As the vessel drew abreast of the Essex, Jack and Frank, standing together on the bridge, made out the forms of the King and Queen of England on the bridge.
Both lads doffed their caps, and Jack ordered the royal salute fired by the big guns of the destroyer.
The vessel trembled under the detonation and the crew seemed to go wild as they cheered at the top of their voices.
The flagship passed on.
A mile or so to the east, the flagship slowed down and turned into line.
"And that's where I suppose she will remain until after the surrender," said Jack.
The lad was right.