Captain Warrington signalled the startling fact to Biddle, and the two turned to escape.

Since the formidable vessel could not pursue both when they took different directions, she selected the _Hornet_ for her prize.
All that Biddle could now hope to do was to out-sail his pursuer.

He put forth every effort known to the most skilful seamanship.

When night closed in, however, the pursuer had perceptibly gained.

Since the weather was perfectly clear and the two were in plain sight of each other, the enemy could keep up the chase all night.