k like a formidable vessel. Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy g

here could be no harm in trying it. He intended to pass as near Fort Gaines as possible, for it was not probable that the works were yet in the be

e came on deck, followed by Percy. The latter wore a sort of naval uniform, which his instructor had borrowed for h

n which had been assigned to him, though he had no powers whatever, except in appearance. He had been instructed to conduct himself boldly, and to insist that t

the Gulf of Mexico; and the only real obstacle to the passage of the Bellevite into the bay consisted of the two for

eamer came near the south-eastern end of Pelican Island. "We may take the ground, for t

the chief engineer, as he d

watching the movements of the vessel with the most intense interest, f

r," replied the commander. "If we take the ground, we sha

" responded th

the wheel,

Thayer is

d directly towards the eastern end of Dauphine Island. That will give us the deepest water till we get

a hand sound in the port and starboard chains,

n. The speed of the Bellevite had been reduced, and she was going along at a very easy rate. The tug was some dista

he hold; but she had used a considerable portion of it in her rapid passage, though she had still an abundant supply for her return voy

el was heard grinding on the bottom. Mr. Vapoor heard the sound in the engine-room, and felt the jar; and be

wd on, Mr. Vapoor," said Captain Breaker, as

ground very hard, captain

has shifted since I was here last

r, and then only because a few inches had been added by the tide to the depth of w

ptain Passford, as he joined the comm

very cheerfully. "I have found where the shoal is now, and I kn

a messenger, who had been sent aft b

uiry into our business

ching the position of the vessel very carefully. "I mus

ts. But the tug was approaching, and the worst part of the channel was still to be attempted. The two men in the chains reported the depth as rap

f the tug, as he stopped his screw wi

he commander to the young gentleman in

d I think I can do it to your satis

arest to the tug, where

and I don't pretend to be one," added Percy.

t of his father, after the commander ha

hat?" demanded the

was to explain the character of the vessel as he understood it; and neither the commander nor the owner was disposed to

from Nassau,"

quired the captain of the tug

y expressing by his manner some of the indign

sary for me to ascertain something more in regard to t

he vessel was

m Nassau. Where did she

answered Percy

n't belong

t able to answer any questions in this direction, a

rt Gaines at the present time?" demanded

ing more about the steamer, before I ans

n four minutes if she should open upon you," added Percy; and the lis

tug. "The commander of Fort Gaines is in that boat, and I suppose he is coming off to examine the steamer. As you are not disposed to a

ent to Nassau to obtain vessels for our navy," continued Percy, as he

the tug rather impatiently. "Of course you have some pap

er; he had no tim

s the

g agent, as the captain could see that he was, gave a kno

d Pierson; and

, evidently impressed with the fac

rcy, prompted by the commander; for there was nothing on board

here, and he may make the examination for himself. But perhap

d, as I told you, I am the so

ierson, who is in command of Fort Ga

bring a vessel into this bay if she were not all

find out what vessels go into the bay," said the captain of the tug, when h

t floats, and she will give a good account o

Major Pierson is in the stern sheets. I have no d

of the Bellevite, and