The second lieutenant, in charge of the deck, suggested to the captain that the whistle should be blown; but Christy answered very emphatically that no whistles were to be blown; though he ordered the lookouts to be doubled, and the steamer to proceed at half speed.
In the middle of the second dog watch, in charge of Mr.Baskirk, the lookout on the topsail yard made himself heard, and the others aloft repeated the call.
"Sail on the starboard bow, sir!" said the first lookout from the yard, hailing the bridge.
Captain Passford heard the hail from aloft, for he was planking the deck with the first lieutenant.

Both of them rushed forward at a pace rather undignified for a commander.
"Silence, aloft!" shouted the captain.

"We have made her out.

Mr.Flint, you will take the deck, and call all hands without any unnecessary noise." This order was given to Giblock, the boatswain, and in a minute or two every man on board was in his station.

The first lieutenant remained on the bridge, but the second took his place in the waist, and the third forward, though this arrangement of the officers was not sanctioned by ancient usage.