Therewith I set to work upon my somewhat awkward task, in the middle of which some of the merchantmen began firing their signal guns to attract our attention.  The example seemed contagious, for in about five minutes the popping of their 4-pounders was almost continuous, and the smoke became as thick as though a small battle were raging, while ship after ship hoisted the signal for "Enemy in sight!"  At length, after being compelled to begin my work all over again two or three times, I managed to complete my count, making of them one hundred and forty-eight.  This number I reported to the first lieutenant, down on deck.