RUNNING THE GANTLET
Captain Passford and Percy soon followed Christy into the cabin, and
the meeting of the brother and sister was quite as affectionate as
that between father and son had been. In fact, none of them cared now
for the steamers of the enemy, or for any thing else, except to get out
of Mobile Bay. Christy told his story; and he learned that his father
had sent a party ashore the night before to look for him, though they
had been unable to obtain the slightest information in regard to him.
Captain Breaker insisted that Christy was on board of the Leopard,
though not till the soldiers in the long-boat had fired into the tug.
The father believed that his son would not tamely submit to being made a
prisoner, and the act of Major Pierson had almost convinced him that the
commander was right. He had not been fully satisfied on this point till
he recognized the silk American flag at the fore of the tug.
But Captain Passford was too much interested in the situation on deck
to remain long in the cabin, and he left Christy there with Florry, who
seemed to be supremely happy, now that the family was in a fair way to
be re-united at no distant day.
"I think you know the gentleman who has made all this trouble for me,
Florry," said Christy, when he and Percy were alone with her.
"How can I know him?" asked the fair girl, puzzled.
"He is my brother, Major Pierson; and they say he used to call at
Colonel Passford's once in a while, while I was away at school,"
interposed Percy.
"Then I do know him," replied Florry, blushing.
"Father thought, or at least he feared, that you might not like to leave
the South," added Christy.
"Did he say so?" asked the fair maiden, laughing.
"He did not say a word, but I could tell by his looks."
"Then papa was very much mistaken. Major Pierson was very kind and
polite to me, and I think he is a gentleman; but I have had no desire
to remain at Glenfield on his account."
Florry spoke as though she intended this remark to be the end of the
conversation on that subject, and Christy felt quite sure that she was
not deeply interested in the commander of Fort Gaines.
"Now, I wonder if I can't go on deck," continued Florry, breaking away
from the disagreeable conversation. "They are not firing now."
"I don't know, but I will go on deck and ask father if you wish."
"Do, Christy, if you please."
The Bellevite was shaking in all her frame; for Paul Vapoor was again
exercising his skill upon the screw, and she was flying through the
water. The Dauphine seemed to be struggling to get up an equal degree of
speed; but, fast as she was said to be, the Bellevite was running away
from her. There was no excitement on deck, and Christy readily obtained
the required permission for his sister.
Captain Pecklar, under the skillful treatment of Dr. Linscott, had
improved a great deal, though he still remained in his bed. He declared
that he felt like a new man; and, whether he lived or died, he was as
happy as any man ought to be on the face of the earth.
"That steamer off to the north-west has set her ensign with the union
down, though I can't make out what the flag is," said Captain Breaker,
addressing the owner, as Christy came on deck.
"What does that mean?" asked Captain Passford, getting upon the rail
with the commander.
"I am sure I don't know. I suppose it is a signal of distress, but it
may be a trick of some sort," added Captain Breaker.
"Do you know any thing about that steamer over there, Christy?" asked
the owner, calling his son.
"That is the Belle, and I believe she came from Mobile," replied
Christy.
"What is she out here for?"
"I have no doubt she came out here to capture the Bellevite. Uncle Homer
must have sent word to some one in Mobile, judging from what I heard
Major Pierson say; and probably that steamer came out here to prevent
the Bellevite from going into the navy of the Union."
"But why does she hoist a signal of distress?"
"I think it is very likely she is in distress."
"She is firing a gun," added Captain Breaker, as a cloud of smoke rose
from the Belle.
"Why do you think she is in distress, Christy?" asked his father.
"She opened fire on the Leopard, after she had picked up the boat
containing Major Pierson's party, and Captain Pecklar and I gave her
a shot in return, which went through her bow and made a big hole. She
stopped her wheels then, and since that she has been out of the fight."
"The Dauphine is coming about," added Christy, as he joined the
commander and his father on the rail.
"The Dauphine?" queried Captain Passford.
"That is her name. Captain Pecklar can tell you something about her. He
says she is fitting up for the Confederate navy, but he thinks she has
no guns on board yet."
