about midnight
Sail was shortened , and the frigate stood on with topsails , jib , and spanker set , so as to be thoroughly under command . It was no longer necessary to keep the ports closed . The order to open them and to run out the guns was given , and at the same time the crews of the guns were cautioned not to fire a shot till they heard the word of command . The hearts of the coolest beat quicker than usual when about midnight the _ Falcon _ drew within a mile of the enemy . The lights from the fighting lanterns of the latter , which exhibited two rows of ports , with only a small space between them , gave her a most formidable appearance . She evidently carried many more guns than the English frigate . `` What 's the odds , lads , '' cried old Jacob , when some of the men near him remarked this .