“Well, lads, the Britishers have shown themselves at last!” he cried, when we came up. “I felt in my bones last night that the time was nigh at hand when we might show the king’s men they had no right on these ’ere waters; but never counted on their comin’ to the scratch so early. We’ve got plenty of time to give them a sound drubbin’, ’twixt now an’ sunset.” “There’s time enough,” Alec said, speaking carelessly, as if used to such work; “but how are we to get at them? There isn’t weight enough in this wind to move the brig, save at a snail’s pace.” “I’m allowin’ that the commodore will find a way to give us the chance we want. Look at him now! If yonder fleet gets off without our havin’ a fair show at ’em, it’ll break his heart!” “All that I agree to; but even my brother can’t command the wind.” “He can do what will amount to the same thing, lad, and before nightfall you won’t complain because we didn’t burn our powder in proper fashion. Two or three boats’ crews ahead with a tow-line will make this old hooker walk through the water as if the girls at home had hold of her.” “Do you fancy the Britishers will stand still while we’re towing our fleet into position?” Alec asked with a laugh. “Ay, lad; unless they’re willin’ to show the white feather in face of a weaker force. There’s nothin’ save the power of Him who rules all things, that can prevent a battle this day, so set to work an’ get this ’ere piece into proper trim, for once we’re lyin’ yard-arm to yard-arm with Barclay’s flag-ship there won’t be much chance for cleanin’ up.” I noted with no little surprise that all the men around me were eager for the coming battle. There were no loud boasts, but on every countenance could be read a desire to stand face to face with the enemy, and nowhere did I see any show of fear. The men did not jest as was their wont; there was no shuffling around lazily, but each was on the alert, eager to do his full duty, and seemingly anxious lest something should be left undone that otherwise might work to give us the victory. And that we would win the battle I believe every one was confident, although equally positive that much blood must be shed before the end was attained. The bravest or the most cowardly knew beyond a peradventure that e’er the day was come to an end many of them would be still in death, or suffering from horrible wounds, but yet all wore a smile of content. It was enough that the British commodore had at last given them the opportunity of proving their metal. While the bustle of the final preparations could be heard on every hand, the crews were piped to breakfast under orders from our commodore himself, for Oliver Perry was one who looked well after the comfort or well-being of every man in his command, however much he might abuse his own body.