Captain Landais, however, sullenly kept out of the battle, and, as we shall presently learn, did even worse than that.
Captain Pearson, of the _Serapis_, waited until his convoy was beyond danger, when he tacked inshore.

Fearing he would get away, Jones ran in between him and the land.

It was now growing dark, and it was hard for the American commander to follow the movements of his enemy.

But the latter was not fleeing, and, although dimly visible to each other, the two antagonists began cautiously approaching, both on the alert for any advantage that might present itself.

Nothing but the rippling of water made by the vessels broke the profound, expectant hush that rested upon both.
Suddenly from the gloom came the voice of the captain of the _Serapis_: "What ship is that ?" Jones wished to get nearer before opening fire and replied: "I do not understand you; speak louder." "What ship is that ?" repeated the other in a louder voice through his trumpet.