Originally designed as unarmed dispatch ships, they were redesignated as fleet scouts while under construction and fitted with four 5-inch guns, four quick-firing 6-pounders,[note 1] and two machine guns.

Powered by two 2-cylinder compound steam engines they were capable of 18 knots, and had a crew of 93.

[1] The ship was laid down on 14 February 1884, launched on 17 January 1885, and completed in June 1885.

After her sister ship was sold in 1913, she was renamed Alacrity, and served during World War I.

[3] She saw action during the Boxer Rebellion, taking part in the capture of the Dagu Forts in June 1900.