There is an undefinable feeling of relief, almost of joy, when the regular throbbing of the engines begins and the ship rolls and heaves to the swell.
The spirits of the men rise; smiles lighten up their faces, and snatches of song can be heard as they work coiling down lines, lashing movables, and preparing the vessel for the rough-and-tumble conflict with the sea.
As the sun sank, the waves rose.

By the time the first night watch went on duty, the old steamer was tossing like a chip.
The guns' crews of the watch on deck were ordered to sleep by their posts, and all was in readiness for instant action.
At eleven o'clock we were roused by the call for "general quarters," and in a minute, all hands were in their places.

We looked vainly, at first, for the cause of this commotion, but finally made out off our port bow the dim outlines of a steamer.
It was only when our ship was on the top of the roll that we could make out our chase at all--nothing but a wall of water could be seen when we lay in the trough.
"That boat is certainly doing her best to get away," said "Bill." "And, holy smoke! see how she rolls." "She can't trot in our heat," said "Dye." "We're gaining on her every minute." "She's not a warship," said "Long Tommy," who was lucky enough to possess a pair of glasses.

"I wonder if we're going to get a prize at last ?" "You forget the fishing sloops.

'Remember the fish,'" laughed "Hay." The two vessels came nearer and nearer, till finally they were within hailing distance.
"What ship is that ?" called out Captain Brownson, through the megaphone.