s in the watch on deck, stationed
near the man at the helm. Now he glanced his eyes aloft to ascertain
that the sails drew properly, now at the binnacle to see that the proper
course was kept; then he took a look on either side round the horizon.

Ralph had turned his eyes to the south-east, when he observed a vivid
flash. It looked like lightning. Another and another flash followed in
quick succession. He made his report to the officer of the watch. The
flashes continued. There could be no doubt about the matter, an action
was taking place. A midshipman was sent to inform the captain. As soon
as he came on deck all hands were called and the yards braced up, a
course was steered which would carry the frigate to windward of the
combatants. There could be no doubt one of them was English and if the
smaller of the two, the appearance of the _Falcon_ would probably turn
the tables. In the meantime the drums beat to quarters and the usual
preparations were rapidly made for battle. Till near enough for the
night-signals to be distinguished it was important that their approach
should not be discovered, as it was as likely to discourage a friend as
to overawe a foe, or what was of more consequence, might induce a foe to
try and escape. All lights on board were therefore carefully shaded as
the frigate stood on towards the combatants. Suddenly the flashes
ceased: still, as the bearing of the strangers had been taken, there
would be no difficulty in discovering them. The crew of the _Falcon_
waited in vain for a renewal of the flashes. The fight was over. Which
was the victor was the question. Ralph heard the subject discussed by
the officers on the quarter-deck. They expressed their fears that there
would be no fighting.

"An English ship would not have given in so soon," observed the first
lieutenant.

"Not unless she is the smallest," answered the purser, who was addicted
to croaking.

"Then we shall have the satisfaction of retaking her and thrashing her
captor into the bargain," said Mr Handsel.

"But what if her captor is bigger than we are?" asked the purser.

"Thrash him notwithstanding," said the first lieutenant, laughing.

"It is possible that more than two vessels were engaged," remarked the
captain. "We shall know, however, before long. Have the night-signals
ready, Mr Handsel. We must take care not to fire into a friend."

The excitement on board increased as the frigate, moving at the r