Then we can talk matters over, and you can get back to the other side again before morning." While the captains of the two English vessels were holding consultations a similar talk was going on between the three captains of the privateers, and the conclusion they arrived at was precisely similar to that of the English officers.

It was agreed that no attack was likely to be made by the ships, as they would almost certainly be sunk by the plunging fire of the battery as they came along the channel; while an assault by the boats would be sheer madness.
"We have only to wait and tire them out," the captain of the schooner said, rubbing his hands.

"The first gale from the north they must run for shelter, and before they can come back to their station again we shall be gone.

Of course we will load well up beforehand with all that is really worth taking away, and can let them have the pleasure of destroying the rest after we have gone." "They will know all that as well as we do," the captain of La Belle Marie said.

"They will never be fools enough to try and starve us out, but you are quite mistaken if you think we are out of danger." "Why, what danger can there be ?" the others asked.