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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Blockade Runners, by Jules Verne
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Blockade Runners
+
+Author: Jules Verne
+
+Posting Date: March 22, 2013 [EBook #8992]
+Release Date: September, 2005
+First Posted: August 30, 2003
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BLOCKADE RUNNERS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Norman M. Wolcott
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+The Blockade Runners by Jules Verne
+
+
+[Redactor's Note: _The Blockade Runners_ (number V008 in the T&M
+numerical listing of Verne's works) is a translation of _Les forceurs
+de blocus_ (1871). _The Blockade Runners_, a novella, was included
+along with _A Floating City_ in the first english and french editions
+of this work. This translation, which follows that of Sampson and Low
+(UK) and Scribners (US) is by "N. D'Anvers", pseudonymn for Mrs. Arthur
+Bell (d. 1933) who also translated other Verne books. It is also
+included in the fifteen volume Parke edition of the works of Jules
+Verne (1911). There is another translation by Henry Frith which was
+published by Routledge (1876).
+
+Both of these stories are about ships; _Floating City_ about the
+largest ship of the time, the _Great Eastern_, and _Blockade Runners_
+about one of the fastest, the _Dolphin_.
+
+This text version was prepared from public domain sources by Norman M.
+Wolcott, 2003, nwolcott2@post.harvard.edu]
+
+
+
+
+
+The Blockade Runners
+
+Table of Contents
+
+
+
+
+  I  THE _DOLPHIN_
+  II  GETTING UNDER SAIL
+  III  THINGS ARE NOT WHAT THEY SEEM
+  IV  CROCKSTON'S TRICK
+  V  THE SHOT FROM THE _IROQUOIS,_ AND MISS JENNY'S ARGUMENTS
+  VI  SULLIVAN ISLAND CHANNEL
+  VII  A SOUTHERN GENERAL
+  VIII  THE ESCAPE
+  IX  BETWEEN TWO FIRES
+  X  ST. MUNGO
+
+
+
+
+
+THE BLOCKADE RUNNERS
+
+
+
+
+Chapter I
+
+THE _DOLPHIN_
+
+The Clyde was the first river whose waters were lashed into foam by a
+steam-boat. It was in 1812 when the steamer called the _Comet_ ran
+between Glasgow and Greenock, at the speed of six miles an hour. Since
+that time more than a million of steamers or packet-boats have plied
+this Scotch river, and the inhabitants of Glasgow must be as familiar
+as any people with the wonders of steam navigation.
+
+However, on the 3rd of December, 1862, an immense crowd, composed of
+shipowners, merchants, manufacturers, workmen, sailors, women, and
+children, thronged the muddy streets of Glasgow, all going in the
+direction of Kelvin Dock, the large shipbuilding premises belonging to
+Messrs. Tod & MacGregor. This last name especially proves that the
+descendants of the famous Highlanders have become manufacturers, and
+that they have made workmen of all the vassals of the old clan
+chieftains.
+
+Kelvin Dock is situated a few minutes' walk from the town, on the right
+bank of the Clyde. Soon the immense timber-yards were thronged with
+spectators; not a part of the quay, not a wall of the wharf, not a
+factory roof showed an unoccupied place; the river itself was covered
+with craft of all descriptions, and the heights of Govan, on the left
+bank, swarmed with spectators.
+
+There was, however, nothing extraordinary in the event about to take
+place; it was nothing but the launching of a ship, and this was an
+everyday affair with the people of Glasgow. Had the _Dolphin_,
+then--for that was the name of the ship built by Messrs. Tod &
+MacGregor--some special peculiarity? To tell the truth, it had none.
