joking
with each other, and the occupation seemed to afford amusement to all
employed.

Suddenly there came a shout from the look-out at the masthead of "Five
sail in sight."

"Where away?" asked Lieutenant Saltwell, who was on deck superintending
the operations going forward.

"Dead to leeward, sir," was the answer.

The wind was at the time blowing from the north-west, and the frigate
was standing close hauled, on the starboard tack, to the westward.

The mate of the watch instantly went aloft, with his spy-glass hung at
his back, to take a look at the strangers, while a midshipman was sent
to inform Captain Waring, who, before many minutes had elapsed, made his
appearance, having hurriedly slipped into his clothes.

On receiving the report of the young officer, who had returned on deck,
he immediately ordered the helm to be put up, and the ship to be kept
away in the direction of the strangers.

In a short time it was seen that most of them were large ships; one of
them very considerably larger than the _Foxhound_.

The business of washing down the decks had been quickly concluded, and
the crew were sent to their breakfasts.

Many remarks of various sorts were made by the men. Some thought that
the captain would never dream of engaging so superior a force; while
others, who knew him well, declared that whatever the odds, he would
fight.

As yet no order had been received to beat to quarters, and many were of
opinion that the captain would only stand on near enough to ascertain
the character of the strangers, and then, should they prove enemies,
make all sail away from them.

Still the frigate stood on, and Bill, who was near one of the officers
who had a glass in his hand, heard him observe that one was a
line-of-battle ship, two at least were frigates, while another was a
corvette, and the fifth a large brig-of-war.

These were formidable odds, but still their plucky captain showed no
inclination to escape from them, but, on the contrary, seemed as if he
had made up his mind to bring them to action.

The question was ere long decided. The drum beat to quarters, the men
went to their guns, powder and shot were handed up from below, giving
ample occupation to the powder-monkeys, and the ship was headed towards
the nearest of the strangers. She was still some distance off when the
crew were summoned aft to hear what the captain had to say to them.

"My lads!" he said, "some of you have fought unde