Jack only hoped that the necessity would not arise, and as neither the officers nor men had arms of any sort--for the knives even of the latter had been taken from them--he had no fears about the matter. He resolved to keep a bright look out for the _Caterina_, which he thought would probably slip out of the harbour soon after him, her captain not suspecting the fate of her consorts. The wind was however, light and contrary, and he was much longer in making Cape Saint Antonio than he had hoped. The necessity for treating the prisoners as Needham had suggested came, however, sooner than Jack expected. He had allowed Don Lopez and his companions to enjoy as much fresh air and exercise as they wished for every day, though he took the precaution to have a sentry on the quarterdeck, who had received instructions to keep a watchful eye on the prisoners. Evening was coming on, a fresh breeze was blowing, and the little squadron, under easy sail, was standing to the westward. Just at that time a sail was sighted on the weather-bow; she was soon made out to be a large brig standing towards the little fleet. Jack observed that the prisoners were talking eagerly together, and were evidently much interested in the appearance of the stranger. On she came, and though she was near enough for her colours to be seen she showed none. "What do you make her out to be?" asked Jack of Needham. "I should have taken her to be a Spanish man-of-war; but if she is she ought to have showed her bunting by this time," he answered. "You'll pardon me, sir," he continued, "but I don't like the looks of the Dons, and I shouldn't be surprised if that craft is the _Caterina_ herself; if so, she will be trying to take some of our prizes; and may be have a slap at us, and I think it will be best to get these gentlemen out of the way, as quickly as possible." Jack agreed with Needham, and going up to Don Lopez he observed-- "I am sorry to inconvenience you, but I have to request that you and your companions will go below, and not return on deck till you receive my permission." The Don and his friends looked somewhat angry at hearing this, and seemed inclined to disobey, but a dozen stout seamen coming aft showed them that Jack was in earnest, and they, uttering maledictions on his head, were hurried below. The sun had now reached the horizon, when the stranger came within gunshot, still without showing her colours. Jack had ordered the three schooners to keep close together under his stern. He now fired a gun ahead of the stranger of which she took no notice, but continued her course, intending apparently to get to windward, so as to be able to bear down at any time she might think fit on the captured slavers. "She has guessed what has happened, sir," observed Needham, "and hopes during the night to have a chance of cutting off one of the prizes or all of them; but she can't quite make up her mind to attempt it in daylight."