ten minutes to
noon
exclaimed Will , as Sam brought him out on deck , as he said , to show him the enemy whom he would one day learn to thrash . Will took the child in his arms , and he gave a glance of affection ; then , giving little Billy back to Sam , he urged him not to delay too long in taking him below , and sprang aloft to his post in the top , to be ready to make any alterations that might be required in the sails while the ship was going into action . Some hours from sunrise passed away , during which time the fleet was slowly approaching the reluctant enemy . It wanted but ten minutes to noon , when the signal flew out from the masthead of the Admiral for the fleet to bear down on the French , each ship to steer for and closely engage the one nearest to her in the enemy 's line . The order was received with a hearty huzza . It was promptly and exactly obeyed . Still , from the lightness of the wind , it was nearly one before the engagement became general .