+
+It was a large ship, about 1,500 tons, in which everything combined to
+obtain superior speed. Her engines, of 500 horse-power, were from the
+workshops of Lancefield Forge; they worked two screws, one on either
+side the stern-post, completely independent of each other. As for the
+depth of water the _Dolphin_ would draw, it must be very
+inconsiderable; connoisseurs were not deceived, and they concluded
+rightly that this ship was destined for shallow straits. But all these
+particulars could not in any way justify the eagerness of the people:
+taken altogether, the _Dolphin_ was nothing more or less than an
+ordinary ship. Would her launching present some mechanical difficulty
+to be overcome? Not any more than usual. The Clyde had received many a
+ship of heavier tonnage, and the launching of the _Dolphin_ would take
+place in the usual manner.
+
+In fact, when the water was calm, the moment the ebb-tide set in, the
+workmen began to operate. Their mallets kept perfect time falling on
+the wedges meant to raise the ship's keel: soon a shudder ran through
+the whole of her massive structure; although she had only been slightly
+raised, one could see that she shook, and then gradually began to glide
+down the well greased wedges, and in a few moments she plunged into the
+Clyde. Her stern struck the muddy bed of the river, then she raised
+herself on the top of a gigantic wave, and, carried forward by her
+start, would have been dashed against the quay of the Govan
+timber-yards, if her anchors had not restrained her.
+
+The launch had been perfectly successful, the _Dolphin_ swayed quietly
+on the waters of the Clyde, all the spectators clapped their hands when
+she took possession of her natural element, and loud hurrahs arose from
+either bank.
+
+But wherefore these cries and this applause? Undoubtedly the most eager
+of the spectators would have been at a loss to explain the reason of
+his enthusiasm. What was the cause, then, of the lively interest
+excited by this ship? Simply the mystery which shrouded her
+destination; it was not known to what kind of commerce she was to be
+appropriated, and in questioning different groups the diversity of
+opinion on this important subject was indeed astonishing.
+
+However, the best informed, at least those who pretended to be so,
+agreed in saying that the steamer was going to take part in the
+terrible war which was then ravaging the United States of America, but
+more than this they did not know, and whether the _Dolphin_ was a
+privateer, a transport ship, or an addition to the Federal marine was
+what no one could tell.
+
+"Hurrah!" cried one, affirming that the _Dolphin_ had been built for
+the Southern States.
+
+"Hip! hip! hip!" cried another, swearing that never had a faster boat
+crossed to the American coasts.
+
+Thus its destination was unknown, and in order to obtain any reliable
+information one must be an intimate friend, or, at any rate, an
+acquaintance of Vincent Playfair & Co., of Glasgow.
+
+A rich, powerful, intelligent house of business was that of Vincent
+Playfair & Co., in a social sense, an old and honourable family,
+descended from those tobacco lords who built the finest quarters of the
+town. These clever merchants, by an act of the Union, had founded the
+first Glasgow warehouse for dealing in tobacco from Virginia and
+Maryland. Immense fortunes were realised; mills and foundries sprang up
+in all parts, and in a few years the prosperity of the city attained
+its height.
+
+The house of Playfair remained faithful to the enterprising spirit of
+its ancestors, it entered into the most daring schemes, and maintained
+the honour of English commerce. The principal, Vincent Playfair, a man
+of fifty, with a temperament essentially practical and decided,
+although somewhat daring, was a genuine shipowner. Nothing affected him
+beyond commercial questions, not even the political side of the
+transactions, otherwise he was a perfectly loyal and honest man.
+
+However, he could not lay claim to the idea of building and fitting up
+the _Dolphin_; she belonged to his nephew, James Playfair, a fine young
+man of thirty, the boldest skipper of the British merchant marine.
+
+It was one day at the Tontine coffee-room under the arcades of the town
+hall, that James Playfair, after having impatiently scanned the
+American journal, disclosed to his uncle an adventurous scheme.
+
+"Uncle Vincent," said he, coming to the point at once, "there are two
+millions of pounds to be gained in less than a month."
+
+"And what to risk?" asked Uncle Vincent.
+
+"A ship and a cargo."
+
+"Nothing else?"
+
+"Nothing, except the crew and the captain, and that does not reckon for
+much."
+
+"Let us see," said Uncle Vincent.
