noon
`` Now , '' said George to the first mate , when the latter came on deck to take charge at eight bells , `` I think we have that fellow in our power , and can do pretty nearly what we like with him . In this breeze and with this sea we can outsail him ; and with all that water pouring in upon his forecastle it will be difficult for him to work his long-gun to advantage , which I believe , unlike ourselves , he has fixed there on a pivot ; so I propose to let him creep up within gun-shot astern of us , and fight him there , where all the advantage will be on our side . '' Accordingly , as soon as the crew had taken their breakfast , Captain Leicester ordered the jib and fore-topmast staysail-sheets to be hauled over to windward in order that the barque 's speed might be reduced without shortening sail and so exciting any suspicion in the minds of the pirates of a desire on the part of the _ Aurora _ to renew the action . This manoeuvre had the desired effect ; and shortly before noon the schooner once more opened fire , the shot flying past the _ Aurora _ , and at some distance to leeward of her . This was doubtless in consequence of the violent motion of the schooner , which , being a much smaller vessel than the barque , was much more lively in the sea-way . This gave the _ Aurora _ another advantage over the schooner , as was at once apparent when Ritson recommenced his gun-practice ; his first shot passing through the schooner 's topsail in close proximity to the mast . The firing soon became pretty animated on both sides , the _ Aurora _ having , however , a decided advantage over her antagonist both in rapidity and precision of fire .