"Aye, aye, sir."
"Turn out the seven-inch starboard gun crews. Order them to take their stations and stand ready with six rounds of solid shot."
"Aye, aye, sir."
The orders were quickly transmitted to the gun crews by the mate. The men went to their stations on a run. This was an opportunity that delighted the hearts of every jackie on board. It was something more than the ordinary target practice. It was, in reality, battle practice. Ammunition was quickly hoisted to the seven-inch gun turret, and, taking a wide circle, the ship began swinging back toward the spot where the "Oriole" had last been seen. The searchlights were playing over the mountainous seas in search of her.
"There she is, four points off the starboard bow, sir," shouted a lookout.
"What is the range, Mr. Coates?" asked the captain.
"About four thousand yards."
"Better make it three."
The outlines of the schooner could be faintly made out by focusing the searchlight upon her.
"Within the range, sir."