Sailors will swear, more is the pity, and Captain Yetsom, dropping the telescope to his side, blew off a tremendous oath, under the impression that he had a sufficient provocation to do so, and then he added: “We are on a false scent, sir; we have been chasing an English ship.” “Are you certain?” doubtingly inquired Justin. “Humph! these infernal pirates sometimes show false colors. This is what has happened, Mr. Rosenthal. When I came up on deck I found her within good range of our lee-bow chaser. I ran up the Stars and Stripes and sent a blank cartridge into her by way of a visiting card. She returned the compliment by firing a salute from her stern-chaser; but did not show her colors, and did not cease to run.” “And then?” “I sent a more urgent message to her in the form of a round shot from our lee-bow chaser. She returned the fire in kind and hoisted the English Union Jack.” “But didn’t heave to?” “No, nor cease to run away from us. Whatever she does, she does not cease to run.” “But an English ship, or an honest ship, scarcely would do that.” “Scarcely. And that is what makes the affair doubtful and awkward. If she is an English ship we have no business to pursue her; but if she is a rebel privateer sailing under English colors we must take her.” While the captain spoke, Mr. Rosenthal had been attentively regarding the chase. Now he said: “The longer I look at that ship, the more familiar she seems to me. Will you lend me your telescope, captain?” Captain Yetsom handed the glass and waited the result of Justin’s inspection. Justin pointed the instrument and took deliberate sight at the chase. He viewed it attentively for a minute and then returned the telescope to the owner, saying quietly: “You are not on a false scent, captain.” “Eh? What do you make of her?” “The _Sea Scourge_.” “Are you quite certain?” “Quite. I cannot be mistaken. Indeed, I recognized her by naked eye from her general appearance. And when I brought the glass to bear upon her, I knew her also by individual marks.” The captain of the _Xyphias_ waited to hear no more. He laid down his telescope, sprang upon the poop deck, and drew out his speaking trumpet. As the men had scarcely taken their eyes off their captain during the fifteen minutes of suspense in which they stood idly at their quarters, there was no need to call their attention. The captain put the speaking trumpet to his lips, and thundered forth the words: “My lads! the prize that we have been seeking, the _Sea Scourge_, is before us. And please Heaven she shall be ours before night!” Tremendous cheers from the seamen responded to the captain’s pithy speech, and proved their good will to the work before them, and their confidence of victory. CHAPTER XXXVI. THE FLIGHT. “Stand to your guns men!” thundered the captain of the _Xyphias_. And the deafening cheers sank into silence, and the order was promptly obeyed.