Читать книгу The Captain from Connecticut онлайн

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"Cover that binnacle light," said Peabody.

The Delaware surged along through the darkness; it was fortunate that he had been able to spare the studding sails, because the reduction in speed would make a considerable difference to the visibility of her bow wave. There came a low hail from the foretop--the sergeant of marines there must be an intelligent man as well as having keen eyes.

"Deck, there! She's in sight, sir. On the larboard bow."

Peabody put down his night-glass--the thing was not of much use. There she was, most certainly, a black outline faintly showing against the slightly lighter surface of the sea, holding the same course as when he had seen her last, and the two vessels were closing fast. In five minutes--but she was wearing round on the instant.

"Loose the stuns'ls, Mr. Hubbard, if you please. Put your helm up a point, quartermaster."

Peabody had caught sight of the first movement of the brig's sails as she wore. The fact that her foretopsail came round before the mainsails proved that she had a small crew and was no man-of-war, and it also gave the Delaware two full minutes in which to cut the corner. She was tearing down upon the brig now.