Both shots fell short, and, for a quarter of an hour, the three vessels kept on their way.
"We have heavier metal than that," the captain said, cheerfully, "and I have no doubt we could reach them.

But it is not our game to play at long bowls, for it is probable that both of them carry a long pivot gun, and if they were to draw off a bit, they could annoy us amazingly, while we could not reach them." Presently the privateers opened fire again.

They were now about a mile away, and the same distance from each other.

Their shot fell close to the Indiaman, and two or three passed through her sails.
Still no reply was made.

The men at the guns fidgeted, and kept casting glances towards the poop, in expectation of an order.