"What news, boy?" the captain asked as the boat came close alongside.
"Is the frigate in chase of the others?"
"Yes, sir," Ralph replied; "the frigate and a schooner are both in
chase."
"Which way are they bearing?"
"The privateers do not know they are chased sir. The frigate did not
show round the island over there until the schooner and brig were
hidden behind the end of this island. She made toward the western end,
and the schooner is making for the eastern end. The sailors who came
up told me to tell you that the schooner is the Cerf, one of the
fastest vessels out here."
The captain uttered an exclamation of dismay, which was echoed by
those standing round him.
"Row out through the entrance," he shouted to the coxswain of the
boat, "and warn the others of the danger! Tell them to make straight
out. If they come in here, we shall all be caught in a trap together!"
The oars dipped in the water, but before the boat was fairly in motion
there was an exclamation, for the head sail of the schooner glided in
past the projecting cliff. A moment later the whole vessel came into
view.
"Bring the boat back alongside!" the captain shouted. "I will go on
board her at once. She may get out in time yet!"
As the schooner rounded up her sails came down, and she headed
straight toward the brig.
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