By this time, the Ocklockonee had obtained a position on the port bow of the Arran, and the commander directed the quartermaster at the wheel to run directly for the other side of the enemy.
The time for decisive and final action had come.

Mr.Baskirk placed the boarders in position to be thrown on board of the Arran.

He was to command the first division himself, and Mr.Amblen the second.

The Ocklockonee was rushing at all the speed she could command to the work before her.
[Illustration: The captain of the Arran.] For some reason not apparent the Arran had stopped her screw, though she had kept in motion till now, doing her best to secure the most favorable position for action.

Possibly her commander believed a collision between the vessels at a high rate of speed would be more fatal to him than anything that could result from being boarded.