While they sat, Captain Salt remained on deck cursing quietly and examining the approaching enemy with no pleasant stare.
Orders were issued to all the six galleys to attack the fleet.
Four were told off against the merchantmen and commanded to make all speed to get between them and the Thames; while _L'Heureuse_ herself and _La Merveille_ (commanded by the Chevalier de Sainte-Croix) were to attack and take possession of the frigate.
Immediately they began to make all possible haste with sails and oars.

Captain Salt withdrew to the cabin in dudgeon and M.de la Pailletine took his place.

From their benches below the slaves heard his voice shouting out orders right and left, and at once they had to catch up their oars and row.

The English fleet when first spied was coming right across their course, and still held on its way when it perceived the Frenchman's intent.

In pursuance of this intent the four galleys made off with all speed to place themselves between the merchantmen and the coast, while the Commodore and the Chevalier de Sainte-Croix bore down on the frigate, straight as an arrow.
And now began a hard time for Tristram and his companions below.
They tugged and sweated, and presently _L'Heureuse_ began to leap through the water.