177 to inquire after their absent husbands. Each wife was told all the governor knew, and this short intercourse relieved the minds of a great many. At eight, the Anne sailed again, and at ten she had the Needle in sight, with three boats off it, on the look-out. Here, then, were tidings at last; but, the impatience of the governor was restrained, in order to make out the character of a sail that had been seen coming down through the straits, under a cloud of canvas. In a short time, this ves sel was made out to be the Abraham, and the Anne hauled up to get her news. The two schooners spoke each other about twelve o clock, but the Abraham had no intelligence to impart. She had been sent, or rather carried by Bige- low, out by the eastern passage, and had stood along the whole of the weather-side of the group, to give notice to the whalers where to go ; and she had notified the two brigs to go in to-windward, and to remain in Weather Bay, where all the rest of the dull crafts had been taken for safety ; and then had come to-leeward to look for the go vernor. As the Abraham was barely a respectable sailer, it was not deemed prudent to take her too near the strangers ; but, she might see how matters were situated to the east ward. By keeping on the weather-coast, and so near the land as not to be cut off from it, she would be of particular service ; since no enemy could approach in that quarter, without being seen ; and Bigelow s familiarity with the channels would enable him, not only to save his schooner by running in, but would put it in his power to give notice throughout the whole group, of the position and apparent intentions of the strangers. The Abraham, accordingly, hauled by the wind, to beat back to her station, while the Anne kept off for the Needle. At the rendezvous, the governor found most of his craft waiting for him. The Neshamony was still behind ; but all the rest had executed their orders, and were standing off and on, near the cape, ready to report. Nothing had been seen of the strangers ! It was certain they had not approached the group, for two of the boats had just come out of it, having left the colonists busy with the prepara tions for defence, but totally undisturbed in other respects. This information gave the governor increased uneasiness.
