"'Never, sir.'
"'Would you like to see one?'
"'Why, captain, to say the truth, there are other things I should better like to see.'
"'I am sorry for it; for it you wished to see one, a real good one, your wish would soon be gratified.'
"'What! captain,' cried I, feeling myself grow pale; 'you do not mean to say we are going to have a naval combat? Ha, ha! I see you are joking, captain.'
"'Joking, eh? Look yonder. What do you see?'
"'I see three very fine vessels.'
"'Count again.'
"'I see more. Four, five, there are six of them.'
"'Can you distinguish what there is on the flag of the nearest one? Here, take the glass.'