He was running away from the two blockaders that were pursuing him, and had beaten them both.

He was absolutely sure of his escape till he encountered the fleet in shore when the St.Regis came upon the scene," added Mr.Baskirk.
"Her captain had no particular respect for our steamer when he saw her, and kept on his course as if in contempt of her, till we dropped a shot near him.

If he had headed to the south when he first made out the St.
Regis, he would have improved his chances, but he would only have given us a longer chase.

Let Captain Bristler out of the brig, Mr.Baskirk; we will see if he can behave himself any better; but I will not allow any man to swear at me if I can help myself." A little later Captain Bristler came on deck in charge of the ship's corporal.

He was dressed in his best clothes, and his personal appearance had been greatly improved.
"Captain Passford," said he, raising his cap to the commander, "under the influence of my awful disappointment at the failure of the Raven to outsail you, I was rude and ungentlemanly, and some of my forecastle habits came back to me.