The heads of the two ships were standing in towards each other, there was no wind to speak of, but every hour lessened the distance that separated the antagonists.

“Pilot,” said the captain, addressing Willis, “be kind enough to let me know what you think of that craft.”

“I think,” said Willis, taking the telescope, “I have had my eyes on her before.  Aye, aye, just as I thought.  An old tub of a Spaniard converted into an English cruiser, and commanded by Commodore Truncheon, I shouldn’t wonder.  She has caught a Tartar this time, however.  Nothing of a sailer.  If a breeze springs up, you may easily give her the slip, if you like, captain.”

“Give her the slip!  No, not if I can help it.  My cruise hitherto has not been very successful, and I must send her into New York as a prize.  Mr. Brill,” added he, addressing the officer next in command, “prepare for action.”

In an instant all was commotion and bustle on deck.  Half an hour after, the captain, now in full uniform, took a hasty glance at the position of his crew.  A portion of the men were stationed at the guns, with lighted matches.  Others were engaged in heating shot, and preparing other instruments of destruction.  Jack and Fritz, armed with muskets, were ready to act as sharp-shooters as soon as the enemy came within range, and Willis was standing beside them, with his hands in his pockets, quietly smoking his pipe.

“What, Pilot!” exclaimed the captain in passing, “don’t you intend to take part in the skirmish?”

“I am much your debtor, captain, but I cannot do that.”

“And these young men?”

“They are not Englishmen, and your kindness to them entitles you to claim their assistance.  I am sorry that honor and duty prevent me giving you mine.”

“No matter, captain,” said Fritz, “my brother and myself will do duty for three.”

“Then, Pilot, you had better go below.”

“With your permission, captain, I would rather stay and look on.”

“But what is the use of exposing yourself here?”

“It is an idea of mine, captain.  But I shall remain perfectly neutral during the engagement.”

“As you like then, Pilot, as you like,” said the captain, as he resumed his place on the quarter-deck.

At this moment a cannon ball whistled through the air.

“Good,” said Willis; “the commodore gives the signal.”

“That shot,” observed Jack, “passed at no great distance from your head, Willis.  You had better take a musket in self-defence.  Besides, that ship is English, and you are a Scotchman.”

“The ship is a Spaniard by birth,” replied Willis, “and it is pretty well time it was converted into firewood, for the matter of that.  But it is the flag, my boy—­that is neither Spanish nor English.”

“What is it, then?” inquired Fritz.

“It is the union-jack, Master Fritz.  It is the ensign of Scotland, England, and Ireland united under one bonnet; and as such, it is as sacred in my eyes as if it bore the cross of St. Andrew.”