The usual lookouts had been doubled, but, in spite of all precautions, the Bellevite lost sight of the chase when she could not have been more than a mile from her.

But this weather was to be expected in this changeable latitude.

Captain Breaker was as perplexed as any one, however skilful, must have been in the same situation.

It was impossible to know what the chase would do, though it was plain enough, since she put out her lights, that she would change her course.
It was over six hundred miles to Cape Hatteras, and she had room enough to manoeuvre in any manner she pleased.

The change in the weather hardly amounted to a storm, and probably it would be all over in a few hours.
But the chase might turn to any point of the compass, and the Bellevite was as likely to pursue in the wrong as the right direction.