"It is beginning to blow very fresh," said Captain Breaker, as he took a
look at the sky and the waters of the bay. "My barometer indicates nasty
weather."
"There is too much sea, at any rate, for a steamer with a big hole in
her bow," said Captain Passford.
Christy told all he knew about the Belle, and the owner declared that
he had no desire to see the large number of men on board of her drowned
before his eyes. The gun the disabled steamer had fired was regarded as
another signal of distress, which indicated that the situation was
becoming urgent with her.
"She has hoisted a white flag," added Captain Breaker; and no glass was
needed to disclose the fact that a panic existed on board of her, for
men who could fight bravely for a cause they deemed right might not be
willing to be drowned without being able to lift a finger to save
themselves.
"Come about, Breaker, and run for the disabled steamer," said Captain
Passford, in a decided tone; and the order was instantly obeyed.
The commander sent Christy to the chief engineer to have him increase
the speed of the steamer, at the suggestion of the owner. Paul had not
seen him before, and the two friends hugged each other like a couple of
girls when they came together. But the chief did not lose a moment in
obeying the order brought to him. In a few minutes the Bellevite passed
the Dauphine, and readied the vicinity of the Belle, which was evidently
sinking, for she had settled a good deal in the water.
Four boats were instantly lowered into the water; and Christy was
assigned to the command of one of them, while the first and second
officers and the boatswain went in charge of the others. These boats
were skilfully handled, and they dashed boldly up to the sinking craft.
The soldiers on board of her were more afraid of water than they were of
fire, and the four boats were soon loaded.
"Is that you, Christy?" said one of his passengers.
Christy looked, and saw that the person who addressed him was his uncle
Homer.
"Yes, sir," replied the nephew; but he did not venture to say any thing
more.
"I was not aware that you were taking an active part in this affair till
Major Pierson told me that you had taken possession of his steam-tug,
and that it was you who had fired the shot which disabled the Belle,"
continued Colonel Passford, evidently very much troubled and annoyed.
"I was made a prisoner by the major, and I have done what I could to
get out of his hands," replied Christy. "I suppose you came out in this
steamer for the purpose of capturing the Bellevite; but you have not
done it yet, and I don't believe you will."
"I should like to see your father," added the colonel.
"We are ordered to put these people on board of the Dauphine, and she
has just stopped her screw. I cannot disobey my orders, uncle Homer."
But Christy did not like to prolong the conversation, and he told his
men to give way. The sea had certainly increased till it made it lively
for the boats, and the colonel said no more. The passengers were put on
board of the Dauphine, and it was not necessary for more than two of the
boats to return to the Belle for the rest of the men on board of her.
Colonel Passford insisted upon boarding the Bellevite, after the others
had left the boat, and Christy yielded the point.
The Confederate brother was received by the Union brother as though
nothing had occurred to divide them. He was conducted to the cabin, as
it had just begun to rain, where he was greeted as kindly by Florry.
"I am sorry you left me in such an abrupt manner, Horatio," said Homer,
very much embarrassed. "I think you took a rather unfair advantage of
the circumstances."
"Unfair? What? When you said outright that you intended to take steps
for the capture of my steamer, the only means of reaching my family, and
conveying my daughter to her home, that were within my reach. I came
here on a peaceful mission, and I think the unfairness was all on the
other side," replied Horatio.
"I still believe that I had no moral right, before God and my
countrymen, to allow you to hand this fine steamer over to the Yankee
navy: but I was on board of the Belle for the purpose of seeing that no
harm came to you, or any member of your family," said Homer with deep
feeling.
"Then I thank you for your good intentions. But I believed, before God
and my countrymen North and South, that I had no moral right to let this
vessel be taken for the use of the Confederacy, and I would have burned
her on the waters of Mobile Bay before I would have given her up," added
Horatio, quite as earnestly as the other had spoken.
"Fortune has favored you this time, Horatio; but when you are suffering
and in want from the effects of this war, remember that I shall always
have a brother's heart in my bosom, and that it will always be open to
you and yours."
