Part 23 (1/2)

”It has,” replied Captain Fleetwood ”I knohat you would say--Get the boats ready for hoisting out We'll overhaul her in theoes faster ahead than we should pull I will go with thee of the shi+p”

The first lieutenant signified his comprehension of his co them into execution

The prospect of a calm was seen by all on board, and the news that the chase was to be attacked with the boats, should such happen, gave the greatest satisfaction, every one being anxious to go in theers and hardshi+ps of boat service, it is one Jack likes excessively, on account of its excitement and variety The co Linton was to coig, which were the only boats to be eements had scarcely been concluded, when a loud flap of the canvas against the ave indication of the cessation of the breeze

Still, however, the brig had considerable way through the water

Linton was looking through his glass at the vessel ahead

”She still seems to have the breeze,” he observed to Saltwell ”I hope the fellow is not going to carry it off with him”

”I suspect he'll soon find it leave him,” replied Saltwell ”But I wish it would be quick about it, for otherwise it will be getting dark before we get alongside”

”As long as we can nify,”

replied Linton ”There will be less chance of our being hit”

”Yes; but re on the eneround,” observed Saltwell ”He knows his position and resources, and has you at a disadvantage Give ht, and let me see my ene it, for the sails begin to flap heavily, and, by Jove, the chase is no better off,” exclaiot the wind already up and down his mast”

”Huzza!” cried Jemmy Duff, as midshi+po”

”Lower the boats, Mr Saltwell,” was heard in the deep tones of the captain's voice

The first lieutenant repeated the order Mr Brohistle was next heard piping the boats away, and getting out the cutter, and in another minute the crews and the respective officers were in theone below for an instant for his sword, and when he stepped into his boat, though he looked pale, there was resolution in his eye to dare the worst, and if needs be to suffer the worst With a hearty cheer from their shi+pmates, the boats shoved off, and pulled with lusty strokes towards the stranger They had no positive right as yet to consider her an ene led theish chase; but as it was not much out of their course, they had no reason to co ahead

The stranger appeared to be no way disconcerted at their approach, but as she was alet it out of the way, and see for them

”Can you make out what those fellows are about, sir?” asked Jemmy Duff of his superior ”They don't seem to be afraid of us”

”Just stand up in the bows, and try what you can do to arouse their fears, Duff,” said Linton, laughing ”We must have sharp eyes to kno they look at this distance, and perhaps as they know that they cannot get away from us, they think it better to put a bold face on the matter”

The sun was just about to sink in the waves as the boats cauns, but she allowed theot still nearer, they saw that she had no boarding nettings triced up, though, through the open ports, the creere seen at their quarters, and the guns were run out ready for action

She appeared to be croith men in the Greek costu before they were close to her

”What do those boats want here?” hailed the voice of so on her poop

”These are the boats of His Britannic Majesty's brig, _Ione_,” answered Captain Fleetwood, standing up in the stern sheets of his gig ”What brig is that?”

Linton every instant expected a shower of grape as the answer of the stranger

There was a pause

”The Independent Greek Governth the answer ”What is your object in visiting us?”