instruction of the two sub-lieutenants they were
making rapid progress in navigation; they could fix their position by
the use of a sextant, were able to use the semaphore, and, generally,
competent to carry out the duties required as midshipmen of the watch.

Captain Syllenger had long before overcome his prejudices against the
sons of Flag Officers--at least in their case--and even expressed his
willingness to grant them each a certificate of proficiency, should
they wish to transfer to one of the cruisers of the Royal Navy.

At length the _Capella_ received orders for recall to her station off
Beachy Head. She was to put into Havre to revictual that day, leaving
at 9 a.m. on the morrow.

The lads were heartily glad when the _Capella_ left the malodorous
_bassin a flotte_. The irksomeness of lying in the harbour at Le Havre
palled upon them, even after a few hours. They yearned for the open
sea almost from the time their ship made fast alongside the grimy quay.

Forty minutes after leaving French waters, the _Capella_ sighted a
large cargo-boat steaming northwards. She was high in ballast and
rolling like a barrel. On bringing glasses to bear upon her, the
_Capella's_ officers found that she was the _Orontabella_, one of the
vessels chartered by the British Government and fitted as a
horse-transport ship. She was doing 16 knots to the _Capella's_ 34,
and when first sighted was nearly five miles off.

Suddenly a low rumble was heard by the crew of the patrol-vessel.
Telescopes and binoculars that had just been laid aside were again
brought into action, and it was seen that the transport was sinking
rapidly by the stern. She had been torpedoed under the starboard
quarter. The terrific impact of the explosion had torn a large hole,
besides shattering the rudder and one of the propellers, while all her
boats in davits were rendered useless by the concussion.

It was a matter of but a few moments before she made her final plunge.
Already signals were fluttering from her stumpy masts--the well-known
N.C. (in distress; want immediate assistance) and A.R. (boats are stove
in).

Captain Syllenger gave a quick glance astern. There were other
vessels, but low down on the horizon. To expect succour from them was
for the present out of the question. He had a double task: to attempt
to destroy the aggressor, and to rescue the transport's crew.

"Prepare to lower boats!" he shouted. "A midshipman and a couple of