“On deck there, ahoy!”
“Well, my lad?” cried Archer, whose watch it was on deck.
“A large ship with French colours, on the weather bow.”
“Call up the captain and first lieutenant,” said Archer to a midshipman.
“Mast-head again, ahoy!—what more do you make of her?”
“She looms large, and seems coming down upon us right before the wind.”
Harry and Clark now came upon deck, followed by the old quartermaster, who, rubbing his eyes, exclaimed—
“Why what’s the matter now?”
Archer pointed out the vessel, which was still at a great distance, but evidently nearing them.
“All hands upon deck there!” shouted Harry; “boatswain, pipe up all hands; and do you, Clark, go up aloft and see what you can make of her.”