"a stern chase." All that has just been related may have occupied ten minutes; but the news reached Andrea Barrofaldi and his counsellors soon enough to allow them to appear on the promontory in time to see the Ving-y-Ving pass close under the cliffs beneath them, still keeping her English colors flying.

Raoul was visible, trumpet in hand; but as the wind was light, his powerful voice sufficed to tell his story.
"Signori," he shouted, "I will lead the rascally republican away from your port in chase; _that_ will be the most effectual mode of doing you a service." These words were heard and understood, and a murmur of applause followed from some, while others thought the whole affair mysterious and questionable.

There was no time to interpose by acts, had such a course been contemplated, the lugger keeping too close in to be exposed to shot, and there being, as yet, no new preparations in the batteries to meet an enemy.

Then there were the doubts as to the proper party to assail, and all passed too rapidly to admit of consultation or preconcert.
The movement of le Feu-Follet was so easy, as to partake of the character of instinct.

Her light sails were fully distended, though the breeze was far from fresh; and as she rose and fell on the long ground-swells, her wedge-like bows caused the water to ripple before them like a swift current meeting a sharp obstacle in the stream.