be easier than to keep in sight of each other, in such fine
weather; and by these means we shall spread a wide clew,--quite a
hundred miles,--and command the whole of the channel. As soon as
Monsieur de Vervillin is made, the fleet can close, when we will be
governed by circumstances Should we see nothing of the French, by the
time we make their coast, we may be certain they have gone up channel;
and then, a signal from the van can reverse the order of sailing, and we
will chase to the eastward, closing to a line abreast as fast as
possible."

"All this is very well, certainly; and by means of the frigates and
smaller cruisers we can easily sweep a hundred and fifty miles of
ocean;--nevertheless, the fleet will be much scattered."

"You do not think there will be any danger of the French's engaging the
van, before the rear can close to aid it?" asked Sir Gervaise, with
interest, for he had the profoundest respect for his friend's
professional opinions. "I intended to lead out in the Plantagenet,
myself, and to have five or six of the fastest ships next to me, with a
view that we might keep off, until you could bring up the rear. If they
chase, you know we can retire."

"Beyond a doubt, if Sir Gervaise Oakes can make up his mind to _retire_,
before any Frenchman who was ever born," returned Bluewater, laughing.
"All this sounds well; but, in the event of a meeting, I should expect
to find you, with the whole van dismasted, fighting your hulks like
bull-dogs, and keeping the Count at bay, leaving the glory of covering
your retreat to me."

"No--no--Dick: I'll give you my honour I'll do nothing so boyish and
silly. I'm a different man at fifty-five, from what I was at
twenty-five. You may be certain that I will run, until I think myself
strong enough to fight."

"Will you allow me to make a suggestion, Admiral Oakes; and this with
all the frankness that ought to characterize our ancient friendship?"

Sir Gervaise stopped short in his walk, looked Bluewater steadily in the
face, and nodded his head.

"I understand by the expression of your countenance," continued the
other, "that I am expected to speak. I had no more to say, than to make
the simple suggestion that your plan would be most likely to be
executed, were I to lead the van, and were _you_ to bring up the rear."

"The devil you do!--This comes as near mutiny--or _scandalum
magnatum_--as one can wish! And why do you suppose that the plan of the
commander-