondered first why the
frigate did not take the line to cut the privateers off, instead of
going round by the other end of the island.
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