The gallant crew gave three hearty cheers, and swore to do their duty as became the countrymen of Van Tromp.
Darkness soon came on.

The night was cloudy, and the wind was moderate.
The chase was lost sight of, though it was believed the Dutchman was losing with the enemy hand over hand.

The decks were cleared for action, the deck lanterns lighted, the guns double-shotted, and men with eyes of preternatural brilliancy stationed on the lookout.
Hours passed in anxious expectation, and another allowance of schnapps was served out to keep up the spirits of the crew; when, to the great gratification of every man on board, a lookout on the end of the flying jib-boom shouted, "Sail, ho!" The chase was soon distinctly visible, looming up, not like a speck, but like a LARGE BLACK SPOT on the dark horizon.

A bloody battle was now certain to take place, and mynheer, combining discretion with valor, took in his light sails, and got his ship into a condition to be easily handled..
The Frenchman was apparently lying to, waiting for his antagonist to come up.

He did not have long to wait.