It was at once concluded by all that this ship must be a pirate, else why did she alter her course and give chase to us?
The circumstance was indeed singular; yet these maritime heroes ought to have been used to all kinds of adventures, and not at once to have feared the worst, particularly as, so far as I am aware, the pirate's trade is very nearly broken up, and attempts of this kind are unprecedented--at least in these regions.
A painter like Hogarth should have been on board our ship, to mark the expression of fear and cowardice depicted on the several countenances.

It was wonderful to behold how the poor captains ran from one end of the ship to the other, and huddled us travellers together into a heap, recommending us to sit still and keep silence; how they then hurried away and ran to and fro, making signs and gestures, while the pale sailors tumbled after them with scared faces, wringing their hands.

Any one who had not witnessed the scene would think this description exaggerated.

What would the Grecian heroes of antiquity say if they could throw a glance upon their gallant descendants! Instead of arming themselves and making preparations, the men ran about in the greatest confusion.

We were in this enviable state when the dreaded pirate came within gunshot; and the reason of her approach turned out to be that her compass was broken.