noon
They preferred weighing the anchor and running into the bay , where they would be able to defend the schooner , in their opinion , much better than by remaining where they were . The crew of the pirate schooner weighed the anchor , and continued their precarious course ; the breeze had freshened , and the water was in strong ripples , so that they could no longer see the danger beneath her bottom . In the meantime , the sloop of war and _ Enterprise _ continued to turn to windward outside the reef . By noon the wind had considerably increased , and the breakers now turned and broke in wild foam over the coral reefs in every direction . The sail was still more reduced on board the _ Avenger _ , and her difficulties increased from the rapidity of her motion . A storm-jib was set , and the others hauled down ; yet even under this small sail she flew before the wind . Cain stood at the bowsprit , giving his directions to the helmsman .