There was a sudden bustle upon the deck forward.
"Sail ho! Light ho! Light ho!" rang out from a dozen rough throats.
"Where away?" said the officer of the watch.
"Off the starboard quarter," was the reply,--"there, coming up from Flamborough Head."
"They will be the Bon Homme Richard and the rest of that scoundrelly pirate squadron, Captain Pearson. I saw them off Bridlington Bay this afternoon," said the admiral.
"We will go out and meet them at once, with your permission, my Lord," cried the captain, enthusiastically. "All hands up anchor! Mr. Pascoe, show the signal for the Scarborough to get under way. Lively! we have him now, men! This is our chance at last! There's prize money and honor for you by yonder lights!"
With wild cheers the eager crew broke for their stations. The capstan bars were shipped and manned, and the clanking pawls clicked merrily as the men heaved away as lustily as a crew homeward bound from a foreign station.
"Good luck to you, Captain Pearson," said the admiral, turning away. "Bring him back a prisoner or sink him, and I will pledge you my word your king's sword shall be laid upon your shoulders. Would that I were younger and might go with you! but my duties, as well, prevent me. Good-bye."
"Sir--my Lord--my father!" said Coventry, who had stood unnoticed in the excitement of the moment.
"Do I see you still here, sir?" answered the admiral, coldly.