The guns fired from the stern of the _Estelle_ assisted her velocity through the water; while, on the contrary, the privateer, being obliged to yaw from her course that her guns might bear, and firing from the bow, her impetus was checked.

Still the privateer had the advantage in sailing, and slowly neared the brig.
"There's no need of your coming aft so close upon us," said Roberts to the two Frenchmen who had been sent on board; "go forward, and keep out of the way.

That 'ere chap is after mischief; he had his eye upon the _amminition_," continued the sailor to Newton.

"Go forward--d'ye hear?
or I'll split your d--d French skull with the handspike." "Don't touch him, Roberts," said Newton.
"No, I won't touch him, if he keeps out of my way.

Do you hear ?--go forward!" cried Roberts to the Frenchman, waving his hand.
The Frenchman answered with a sneer and a smile, and was turning to obey the order, when a shot from the privateer cut him nearly in two.