Page:Robert William Cole - The Struggle for Empire; A Story of the Year 2236 (1900).djvu/69

Rh towered the largest vessels, which had as many as seven or eight decks, and carried over guns. The river Thames wound its way down the middle of the fleet, and huge flexible pipes ran from it to many of the vessels which were still engaged in taking in water. Flags were waving from every mast, while numberless flat-shaped tenders were conveying officers and crews to their respective ships. The ground was covered with spectators, and the air round the outskirts of the fleet was thick with air-vessels which had come to watch the departure of the fleet. But as the time fixed for the departure drew near, order began to be evolved out of disorder. The Admiral-in-Chief arrived, accompanied by a crowd of officers, scientists, and professors who were going to travel with him in the flag-ship.

One hour more before they started. Lieutenant Alec Brandon stood on the ground close to the Lightning talking to Flora Houghton, whose tear-stained eyes and