noon
As the sun rose , and its beams lighted up the white canvas of the latter , she was pronounced to be a full-rigged ship , either a man-of-war or privateer , or a large merchantman , but at the distance she was off it was difficult to determine whether she was a frigate or a flush-decked vessel . Captain Martin hoped that she would prove to be a frigate , and an antagonist worthy of engaging . She must have seen the _ Thisbe _ approaching , but either took her for a friend or believed that she was well able to cope with her , as she did not alter her course . Captain Martin calculated that the _ Thisbe _ would be up with the stranger before noon . Every telescope on board was directed towards her . Bill wished that he had one , that he might form an opinion as to what she was . He heard some officers talking , and they declared that she was undoubtedly French , and was either a large man-of-war corvette , or a privateer .