He was soon able to distinguish the masts and sails of the stranger, and to turn what had been a black blur into the shape and parts of a ship.

He was able, too, to tell that the stranger was keeping steadily on her course, but the schooner, obeying her tiller, was drawing toward her more and more.
"They don't appear to be interested in us," he said to the captain.
"No," replied the man, "but they should be.

They show a lack of that curiosity which I told you is necessary at sea, and it is my duty to overtake them and tell them so.

We must not have any incautious ships sailing in these strange waters." Ten minutes later he called the mate and gave a command.

Cutlasses and muskets with powder and ball were put at convenient points.