For half an hour the combatants deliberately manoeuvred, continually changing their position, but always within shot fire.The.

Serapis--the better sailer of the two--kept critically circling the Richard, making lounging advances now and then, and as suddenly steering off; hate causing her to act not unlike a wheeling cock about a hen, when stirred by the contrary passion.

Meantime, though within easy speaking distance, no further syllable was exchanged; but an incessant cannonade was kept up.
At this point, a third party, the Scarborough, drew near, seemingly desirous of giving assistance to her consort.

But thick smoke was now added to the night's natural obscurity.

The Scarborough imperfectly discerned two ships, and plainly saw the common fire they made; but which was which, she could not tell.