Presently the Spaniards again began firing, although their shot fell in the water far astern of the Swan.
"What are the lubbers up to now ?" James Standing said.

"They cannot think they are going to frighten us into stopping, now that we have fairly got away from them." Captain Reuben was anxiously gazing at the island ahead.

They had laid their course to pass it to windward, as they sailed better, close-hauled, than did the Spaniard; who had not only fallen behind, but had lagged to leeward nigh half a mile.
"They must be firing as a signal," he said.

"There may either be a Spanish port in the island, or they may know that there are some of their ships lying there; though I can see no signs, either of a port or ships." "It would matter little if we could, Captain," Pengarvan said; "for any ships along that shore would be to leeward of us, and we should pass the end of the island long before they could beat up there; but it would be awkward if there happened to be a port, with two or three of their ships, just beyond that point.

We should be caught between two fires then, and have to fight the lot of them." The captain nodded.
"You are right, Pengarvan.