The brig now increased her distance fast, and in a few minutes they lost sight of the schooner in the darkness of the night.
"Huzza!" cried Roberts, "didn't I tell you that a starn chase was a long one ?" Not a star was to be seen, the darkness was intense; and Newton consulted with Williams and Roberts as to what was their best plan of proceeding.

It was agreed to haul up for a quarter of an hour, then furl all, and allow the privateer to pass them.

This was put in execution: the convicts, now that there was no more firing, coming to their assistance.

The next morning the weather proved hazy, and the schooner, who had evidently crowded sail in pursuit of them, was nowhere to be seen.
Newton and his crew congratulated themselves upon their escape, and again shaped their course for the Channel.
The wind would not allow them to keep clear of Ushant; and two days afterwards they made the French coast near to that island.

The next morning they had a slant of wind, which enabled them to lay her head up for Plymouth, and anticipated that in another twenty-four hours they would be in safety.