"This comes of going to sea with a lovesick madman.

Now, keep your temper, Captain, for the hands will be at the end of theirs if we have trouble as a result of this Dutchman business." For the remainder of that day Levasseur's thoughts were of anything but love.

He remained on deck, his eyes now upon the land, now upon those two slowly gaining ships.

To run for the open could avail him nothing, and in his leaky condition would provide an additional danger.

He must stand at bay and fight.