On this particular day it was about noon when the lookout reported a sail hull down on our starboard bow.  In less than an hour she had apparently sighted us, for she altered her course so as to make straight for us.  Now this was an unusual occurrence, as the stranger must either be a hostile craft or else a ship in distress and wishing to communicate.  Her speed was too great to justify the assumption that she was requiring assistance, so all hands were piped to quarters.  After months of inaction the prospect of a fight acted like magic.