My signal-officer is lying under yonder cover, wrapped in his cloak, and two quarter-masters are in readiness to make the very signal in question; for its necessity has been foreseen, and really would seem to be approaching.

If done at all, it must be done quickly, too.

The light of the York grows dim in the distance.

It _shall_ be done, sir; prudence requires it, and you shall see the manner in which we hold our distant ships in command." Bluewater could not have announced more agreeable intelligence to his companion.

Sir Reginald was afraid to propose the open treason he meditated; but he fancied, if the rear-admiral could fairly withdraw his own division from the fleet, it would at once weaken the vice-admiral so much, as to render an engagement with the French impossible, and might lead to such a separation of the commands as to render the final defection of the division inshore easier of accomplishment.