She crossed the line upon which the merchantman was sailing, some two miles in her rear; and then, bearing up, followed in her wake.
Charlie stood near the captain, who, instead of watching her, was sweeping the horizon with his glass.

Presently he paused, and gazed intently at a distant object.
"I thought so," he said to the first officer.

"I fancied that fellow wasn't alone.

He would hardly have ventured to try his strength with us, if he had been.

Send a man up to the tops, and let him see what he can make her out to be.