Bitterer still was the rage of the sailors, when, by no manner of luffing and trimming of sail, could they stand out to chastise these impudent cruisers.

But when, after (as I have said), careering down the line, the English admiral put about and came back, the wind freshened and lent some little life to our great hulls, one or two got round far enough to let fly with their culverins and great pieces.

But their shot, if it reached the Englishman at all, whizzed over his head and never stopped his course.
Don Alonzo, however, having rather better wind than his unlucky comrades, decided on a bolder stroke to punish the enemy.

Ludar and I, as we stood and watched, could see the troops paraded on deck, and grappling irons and chains laid in readiness.

The small arms were loaded, and every man stood with his naked knife in his belt.
"He means to come to close quarters and board her," said I.
Ludar laughed.