+
+"It is all seen," replied James Playfair. "You have read the _Tribune_,
+the _New York Herald, The Times_, the _Richmond Inquirer_, the
+_American Review_?"
+
+"Scores of times, nephew."
+
+"You believe, like me, that the war of the United States will last a
+long time still?"
+
+"A very long time."
+
+"You know how much this struggle will affect the interests of England,
+and especially those of Glasgow?"
+
+"And more especially still the house of Playfair & Co.," replied Uncle
+Vincent.
+
+"Theirs especially," added the young Captain.
+
+"I worry myself about it every day, James, and I cannot think without
+terror of the commercial disasters which this war may produce; not but
+that the house of Playfair is firmly established, nephew; at the same
+time it has correspondents which may fail. Ah! those Americans,
+slave-holders or Abolitionists, I have no faith in them!"
+
+If Vincent Playfair was wrong in thus speaking with respect to the
+great principles of humanity, always and everywhere superior to
+personal interests, he was, nevertheless, right from a commercial point
+of view. The most important material was failing at Glasgow, the cotton
+famine became every day more threatening, thousands of workmen were
+reduced to living upon public charity. Glasgow possessed 25,000 looms,
+by which 625,000 yards of cotton were spun daily; that is to say, fifty
+millions of pounds yearly. From these numbers it may be guessed what
+disturbances were caused in the commercial part of the town when the
+raw material failed altogether. Failures were hourly taking place, the
+manufactories were closed, and the workmen were dying of starvation.
+
+It was the sight of this great misery which had put the idea of his
+bold enterprise into James Playfair's head.
+
+"I will go for cotton, and will get it, cost what it may."
+
+But, as he also was a merchant as well as his uncle Vincent, he
+resolved to carry out his plan by way of exchange, and to make his
+proposition under the guise of a commercial enterprise.
+
+"Uncle Vincent," said he, "this is my idea."
+
+"Well, James?"
+
+"It is simply this: we will have a ship built of superior sailing
+qualities and great bulk."
+
+"That is quite possible."
+
+"We will load her with ammunition of war, provisions, and clothes."
+
+"Just so."
+
+"I will take the command of this steamer, I will defy all the ships of
+the Federal marine for speed, and I will run the blockade of one of the
+southern ports."
+
+"You must make a good bargain for your cargo with the Confederates, who
+will be in need of it," said his uncle.
+
+"And I shall return laden with cotton."
+
+"Which they will give you for nothing."
+
+"As you say, Uncle. Will it answer?"
+
+"It will; but shall you be able to get there?"
+
+"I shall, if I have a good ship."
+
+"One can be made on purpose. But the crew?"
+
+"Oh, I will find them. I do not want many men; enough to work with,
+that is all. It is not a question of fighting with the Federals, but
+distancing them."
+
+"They shall be distanced," said Uncle Vincent, in a peremptory tone;
+"but now, tell me, James, to what port of the American coast do you
+think of going?"
+
+"Up to now, Uncle, ships have run the blockade of New Orleans,
+Wilmington, and Savannah, but I think of going straight to Charleston;
+no English boat has yet been able to penetrate into the harbour, except
+the _Bermuda_. I will do like her, and, if my ship draws but very
+little water, I shall be able to go where the Federalists will not be
+able to follow."
+
+"The fact is," said Uncle Vincent, "Charleston is overwhelmed with
+cotton; they are even burning it to get rid of it."
+
+"Yes," replied James; "besides, the town is almost invested; Beauregard
+is running short of provisions, and he will pay me a golden price for
+my cargo!"
+
+"Well, nephew, and when will you start?"
+
+"In six months; I must have the long winter nights to aid me."
+
+"It shall be as you wish, nephew."
+
+"It is settled, then, Uncle?"
+
+"Settled!"
+
+"Shall it be kept quiet?"
+
+"Yes; better so."
