The effect of all this, as seen from the height, was exceedingly striking.

As yet not a single hull had become visible, the fog remaining packed upon the water, in a way to conceal even the lower yards of the two-deckers.

All above was bright, distinct, and so near, as almost to render it possible to distinguish persons.

There every thing was vivid, while a sort of supernatural mystery veiled all beneath.

Each ship had an officer aloft to look out for signals, and no sooner had the Caesar opened her three little flags, which had long been suspended in black balls, in readiness for this service, than the answers were seen floating at the mast-head of each of the vessels.