To have gone about would have been to have abandoned the chase, as it would have carried the ship off due north, while le Feu-Follet was gliding down to the southward and westward at the rate of seven knots.

The distance across the canal is only about thirty miles, and there would not have been time to recover the lost ground.
This uncertainty made a most feverish moment on board the Proserpine, as she came up fast toward the headland.

All depended on getting by without tacking.

The appearances were favorable for deep water close in; but there is always the danger of rocks to be dreaded near mountainous coasts.

The promontory, too, was comparatively low; and this was rather an indication that it ought not to be approached too closely.
Winchester was in his berth, just beginning to feel the smart of his wound; but Griffin was at the captain's elbow, both he and the third lieutenant entering keenly into all their commander's wishes and anxieties.
"There she goes, into the very breakers!" exclaimed Cuffe, as they watched le Feu-Follet in her attempt to pass the promontory; "Monsieur Yvard must be determined to cast away his craft rather than be taken.