"I heartily reciprocate this fraternal sentiment, and I am confident
that you will need my assistance before I need yours: but all that I
have and all that I am shall be at your service, Homer."
"I am glad that we understand each other, and I rejoice that I came on
board of your steamer for these parting words. I will not ask you what
you are going to do next, for you would not tell me; but I shall expect
to hear that the Bellevite has been sunk in attempting to pass the
forts."
"Better that than in the service of the enemies of my country, Homer."
They parted with tears in the eyes of both, and never before had they
realized how stern and severe was the mandate of duty. Christy conveyed
his uncle back to the Dauphine, shook hands with him, and returned to
the Bellevite.
The mission of the steamer in Mobile Bay ended, and she had nothing more
to do but return to her native waters, though perhaps this would prove
to be the most difficult part of the entire enterprise. The steamer
stood down the bay in the drenching rain, and was soon buried in a dense
fog that was blown in by the wind from the gulf. She lay off and on
during the rest of the day, and the commander made his preparations for
running the gantlet of the forts.
This was not so difficult and dangerous an enterprise as it became later
when the channel was obstructed, though even now the feat could not be
accomplished without great difficulty and danger. In the course of the
day, Captain Pecklar left his berth and came on deck. Captain Breaker
decided to leave the piloting of the steamer to him, after he had
conversed for hours with him.
No better night in the whole year could have been selected for the
undertaking. It had ceased to rain, but the darkness and the fog were
as dense as possible. The pilot manifested entire confidence, as he had
plenty of water in the channel, and he knew all about the currents, the
tide, and the action of the wind. It was an exciting time, when every
light on board was extinguished, and the steamer started down the bay
with Captain Pecklar and two quartermasters at the wheel.
After the Bellevite had passed the dangerous part of the channel, firing
was heard from Fort Morgan; but the vessel was soon in the Gulf of
Mexico. Heavy guns were heard for some time, but all on board of the
steamer could afford to laugh at them. The ship continued on her course,
and among the islands near Nassau Percy Pierson was put on board of a
schooner bound to New Providence.
In eight days from the time she passed the forts, the Bellevite steamed
into New York Bay, and then to Bonnydale on the Hudson, where the family
were again re-united, and the fond mother wept over her two children,
restored to her after all the dangers of the past.
On his arrival, Captain Passford found letters for him from the
Government, and the offer of the Bellevite had been promptly accepted.
After having been Taken by the Enemy, on the next voyage Christy found
himself Within the Enemy's Lines.
_OLIVER OPTIC'S BOOKS._
YOUNG AMERICA ABROAD
SECOND SERIES.
A Library of Travel and Adventure in Foreign Lands. 16mo.
Illustrated by Nast, Stevens, Perkins, and others.
Per volume, $1.25.
1. UP THE BALTIC;
Or, Young America in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
2. NORTHERN LANDS;
Or, Young America in Russia and Prussia.
3. CROSS AND CRESCENT;
Or, Young America in Turkey and Greece.
4. SUNNY SHORES;
Or, Young America in Italy and Austria.
5. VINE AND OLIVE;
Or, Young America in Spain and Portugal.
6. ISLES OF THE SEA;
Or, Young America Homeward Bound.
"Oliver Optic" is a _nom de plume_ that is known and loved by
almost every boy of intelligence in the land. We have seen a highly
intellectual and world-weary man, a cynic whose heart was somewhat
imbittered by its large experience of human nature, take up one of
Oliver Optic's books and read it at a sitting, neglecting his work
in yielding to the fascination of the pages. When a mature and
exceedingly well-informed mind, long despoiled of all its freshness,
can thus find pleasure in a book for boys, no additional words of
recommendation are needed.--_Sunday Times._
_OLIVER OPTIC'S BOOKS._
FAMOUS "BOAT-CLUB" SERIES,
Library for Young People. Six volumes, handsomely illustrated.
Per volume, $1.25.
1. THE BOAT CLUB;
Or, The Bonkers of Rippleton.
2. ALL ABOARD;
Or, Life on the Lake.
