As soon as he reached the shore a boat rowed off from the brig to fetch him.

He saw with satisfaction that although the men were all on board, no preparations were made for getting under way at once; and, indeed, the captain would have no anxiety for his own ship, as he would know that the privateers, if they saw the frigate coming out to meet them, would sail right away from the island, and the frigate would be sure to pursue until out of sight of land.
"What news, boy ?" the captain asked as the boat came close alongside.
"Is the frigate in chase of the others ?" "Yes, sir," Ralph replied; "the frigate and a schooner are both in chase." "Which way are they bearing ?" "The privateers do not know they are chased sir.

The frigate did not show round the island over there until the schooner and brig were hidden behind the end of this island.

She made toward the western end, and the schooner is making for the eastern end.

The sailors who came up told me to tell you that the schooner is the Cerf, one of the fastest vessels out here." The captain uttered an exclamation of dismay, which was echoed by those standing round him.
"Row out through the entrance," he shouted to the coxswain of the boat, "and warn the others of the danger! Tell them to make straight out.