noon
To an ordinary observer , the two ships presented the familiar spectacle of vessels sailing in the same direction , with a very equal rate of speed ; and as the course was that necessary to clear the Channel , most of the passengers , and , indeed , the greater part of the crew , began to think the cruiser , like themselves , was merely bound to the westward . Mr. Truck , on the contrary , judging by signs and movements that more naturally suggested themselves to one accustomed to direct the evolutions of a ship , and to reason on their objects , than to the mere subjects of his will , thought differently . To him , the motive of the smallest change on board the sloop-of-war was as intelligible as if it had been explained in words , and he even foresaw many that were about to take place . Before noon , the Foam had got fairly abeam , and Mr. Leach , pointing out the circumstance , observed , that if her wish was to overhaul them , she ought then to tack ; it being a rule among seamen , that the pursuing vessel should turn to windward as often as she found herself nearest to her chase . But the experience of Captain Truck taught him better ; the tide was setting into the Channel on the flood , and the wind enabled both ships to fake the current on their lee-bows , a power that forced them up to windward ; whereas , by tacking , the Foam would receive the force of the stream on her weather broadside , or so nearly so , as to sweep her farther astern than her difference in speed could easily repair . `` She has the heels of us , and she weathers on us , as it , is , '' grumbled the master ; `` and that might satisfy a man less modest . I have led the gentleman such a tramp already that he will be in none of the best humours when he comes alongside , and we may make up our minds on seeing Portsmouth again before we see New-York , unless a slant of wind , or the night , serve us a good turn .