3. NOW OR NEVER;
Or, The Adventures of Bobby Bright.
4. TRY AGAIN;
Or, The Trials and Triumphs of Harry West.
5. POOR AND PROUD;
Or, The Fortunes of Katy Redburn.
6. LITTLE BY LITTLE;
Or, The Cruise of the Flyaway.
This is the first series of books written for the young by "Oliver
Optic." It laid the foundation for his fame as the first of authors
in which the young delight, and gained for him the title of the
Prince of Story-Tellers. The six books are varied in incident and
plot, but all are entertaining and original.
_OLIVER OPTIC'S BOOKS._
ARMY AND NAVY STORIES.
Six Volumes. Illustrated. Per vol., $1.25.
1. THE SOLDIER BOY;
Or, Tom Somers In the Army.
2. THE SAILOR BOY;
Or, Jack Somers in the Navy.
3. THE YOUNG LIEUTENANT;
Or, Adventures of an Army Officer.
4. THE YANKEE MIDDY;
Or, Adventures of a Navy Officer.
5. FIGHTING JOE;
Or, The Fortunes of a Staff Officer.
6. BRAVE OLD SALT;
Or, Life on the Quarter-Deck.
This series of six volumes recounts the adventures of two brothers,
Tom and Jack Somers, one in the army, the other in the navy, in
the great civil war. The romantic narratives of the fortunes and
exploits of the brothers are thrilling in the extreme. Historical
accuracy in the recital of the great events of that period is
strictly followed, and the result is not only a library of
entertaining volumes, but also the best history of the civil war
for young people ever written.
_OLIVER OPTIC'S BOOKS._
YOUNG AMERICA ABROAD.
FIRST SERIES.
A Library of Travel and Adventure in Foreign Lands. 16mo.
Illustrated by Nast, Stevens, Perkins, and others.
Per volume, $1.25.
1. OUTWARD BOUND;
Or, Young America Afloat.
2. SHAMROCK AND THISTLE;
Or, Young America in Ireland and Scotland.
3. RED CROSS;
Or, Young America in England and Wales.
4. DIKES AND DITCHES;
Or, Young America in Holland and Belgium.
5. PALACE AND COTTAGE;
Or, Young America in France and Switzerland.
6. DOWN THE RHINE;
Or, Young America in Germany.
The story from its inception and through the twelve volumes (see
_Second Series_), is a bewitching one, while the information
imparted, concerning the countries of Europe and the isles of the
sea, is not only correct in every particular, but is told in a
captivating style. "Oliver Optic" will continue to be the boy's
friend, and his pleasant books will continue to be read by thousands
of American boys. What a fine holiday present either or both series
of "Young America Abroad" would be for a young friend! It would make
a little library highly prized by the recipient, and would not be an
expensive one.--_Providence Press._
_OLIVER OPTIC'S BOOKS._
ALL-OVER-THE-WORLD LIBRARY
Illustrated Per Volume $1.25
FIRST SERIES
A MISSING MILLION or The Adventures of Louis Belgrave
A MILLIONAIRE AT SIXTEEN or The Cruise of the Guardian mother
A YOUNG KNIGHT ERRANT or Cruising in the West Indies
STRANGE SIGHTS ABROAD or A Voyage In European Waters
SECOND SERIES
THE AMERICAN BOYS AFLOAT or Cruising In the Orient
THE YOUNG NAVIGATORS or The Foreign Cruise of the Maud
UP AND DOWN THE NILE or Young Adventurers in Africa
ASIATIC BREEZES or Students on the Wing (in press)
The bare announcement of a new series of books by Oliver Optic will
delight boys all over the country. When they farther learn that
their favorite author proposes to 'personally conduct' his army of
readers on a grand tour of the world, there will be a terrible
scramble for excursion tickets--that is, the opening volume of the
'Globe Trotting Series.' Of one thing the boys may be dead sure, it
will be no tame, humdrum journey, for Oliver Optic does not believe
that fun and excitement are injurious to boys, but, on the contrary,
if of the right kind he thinks it does them good. Louis Belgrave
is a fortunate lad, because, at the age of sixteen, he was the
possessor of a cool million of dollars. No one, not even a young
boy, can travel without money, as our author well knows, therefore
he at once provided a liberal supply. Louis is a fine young fellow
with good principles and honor, so he can be trusted to spend his
million wisely. But he does not have entirely smooth sailing. In the
first place he has a rascally step-father whom he had to subjugate,
a dear mother to protect and care for, and the missing million to
find before he could commence his delightful travels. They are all
accomplished at last, and there was plenty of excitement and brave
exploits in the doing of them, as the boy readers will find. The
cover design shows many things--a globe, the Eiffel tower,
mountains, seas, rivers, castles and other things Louis will see
on his travels.--_Current Review._
LEE AND SHEPARD Publishers Boston
_OLIVER OPTIC'S BOOKS._
THE BLUE and THE GRAY
Illustrated. With Emblematic Dies. Each volume bound in Blue and Gray.
