The helmsman put the shattered schooner about and she drove rapidly on a new course.

But the sloop of war, tacking, let go her other broadside.
Robert anticipated the second discharge, and by impulse rather than reason threw himself flat upon the deck, where he heard the heavy shot whistling over his head and the cries of those who were struck down.
Spars and rigging, too, came clattering to the deck, but the masts stood and the schooner, though hit hard, still made way.
"Steady! Keep her steady, my boys!" shouted the captain.

"We've still a clean pair of heels, and with a little luck we'll lose the sloop in the darkness!" He was a superb seaman and the rising wind helped him.

The wounded schooner had gained so much that the third broadside did but little damage and killed only one man.

Robert stood up again and looked back at the pursuing vessel, her decks covered with men in uniform, the gunners loading rapidly while over the sloop the flag of England that was then the flag of his own country too, streamed straight out in the wind, proud and defiant.
He felt a throb of intense, overwhelming pride.