tire field at one sweep. Sight at a point near
the ship, say at a distance of a quarter of a mile; then slowly raise
the glasses so that your view grows more and more distant and finally
the focal point reaches the horizon. Then turn a point to the right or
to the left, and bring down the forward end of the glasses until the
view is again concentrated on the point nearest the ship."

"That is something like making observations on a flying machine,"
replied Alfred, "only in that case the glass is held stationary, as the
machine moves along, and in that way objects can be seen much better
than by sweeping it around continuously. We learned that from Lieutenant
Guyon."

"Quite true; I see you are well qualified to observe. But to continue:
after you have thus made the first observation as I have explained, the
glasses should be held horizontally to take in the view at the horizon,
and then swept around at that angle to the right or to the left,
depressing it at each swing. That is called sweeping the sea."

"I know two men who have glasses," said Ralph. "Shall I get them?"

"Yes, if you can; this is the kind of service which is appreciated,"
said the captain.

Ralph sprang down the ladder, and ran along the deck. He was absent for
some time, but soon appeared with two men.

"Come on," said Ralph, as he ascended the ladder. The men hesitated for
a moment, and followed, as an officer appeared and invited them to come
up.

CHAPTER II

THE TORPEDOED SHIP

During the next hour or more every field glass on board ship was put
into use, and many were the weary arms that used them until the luncheon
hour arrived at one o'clock. The captain, knowing how trying the
constant watching must be to civilians who are not used to this work,
appointed two watches, so they might relieve each other every hour.

The boys went to the dining room, and as Mr. Elton and his family sat at
the captain's table, the latter took occasion during the meal to refer
to Ralph and Alfred's services on the bridge in commendatory terms,
which was greatly appreciated by their parents.

"I am curious to know," said Ralph, "what the officer meant when he said
'two points to starboard.'"

"That is explained in this way," replied the captain. "The compass is
divided into thirty-two points, or eight points in each quadrant."

"I remember you spoke about a quadrant when we were on the bridge. What
is a quadrant?" asked Alfred.

"I should have