The French fleet wore soon after, standing about north-east-by-north, on an easy bowline.

We were going six on an easy bowline.

The brig was on an easy bowline, evidently looking up for our wake, edging off gradually as we drew ahead.

"To the westward, sir; on an easy bowline, and under short canvass."

"Fill, sir, and stretch off, on an easy bowline," was the answer; "when a league in the offing, let me know it.