At any rate, it is of no use trying to escape; we will hold on our course for another few minutes, and then head suddenly towards her, as if we had only just seen her.

I will hail her in Portuguese, and they are sure to tell us to come on board; and then I will try to make them understand by signs, and by using a few French words, that we have been blown out to sea by the gale, and want to know the course for Santander.

As the French have been there for some time, it would be natural enough for us to have picked up a little of their language." In a few minutes they altered their course and sailed towards the lugger, which also soon turned towards them.

When they approached within the vessel's length, Terence stood up, and shouted in Portuguese: "What is the bearing of Santander ?" The reply was in French, "Come alongside!" given with a gesture of the arm explaining the words.

They let the sail run down as they came alongside.