But it was a very pleasant floating prison all the same, I could not help thinking, as we gradually got farther out from the land, over which the sun was sinking fast, and lighting up the mountain-tops with gold, while the valleys rapidly grew dark.  Every one on the clean white deck was full of eager excitement, and the look-out most thoroughly on the _qui vive_.  For the news that we were going up northward in search of some piratical junks sent a thrill through every breast.  It meant work, the showing that we were doing some good on the China station, and possibly prize-money, perhaps promotion for some on board, though of course not for us.