Mr.
Simpson," he said, turning to the officer of the deck, "let her go off a couple of points." "Ay, ay, sir.

Up with the helm, quartermaster, round in the weather-braces, rise tacks and sheets." The speed of the ship going free was materially increased at once, and in a few moments the lookout once more hailed the deck,-- "I can make her out now, sir." "What is it ?" "A ship, sir, ay, and there is another one with her, and a third.

I can't tell what she is, sir.

The first one looks like a large ship." "Mr.Wallingford, take the glass and go up the crosstrees and see what you make of them, sir," said the captain.
"Very good, sir," replied the lieutenant, springing into the main rigging and rapidly ascending to the crosstrees, glass in hand.
"Gentlemen, we will have a nearer look at these gentry," continued the captain, glancing back at the officers, who had all come up from below, while the men, equally interested, were crowding on the forecastle, and gazing eagerly in the direction of the reported sails, which were not yet visible from the deck.
"On deck, there." "Ay, ay, what is it ?" "I can make out five ships, and two brigs, and a schooner, and some other sails just rising, all close hauled on the port tack.

I think there are more of them, sir, but I can't say yet.