Though these were two fast-sailing frigates, we were outrunning them,
not rapidly, but sufficiently to make it certain, while yet we were a
mile offshore, that we would easily make the river entrance, if such was
his intention. But evidently not so, for he now ordered the gig ready
for lowering and had Mr. Cunningham's strong-box brought on deck.
"Shall I also take that package you spoke of?" asked Mr. Cunningham.
"Surely. It is ready in my room." And he went below and came up with it,
a great beribboned and bewaxed envelope, saying, "Deliver it when the
time comes, Gad. Or wait, let Miss Shiela do it," and handed it to her
instead.
She blushed vividly and placed it in her portmanteau. "Thank you, sir,"
she said.
I had difficulty in keeping my eyes off her, even though I was again
acting as first officer of the _Bess_, and my first duty just now was to
keep an eye on the two ships and render judgment as to their intentions.
"That fellow to the south seems to have decided to bid up for the
Savannah River entrance on the next tack, sir," I reported.
"Yes." He was busy with the Cunninghams and spoke absently, though it
was also likely that he saw better than I did what the man-o'-war would
be at. "That's good. Let him stretch that tack all he pleases."
"Then we are not to stand in yet, sir?"
"Not yet, not till the northerly fellow comes into stays.
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