Gradually, however, as the two vessels changed their relative bearings, the Sumter also was enabled to avail herself of her fore and aft canvas, and now she began to gain rapidly upon the chase.

Three hours and a quarter passed in this exciting contest; but at length the pursuer had come fairly within range, and the chase was over.

Up went the Stars and Stripes to the Sumter's peak, and the usual pause of excited expectation ensued; when, after bungling awhile with his signal halyards, as though playing with his pursuer's hopes and fears, the red ensign of England rose defiantly from the deck, and there was to be no prize after all.
Very indignant was the captain of the Spartan at being hove-to by a Yankee, and great was the amusement of the boarding officer as he was welcomed with the observation that "the Northerners were catching h----" "How so ?" inquired he.
"Why by getting themselves so badly whipped by the Southerners." It was observed that the worthy speaker appeared somewhat surprised at the perfect good-humour and satisfaction with which the intelligence was received.
The night now set in wet and wild.

The wind increased to a moderate gale with a remarkably heavy sea, and violent rain-squalls passing at intervals over the vessel.

The little Sumter rolled and pitched about as though she, too, were weary of the long period of inaction, and determined to effect some kind of diversion on her own account.