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THE BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR
93
AFTER THE BATTLE
they made — twenty-nine sail-of-theline dotting the horizon like silent castles of white.
"Blackwood's scouting frigate was the first to reach us, and, as he — that sturdy watch-dog — climbed our ladder, Nelson greeted him with visible affection.
" 'I am convinced,' he said emphatically, 'that you estimate, as I do, the importance of not letting these rogues escape us without a fair fight, which I pant for by day and dream of by night.'
" 'They will not escape us, my lord; that I vouch for,' Blackwood answered, but he added, wistfully, 'I had hoped to order me to a vacant line-of -battle-ship. '
"The vice-admiral laid his hand upon the captain's shoulder. 'Dear captain,' he said, 'you are, for the moment, the eyes of your country. I rely upon you that we cant miss getting hold of them, and I will give them such a shaking as they never yet experienced ; at least, I will lay down my life in the attempt. '
" 'But, my lord/ Blackwood per
sisted, 'once having scented them, I should needs be in at the death. Save for the lieutenants, there are two vacant ships, and '
" 'A saving clause,' interrupted the admiral. 'No, Blackwood, it is these men's birthright and they shall have it. '
"The sentinel captain soon joined his frigate, and, tho his constant signals kept us ever apprised of the enemy's movements, we were not to see him again until the day of battle.
"On the following morning the Victory was hove to in the midst of the fleet and the captains were summoned on board. One by one their barges boarded us, and these officers, assembled in the ship's cabin, awaited the coming of My Lord Collingwood. At length the taciturn old admiral joined us, and, seated 'round the spacious table, the plan of attack was most carefully gone over.
"When Nelson had finished speaking, a captain exclaimed, 'My God, how simple!' For it was a simple plan, indeed, yet imbued with the Nelson touch of genius.