about
ten o'clock
As she came round too , some redcoats were seen on her deck . Apparently well satisfied with the display she had made of her strength , the ship bore off again and went quietly , on her way , while the privateer was hove to and preventer stays put to the mainmast . Ralph remained below for some time ; he heard the men savagely cursing , and thought it was best for him not to attract attention at present . The sails were lowered and the brig drifted quietly all day ; but about ten o'clock Ralph heard a creaking of blocks , and knew that the sails had been hoisted again . Half an hour later the watch below was ordered to come quietly on deck . Ralph went up with the rest . For a quarter of an hour he could see nothing , and then he made out a dark mass a few hundred yards to leeward ; immediately afterward the helm was put up , and the brig run down toward the stranger .