_A Surprise for the Juno_ The Ranger, a new and swift-sailing ship, and going free also, rapidly edged down upon the slow moving convoy on the wind.

The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.

All of the convoy showed lights.

The Ranger, on the contrary, was as dark as the night, not even the battle lanterns being lighted.