2 20 THE CALL OF THE SEA 



exertions ; and that, if by the prescribed mode of 

 attack they found it impracticable to get into action 

 immediately, they might adopt whatever they 

 thought best, provided it led them quickly and 

 closely alongside an enemy. As they were stand- 

 ing on the front of the poop, Blackwood took him 

 by the hand, saying, he hoped soon to return and 

 find him in possession of twenty prizes. He re- 

 plied : " God bless you, Blackwood : I shall never 

 see you again." 



Nelson's column was steered about two points 

 more to the north than Collingwood's, in order to 

 cut off the enemy's escape into Cadiz : the lee line, 

 therefore, was first engaged. " See," cried Nelson, 

 pointing to the Royal Sovereign, as she steered 

 right for the centre of the enemy's line, cut 

 through it astern of the Suftia Anna, three-decker, 

 and engaged her at the muzzle of her guns on the 

 starboard side : " see how that noble fellow, 

 Collingwood, carries his ship into action ! " Colling- 

 wood, delighted at being first in the heat of the 

 fire, and knowing the feelings of his commander 

 and old friend, turned to his captain and exclaimed, 

 " Rotherham, what would Nelson give to be here ! " 

 Both these brave officers, perhaps, at this moment 

 thought of Nelson with gratitude, for a circum- 

 stance which had occurred on the preceding day. 

 Admiral Collingwood, with some of the captains, 

 having gone on board the Viciory, to receive in- 



