"I believe in humanity in war; but I do not see where it comes in just now, except in a very general way," replied the captain.
"If the Dornoch cripples you, and then takes her own time to knock the Chateaugay to pieces, it will amount to the sacrifice of many lives," suggested the unattached officer.
"I should be very glad to have your opinion, Mr. Passford," added the commander.
"I certainly do not desire to thrust my opinion upon you, Captain Chantor; but as you have asked for it, I will express myself freely."
"Thank you, Mr. Passford."
"I should adopt the tactics of Commodore Dupont at Port Royal."
"In other words, you would keep sailing around the Dornoch."
"Precisely so. I would not give him a shot till I was out of the reach of his broadside guns."
"And then pound her with the midship gun. That is my idea exactly. Quartermaster, strike one bell."
"One bell, sir."