Seizing a glass and springing to his feet, he hastened on deck.
"Well, Mr.Wilton," he said to that young officer, proud of his responsibilities, "you keep a good lookout.

Where away is the sail reported ?" "Broad off the weather bow, sir, due north of us.

You can't see her from the deck yet," replied Wilton, flushing with pride at the compliment.
Seymour sprang into the main rigging, and rapidly ascended to the crosstrees, glass in hand.

There he speedily made out the topgallantsails of a large ship, having the wind on the quarter apparently, and slowly coming into view.

He subjected her to a long and careful scrutiny, during which the heads of her topsails rose, confirming his first idea that she was a ship-of-war, and if so, without doubt, one of the enemy.