A moment later the vessel was brought up into the wind and a broadside of eight guns fired.

Two of them struck the hull of the privateer, another wounded the mainmast, while the rest cut holes through the sails and struck the water a quarter of a mile to windward.

With an oath the captain of the privateer brought his vessel up into the wind, and then payed off on the other tack.
The merchantman carried much heavier metal than he had given her credit for.

As she came round too, some redcoats were seen on her deck.

Apparently well satisfied with the display she had made of her strength, the ship bore off again and went quietly, on her way, while the privateer was hove to and preventer stays put to the mainmast.
Ralph remained below for some time; he heard the men savagely cursing, and thought it was best for him not to attract attention at present.
The sails were lowered and the brig drifted quietly all day; but about ten o'clock Ralph heard a creaking of blocks, and knew that the sails had been hoisted again.