Above the swish of the long sweeps rose a tumult of oaths, imprecations, outcries, sobs, as the overseers plied their whips, not caring where they struck.

Overhead they heard the guns running out, the rolling of shot and trampling of feet, the shouts and replies of officers and men.

They could see nothing of the frigate for which they were bound, but from the confusion and hurry expected every moment to feel the shock as the galley's beak drove into her.
Then for a second or two all the noise ceased.
The reason was this.

For some little while the frigate held on her course for the mouth of the Thames.

Not a sail more did she carry than when she first came in sight.