The line of Chinese junks continued to spread across the channel.
From the bridge of the Napoleon I, Admiral Maisonneuve watched them through his telescope without speaking. The vessels were small compared to the French warships, but they were numerous enough to crowd the passage. Some were armed river craft with light cannon mounted at the bow. Others were little more than hastily gathered local patrol ships, their sails half-raised and their oars pulling hard to close the gaps between them.
They were trying to form a wall.
Behind Maisonneuve, the great battleship had finished weighing anchor. The heavy chain had disappeared into the hawsepipe, and the ship now lay under engine power alone, a low mechanical vibration running through her armored hull.
His first officer stepped beside him.
"They are holding position, Admiral."
"I can see that."
The officer glanced toward the line of junks again.
"Do you still want a warning first?"
Maisonneuve lowered the telescope.
"Yes."
