Turning at right angles in the Gulf of Tartary, we began to roll until walking was no easy matter.
The wind abated so that by night we shook out our reefs and spread the royals and to'gallant sails to keep up our speed.
As we approached De Castries the question of war was again discussed.
"If I find only one French ship there," said the captain, "I shall proceed.

If there are two I cannot fight them, and must run to San Francisco or some other neutral port." Just then San Francisco was the last place I desired to visit, but I knew I must abide the fortunes of war.

We talked of the possibility of convincing a French captain that we were engaged in an international enterprise, and therefore not subject to capture.

Anossoff joined me in arranging a plan to cover contingencies.
As we approached De Castries we could see the spars of a large ship over the islands at the entrance of the harbor.

A moment later she was announced.
"A corvette, with steam up." She displayed her flag--an English one.