The only change noticeable in our boats was that they had hauled close on the wind and were heading several points west of north.

Still, I could not see the expediency of the manoeuvre, for the free sea was still intercepted by the _Macedonia's_ five weather boats, which, in turn, had hauled close on the wind.

Thus they slowly diverged toward the west, drawing farther away from the remainder of the boats in their line.

Our boats were rowing as well as sailing.

Even the hunters were pulling, and with three pairs of oars in the water they rapidly overhauled what I may appropriately term the enemy.
The smoke of the _Macedonia_ had dwindled to a dim blot on the north-eastern horizon.