It will
be a close race, monsieur. It will be too rough when we are fairly
out for them to use their guns. But the best thing that can happen
for us is that there may be an English cruiser not far off. I must
have the hands up, and take in some sail; she will go just as fast,
for she has too much on to be doing her best now we are in the open
sea.
"Now, gentlemen, I advise you to lie down for an hour or two. I
will call you if they gain much upon us."
It was morning before the voyagers awoke, and made their way on
deck. They looked round, but no sail was in sight, only an expanse
of foaming sea and driving cloud. The captain was on deck.
"I suspect they have given it up and run back," he said; "and no
fools either. It is not weather for anyone to be out who has a
choice in the matter. But the 'Jeanne' is a good sea boat, and has
been out in worse weather than this. Not but that it is a big gale,
but it is from the north, and the land shelters us a bit. If it
keeps on like this, I shall lie-to a few hours. The sea will be
tremendous when we get beyond Ushant."
For three days the gale blew furiously, and the "Jeanne" lay-to.
Then the storm broke, and the wind veered round to the south, and
La Belle Jeanne flew along on her way towards England.
It was at a point on the Hampshire coast, near Lymington, that she
was to run her cargo; and on the fifth day after leaving the river
she was within sight of land.
Pages:
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377