+
+And this is how it was that five months later the steamer _Dolphin_ was
+launched from the Kelvin Dock timber-yards, and no one knew her real
+destination.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter II
+
+GETTING UNDER SAIL
+
+The _Dolphin_ was rapidly equipped, her rigging was ready, and there
+was nothing to do but fit her up. She carried three schooner-masts, an
+almost useless luxury; in fact, the _Dolphin_ did not rely on the wind
+to escape the Federalists, but rather on her powerful engines.
+
+Towards the end of December a trial of the steamer was made in the gulf
+of the Clyde. Which was the more satisfied, builder or captain, it is
+impossible to say. The new steamer shot along wonderfully, and the
+patent log showed a speed of seventeen miles an hour, a speed which as
+yet no English, French, or American boat had ever obtained. The
+_Dolphin_ would certainly have gained by several lengths in a sailing
+match with the fastest opponent.
+
+The loading was begun on the 25th of December, the steamer having
+ranged along the steamboat-quay a little below Glasgow Bridge, the last
+which stretches across the Clyde before its mouth. Here the wharfs were
+heaped with a heavy cargo of clothes, ammunition, and provisions which
+were rapidly carried to the hold of the _Dolphin_. The nature of this
+cargo betrayed the mysterious destination of the ship, and the house of
+Playfair could no longer keep it secret; besides, the _Dolphin_ must
+not be long before she started. No American cruiser had been signalled
+in English waters; and, then, when the question of getting the crew
+came, how was it possible to keep silent any longer? They could not
+embark them, even, without informing the men whither they were bound,
+for, after all, it was a matter of life and death, and when one risks
+one's life, at least it is satisfactory to know how and wherefore.
+
+However, this prospect hindered no one; the pay was good, and everyone
+had a share in the speculation, so that a great number of the finest
+sailors soon presented themselves. James Playfair was only embarrassed
+which to choose, but he chose well, and in twenty-four hours his
+muster-roll bore the names of thirty sailors who would have done honour
+to her Majesty's yacht.
+
+The departure was settled for the 3rd of January; on the 31st of
+December the _Dolphin_ was ready, her hold full of ammunition and
+provisions, and nothing was keeping her now.
+
+The skipper went on board on the 2nd of January, and was giving a last
+look round his ship with a captain's eye, when a man presented himself
+at the fore part of the _Dolphin_, and asked to speak with the Captain.
+One of the sailors led him on to the poop.
+
+He was a strong, hearty-looking fellow, with broad shoulders and ruddy
+face, the simple expression of which ill-concealed a depth of wit and
+mirth. He did not seem to be accustomed to a seafaring life, and looked
+about him with the air of a man little used to being on board a ship;
+however, he assumed the manner of a Jack-tar, looking up at the rigging
+of the _Dolphin_, and waddling in true sailor fashion.
+
+When he had reached the Captain, he looked fixedly at him, and said,
+"Captain James Playfair?"
+
+"The same," replied the skipper. "What do you want with me?"
+
+"To join your ship."
+
+"There is no room; the crew is already complete."
+
+"Oh, one man, more or less, will not be in the way; quite the contrary."
+
+"You think so?" said James Playfair, giving a sidelong glance at his
+questioner.
+
+"I am sure of it," replied the sailor.
+
+"But who are you?" asked the Captain.
+
+"A rough sailor, with two strong arms, which, I can tell you, are not
+to be despised on board a ship, and which I now have the honour of
+putting at your service."
+
+"But there are other ships besides the _Dolphin_, and other captains
+besides James Playfair. Why do you come here?"
+
+"Because it is on board the _Dolphin_ that I wish to serve, and under
+the orders of Captain James Playfair."
+
+"I do not want you."
+
+"There is always need of a strong man, and if to prove my strength you
+will try me with three or four of the strongest fellows of your crew, I
+am ready."
+
+"That will do," replied James Playfair. "And what is your name?"
+
+"Crockston, at your service."
