owing morning that we reached the track of ocean-bound ships; but
our voyage was altogether in favour of Black, for the sun had scarce
risen when Doctor Osbart got me from my bed to see what he called my
first introduction to business.

"There's the Red Cross Line's _Bellonic_ not a mile off on the
starboard quarter," cried he exultingly, "and we're going to clear her.
Come out, man, and get the finest breakfast you ever tasted."

I dressed anyhow, almost as excited as he was, and stepped on to the
gallery, to see a rolling waste of dull-green breakers, and a sky
washed with broken thunder-clouds, through which the risen sun was
struggling. The wind was keen from the south, and drove a fine rain,
which lashed the face as with a whip; while much spray broke upon us
and there was moaning of the cowls and the shrouds, and many signs of
more wind to come. These atmospheric difficulties troubled no one,
however, for all eyes were turned to the north, where, now almost
abreast of us, at a distance of half a mile or less, there was the long
and magnificent hull of the great liner. She was then in the full
sunlight, a fine spectacle; and I could see her bare decks, trodden
only by the watch, while a solitary officer paced the bridge. The
contrast between her sleepy inactivity and our keen alertness was very
marked, for all hands trod our decks, and there was a restlessness and
an evident ferocity amongst the little group upon the bridge which
marked a purpose brooking no delay.

I had begun to ask myself when the work would be done, for the liner
went at a tremendous pace and was rapidly leaving us, when I got my
answer with the crash of the great gun forward, and the sight of a
shell ploughing the sea fifty yards ahead of the _Bellonic_. The cries
of "Well shot, Swearing Dick!" had not died away before the effect of
the call was seen upon the great vessel, whose decks were soon dotted
with black objects, while three more men appeared on the bridge, and
the signal flags ran up, and were answered by us. "Four-Eyes" was at
our mast, and interpreted the message to Black, who followed all that
was done without betrayal of emotion, but only with the savage
anticipation of the predatory instinct.

"Signal to 'em to lie to, if they don't want to go to hell," he said
between his teeth, and "Four-Eyes" answered:

"Ay, ay, sorr"; then, as the signal came, "He sez uz he'll say us at
blazes afore he bates a knot."

"Give it him for'