When the lugger was within a mile of them, and the schooner about double that distance, the former changed her course a little, and bore up as if to meet the schooner.
"Hurrah!" Ryan shouted.

"The Frenchman is making for the schooner and, if the Jersey boat don't turn and run, there will be a fight." "The lugger looks to me the bigger boat," Terence said, as he stopped rowing for a moment.

"However, we are likely to be able to slip off while they are at it." Rapidly the two vessels approached each other and, when within a mile, a puff of smoke broke out from the lugger's bow; and was answered almost instantly by one from the schooner.

Running fast through the water, the vessels were soon within a short distance of each other.

Terence had ceased rowing, for there was no fear that the lugger, which was now abeam of them, would give another thought to the small boat.
The fight was going on in earnest, and the two vessels poured broadsides into each other as they passed; the lugger wearing round at once, and engaging the schooner broadside to broadside.
"The Frenchman has the heavier metal," Terence said.