This course brought the wind about three points abaft the starboard beam; it was consequently a leading wind, therefore, the business being pressing, we not only showed all plain sail, to our topgallantsails, but also set topmast and lower studdingsails to windward, the yards being braced slightly forward.  This was a heavy press of canvas to pile upon the ship, with the wind where it was, and so heavy a sea running, but the Captain evidently considered--as, indeed, did we all--that the circumstances justified a certain measure of recklessness, for we had all observed that the _Masulipatam_ was, at all events when going free, almost as fast a ship as the _Belle Marie_; and haste was necessary if we would overtake her before she reached her port.