There was a strong breeze from the north-west.  Our course was about south-east.  Mr McRitchie joined us in our walk on deck.  He looked more grave and sad even than before.  He had heard, we concluded, that the pirates were about to commit some fresh act of atrocity.  They expected some fighting, at all events, we soon discovered; for the magazine was opened, powder and shot were got up, and all hands were busily employed in overhauling their arms, giving them an additional cleaning, and loading their pistols.