She was coming down steadily; and if the two vessels continued on their present courses they would pass each other within gun-shot distance in a few hours, a thing not to be permitted under any circumstances, if it could be avoided.

He continued his inspection a moment longer, and then closing the glass, descended to the deck with all speed by sliding down the back-stay.
"Forward, there!" he shouted.

"Call the other watch, and be quick about it! Philip, step below and ask Mr.Talbot to come on deck at once.

Bentley, that seems to be a frigate or a heavy sloop going free; she will be down on us in a few hours if we don't change our course.
Take a look at her, man," he said, handing him the glass, "and let me know what you think of her." While the men were coming on deck, Bentley leaped into the mizzen rigging and ran up the shrouds with an agility surprising in one of his gigantic figure and advanced age.

After a rapid survey he came down swiftly.