I believe there is no three-decker in that squadron ?" "There you've made a small mistake, Sir Gervaise, as the Comte de Vervillin had his flag in the largest three-decker of France; _le Bourbon_ 120.

The rest of his ships are like our own, though much fuller manned." "Never mind, Blue--never mind:--we'll put two on the Bourbon, and try to make our frigates of use.

Besides, you have a knack at keeping the fleet so compact, that it is nearly a single battery." "May I venture to ask, then, if it's your intention to go out, should the news by the Active prove to be what you anticipate ?" Sir Gervaise cast a quick, distrustful glance at the other, anxious to read the motive for the question, at the same time that he did not wish to betray his own feelings; then he appeared to meditate on the answer.
"It is not quite agreeable to lie here, chafing our cables, with a French squadron roving the channel," he said; "but I rather think it's my duty to wait for orders from the Admiralty, under present circumstances." "Do you expect my lords will send you through the Straits of Dover, to blockade the Frith ?" "If they do, Bluewater, I shall hope for your company.

I trust, a night's rest has given you different views of what ought to be a seaman's duty, when his country is at open war with her ancient and most powerful enemies." "It is the prerogative of the _crown_ to declare war, Oakes.

No one but a _lawful_ sovereign can make a _lawful_ war." "Ay, here come your cursed distinctions about _de jure_ and _de facto_, again.