A flash of light." They strained their eyes to pierce through the obscurity.
"Best saw something like it before dinner.

There must be thunder in the air." At that instant a thin streak of light shot up and then sank again.
There was no mistaking it this time, and a simultaneous exclamation burst from all on deck.

From out the gloom which hung over the horizon rose a column of flame that lighted up the night for an instant, and then sunk, leaving a dull red spark upon the water.
"It's a ship on fire," cried Frere..