Still there was nothing chilling or repulsive in the temperature of the air, which was charged with the freshness of the sea, and was bracing and animating, bringing with it the flavour that a seaman loves.

After fully fifteen minutes' severe tugging at the oars, the barge drew near enough to permit the black mass of the Caesar to be seen.

For some time, Lord Geoffrey, who had seated himself at the tiller,--yoke-lines were not used a century since,--steered by the top-light of the rear-admiral; but now the maze of hamper was seen waving slowly to and fro in the lurid heavens, and the huge hull became visible, heaving and setting, as if the ocean groaned with the labour of lifting such a pile of wood and iron.

A light gleamed from the cabin-windows, and ever and anon, one glanced athwart an open gun-room port.

In all other respects, the ship presented but one hue of blackness.