fect order, the sailing ships taking the port line, the iron-clads
the starboard. The _Stella_, having stood back to Spithead, saw them
approaching, presenting a magnificent spectacle as they gradually
emerged from the broad wreaths of smoke issuing from their funnels.

"Gaze at yonder sight, ladies and gentlemen; it will probably be the
last time you will see the ancient and modern fleets of Great Britain
placed in juxtaposition. All those magnificent three-deckers will be
cut down into turret-ships, as the _Royal Sovereign_ has been treated,
or be broken up as useless, unable to contend with the smallest gun-boat
afloat." Jack heaved a deep sigh as he spoke, adding, "I cannot help
wishing at times that things had remained as they were, and that
smoke-jacks and iron-clads, and rams and torpedoes, and other diabolical
inventions had never been thought of; but we must take them as they are
and make the best use of them in our power. In the next naval war,
whenever it takes place, there will be some extraordinary naval events
to be recorded. Instead of stately ships and light frigates, with their
white canvas reaching to the skies, the ocean will be covered with low
black monsters, darting here and there seeking for antagonists, others
ramming, and some sending their vile torpedoes beneath an enemy's keel;
others thundering away from their monster guns; not a few blowing up and
foundering with all hands on board."

"You do not draw a pleasant picture of the battles of the future,"
observed Adair, laughing. "My idea is that if the British fleet is kept
up as it should be, no enemy will venture out to attack it."

A strong south-westerly gale kept the _Stella_ in Cowes harbour for some
days, but the weather again clearing, and promising to continue fine,
she sailed with a northerly breeze down Channel. By this time the
ladies had got so well accustomed to the yacht that they felt themselves
perfectly at home. Murray had a good supply of books, and a box from
Mudie's was added to the store, with creature comforts of all sorts on
board.

"After all, though we are somewhat closer packed than we should be on
board a line-of-battle ship, I must say that yachting is a mighty
pleasant way of spending the time," exclaimed Adair.

"Lucy, I suspect, will be well content if you are satisfied with
indulging your nautical propensities in this way, instead of going
afloat for three or four long years," observed Julia.

"It'