Another glance at the surroundings in regard to the point enabled him to make up his mind what to do, and he did not lose a moment in putting his plan into execution.

The firing of shot and shrapnel at the cotton pile seemed to produce no adequate effect, and he ordered Flint to cease his operations.
"Back her, Mr.Amblen," he added to the pilot.

"Back her at full speed." The schooners were doing very well; instead of wandering off into the bay, they had fallen into the channel, and were drifting with the tide.
Several persons appeared on the deck of each of them, and it was plain that a portion of the crews had been asleep on board of them.

While he was observing them, he discovered two boats coming out from behind the point, and making for the two vessels.

This movement indicated an attempt to recapture the prizes.
"Port the helm, Mr.Amblen, and circle around till the bow points in the direction of those boats coming out from beyond the point," said Christy.