noon
`` That will do , '' I replied ; `` you need not report the firing any further , but keep a sharp lookout for another sail . What is the one in sight like ? '' `` I can hardly tell at this distance , sir ; the heads of her royals are only just showing above the horizon , but they do n't appear to be of any great size . '' Some four minutes later a second sail was reported , as I had expected ; the lookout now expressing an opinion that the new-comer was probably a frigate , whilst the smaller craft , the leader in the race , was either a ship-sloop or a brig. My other midshipman , a lad named Boyne , was now on deck , having relieved Marchmont at noon , and this youngster , who had taken the precaution to bring his telescope on deck with him , now started forward and , with the agility of a monkey , soon placed himself alongside the lookout . He immediately raised the telescope to his eye , but we were by this time jumping into a short but lumpy sea , which made the motion aloft very considerable ; moreover , the position was not one very favourable for observation , so he was rather a long time bringing his glass to bear . At length , however , with the assistance of the lookout , he managed to get both craft , one after the other , into his field of vision , and after a good long look he reported : `` We are raising the strangers very fast , sir ; I can see the royals and half-way down the topgallant-sails of both . They are running dead before the wind , with royal studding-sails set on both sides ; the leading ship is a brig , apparently British , and the one in chase seems to be a frigate . ''