"What number?"
The man was silent for a moment, then answered:
"Thirty-six sail, all merchant-built, and an escort."
"What is she like?"
"A frigate, of about thirty guns."
CHAPTER XIV.
THE GALLEYS AND THE FRIGATE.
I.—The Frigate.
The Merry Maid had left the Texel by the narrow gut called De Witt's Diep, with her convoy following in line and in admirable order. The breeze was fair for England. A full round moon rose over the sandbanks behind them as Captain Barker sent the pilots ashore and stood easily out to sea, for the most of his merchant-ships were sluggish sailers, and not a few overladen. So clear was the night that, as he paced the quarter-deck with the dew falling steadily around him, he could not only count their thirty-six lanterns, but even discern their piled canvas glimmering as they stole like ghosts in his wake.