I will send out the ships in succession, with orders to keep on an easy bowline, until each reaches the chops of the channel, when she is to go about and stand in towards the English coast.

Each succeeding vessel, however, will weigh as soon as her leader is hull down, and keep within signal distance, in order to send intelligence through the whole line.
Nothing will be easier than to keep in sight of each other, in such fine weather; and by these means we shall spread a wide clew,--quite a hundred miles,--and command the whole of the channel.

As soon as Monsieur de Vervillin is made, the fleet can close, when we will be governed by circumstances Should we see nothing of the French, by the time we make their coast, we may be certain they have gone up channel; and then, a signal from the van can reverse the order of sailing, and we will chase to the eastward, closing to a line abreast as fast as possible." "All this is very well, certainly; and by means of the frigates and smaller cruisers we can easily sweep a hundred and fifty miles of ocean;--nevertheless, the fleet will be much scattered." "You do not think there will be any danger of the French's engaging the van, before the rear can close to aid it ?" asked Sir Gervaise, with interest, for he had the profoundest respect for his friend's professional opinions.

"I intended to lead out in the Plantagenet, myself, and to have five or six of the fastest ships next to me, with a view that we might keep off, until you could bring up the rear.

If they chase, you know we can retire." "Beyond a doubt, if Sir Gervaise Oakes can make up his mind to _retire_, before any Frenchman who was ever born," returned Bluewater, laughing.
"All this sounds well; but, in the event of a meeting, I should expect to find you, with the whole van dismasted, fighting your hulks like bull-dogs, and keeping the Count at bay, leaving the glory of covering your retreat to me." "No--no--Dick: I'll give you my honour I'll do nothing so boyish and silly.