They did not attempt to escape, but slightly changed their course so as to head for her.
As the brig approached, they lowered their mainsail.

The brig was thrown up into the wind, a couple of lengths away.
"Send your boat on board!" the captain of the brig shouted.
They had indeed already got the boat over the side.
"You may as well come with me," Leigh said, as he stepped into her.
"Monsieur Flambard will take care of Louis while you are away." Seeing that there was a woman in the boat, the brig lowered its accommodation ladder, and the captain was standing at the gangway.
"We are English, sir," Leigh said.

"The lugger is owned by my sister's husband, if he is alive.

If not, I suppose it belongs to her.

We are escaping from France, with two French friends.