At
noon a brief break in the clouds just gave time for an observation for
latitude, and this was barely worked out, when "Sail, ho!" was heard
from the masthead; and a fine brig was discovered hull down on the lee
bow. Running down to her under close-reefed topsails, she proved to be
English; but though not destined herself to become a prize, the
deviation in the Alabama's course, occasioned by the chase, proved most
fortunate for her. She had scarcely luffed up again, after ascertaining
the brig's nationality, when again the welcome cry was heard, and the
helm shifted in pursuit. Soon the new chase became clearly discernible
from the quarter-deck, when she proved to be a large ship running to the
northward and eastward under a press of canvas. So determinedly was she
"cracking on" as to have everything set, even to her main-royal,
notwithstanding that the wind was still blowing very nearly half a gale.
The course of the stranger being diagonal to that of the Alabama, the
speed at which she was travelling soon brought her within speaking
distance, and, as usual, a feint was made for the purpose of extorting a
confession of her nationality. The flag chosen this time was the English
blue ensign, and it was speedily answered by the Stars and Stripes,
which fluttered gaily from the merchantman's peak as she dashed along
under her towering mass of canvas before the breeze, right across the
Alabama's path.
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