"They _must_ see this head-land and flag-staff, Mr.Wychecombe; and there can be no danger of their standing in too far!" "I should think not, sir; certainly the men aloft can see the cliffs above the fog, as we see the vessels' spars.

Ha! Mr.Dutton, there is a rear-admiral's flag flying on board the ship farthest to the eastward." "So I see, sir; and by looking at the third vessel on the western side of the line, you will find a bit of square bunting at the fore, which will tell you there is a vice-admiral beneath it." "Quite true!" exclaimed Wychecombe, who was ever enthusiastic on matters relating to his profession; "a vice-admiral of the red, too; which is the next step to being a full admiral.

This must be the fleet of Sir Digby Downes!" "No, young gentleman," returned the stranger, who perceived by the glance of the other's eye, that a question was indirectly put to himself; "it is the southern squadron; and the vice-admiral's flag you see, belongs to Sir Gervaise Oakes.

Admiral Bluewater is on board the ship that carries a flag at the mizzen." "Those two officers always go together, Sir Wycherly," added the young man.

"Whenever we hear the name of Sir Gervaise, that of Bluewater is certain to accompany it.