Per volume, $1.50.
AFLOAT
TAKEN BY THE ENEMY
WITHIN THE ENEMY'S LINES
A VICTORIOUS UNION
ON THE BLOCKADE
STAND BY THE UNION
FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHT
ON LAND
BROTHER AGAINST BROTHER
IN THE SADDLE
A LIEUTENANT AT EIGHTEEN
_Other volumes in preparation_
The opening of a new series of books from the pen of Oliver Optic is
bound to arouse the highest anticipation in the minds of boy and
girl readers. There never has been a more interesting writer in the
field of juvenile literature than Mr. W. T. Adams, who under his
well-known pseudonym, is known and admired by every boy and girl
in the country, and by thousands who have long since passed the
boundaries of youth, yet who remember with pleasure the genial,
interesting pen that did so much to interest, instruct and entertain
their younger years. The present volume opens "The Blue and the Gray
Series," a title that is sufficiently indicative of the nature and
spirit of the series, of which the first volume is now presented,
while the name of Oliver Optic is sufficient warrant of the
absorbing style of narrative. "Taken by the Enemy," the first book
of the series, is as bright and entertaining as any work that Mr.
Adams has yet put forth, and will be as eagerly perused as any that
has borne his name. It would not be fair to the prospective reader
to deprive him of the zest which comes from the unexpected, by
entering Into a synopsis of the story. A word, however, should be
said in regard to the beauty and appropriateness of the binding,
which makes it a most attractive volume.--_Boston Budget._
"Taken by the Enemy" has just come from the press, an announcement
that cannot but appeal to every healthy boy from ten to fifteen
years of age in the country. "No writer of the present day," says
the Boston _Commonwealth_, "whose aim has been to hit the boyish
heart, has been as successful as Oliver Optic. There is a period in
the life of every youth, just about the time that he is collecting
postage-stamps, and before his legs are long enough for a bicycle,
when he has the Oliver Optic fever. He catches it by reading a few
stray pages somewhere, and then there is nothing for it but to let
the matter take its course. Belief comes only when the last page of
the last book is read: and then there are relapses whenever a new
book appears until one is safely on through the teens."--_Literary
News._
* * * * *
* * * *
* * * * *
Errata Noted by Transcriber:
Invisible punctuation-- chiefly quotation marks-- has been silently
supplied.
for he intended to drive the vessel
_text reads "to to drive"_
any unnecessary strategetical / falsehood
_so in original_
and observed his conduct on board of the Bellevite
_text reads "an board"_
"De Lo'd!" exclaimed the venerable colored man
_text reads "De L'od"_
"Shoot me!" exclaimed Percy,
_text reads "exclaimed, Percy,"_
"You will not be lost as long as I know where you are,"
_text reads "where your are"_
[Illustration: "I have hit Her" (Page 315)]
_capitalization as in original_
What do you intend to do, Christy?"
_text has period for question mark_
that is the most hopeful thing I can think of,"
_text reads "think off"_
no additional words of recommendation are needed
_text reads "recomendation"_
The bare announcement of a new series
_text begins with open quote_