We did not venture aloft, but we looked out eagerly ahead to discover the vessel of which it was clear the pirates were in chase.  First royals, then top-gallant-sails, and topsails slowly rose above the horizon.  At last her courses appeared, and we could see the whole of her hull.  She was a large barque, and there could be little doubt that the pirates were right in supposing her to be a merchantman.  We had just done breakfast when she was first seen; it was almost sunset by the time her hull was completely seen.