+
+The Captain made a few steps backwards in order to get a better view of
+the giant who presented himself in this odd fashion. The height, the
+build, and the look of the sailor did not deny his pretensions to
+strength.
+
+"Where have you sailed?" asked Playfair of him.
+
+"A little everywhere."
+
+"And do you know where the _Dolphin_ is bound for?"
+
+"Yes; and that is what tempts me."
+
+"Ah, well! I have no mind to let a fellow of your stamp escape me. Go
+and find the first mate, and get him to enrol you."
+
+Having said this, the Captain expected to see the man turn on his heels
+and run to the bows, but he was mistaken. Crockston did not stir.
+
+"Well! did you hear me?" asked the Captain.
+
+"Yes, but it is not all," replied the sailor. "I have something else to
+ask you."
+
+"Ah! You are wasting my time," replied James, sharply; "I have not a
+moment to lose in talking."
+
+"I shall not keep you long," replied Crockston; "two words more and
+that is all; I was going to tell you that I have a nephew."
+
+"He has a fine uncle, then," interrupted James Playfair.
+
+"Hah! Hah!" laughed Crockston.
+
+"Have you finished?" asked the Captain, very impatiently.
+
+"Well, this is what I have to say, when one takes the uncle, the nephew
+comes into the bargain."
+
+"Ah! indeed!"
+
+"Yes, that is the custom, the one does not go without the other."
+
+"And what is this nephew of yours?"
+
+"A lad of fifteen whom I am going to train to the sea; he is willing to
+learn, and will make a fine sailor some day."
+
+"How now, Master Crockston," cried James Playfair; "do you think the
+_Dolphin_ is a training-school for cabin-boys?"
+
+"Don't let us speak ill of cabin-boys: there was one of them who became
+Admiral Nelson, and another Admiral Franklin."
+
+"Upon my honour, friend," replied James Playfair, "you have a way of
+speaking which I like; bring your nephew, but if I don't find the uncle
+the hearty fellow he pretends to be, he will have some business with
+me. Go, and be back in an hour."
+
+Crockston did not want to be told twice; he bowed awkwardly to the
+Captain of the _Dolphin_, and went on to the quay. An hour afterwards
+he came on board with his nephew, a boy of fourteen or fifteen, rather
+delicate and weakly looking, with a timid and astonished air, which
+showed that he did not possess his uncle's self-possession and vigorous
+corporeal qualities. Crockston was even obliged to encourage him by
+such words as these:
+
+"Come," said he, "don't be frightened, they are not going to eat us,
+besides, there is yet time to return."
+
+"No, no," replied the young man, "and may God protect us!"
+
+The same day the sailor Crockston and his nephew were inscribed in the
+muster-roll of the _Dolphin_.
+
+The next morning, at five o'clock, the fires of the steamer were well
+fed, the deck trembled under the vibrations of the boiler, and the
+steam rushed hissing through the escape-pipes. The hour of departure
+had arrived.
+
+A considerable crowd, in spite of the early hour, flocked on the quays
+and on Glasgow Bridge; they had come to salute the bold steamer for the
+last time. Vincent Playfair was there to say good-bye to Captain James,
+but he conducted himself on this occasion like a Roman of the good old
+times. His was a heroic countenance, and the two loud kisses with which
+he gratified his nephew were the indication of a strong mind.
+
+"Go, James," said he to the young Captain, "go quickly, and come back
+quicker still; above all, don't abuse your position. Sell at a good
+price, make a good bargain, and you will have your uncle's esteem."
+
+On this recommendation, borrowed from the manual of the perfect
+merchant, the uncle and nephew separated, and all the visitors left the
+boat.
+
+At this moment Crockston and John Stiggs stood together on the
+forecastle, while the former remarked to his nephew, "This is well,
+this is well; before two o'clock we shall be at sea, and I have a good
+opinion of a voyage which begins like this."
+
+For reply the novice pressed Crockston's hand.
+
+James Playfair then gave the orders for departure.
+
+"Have we pressure on?" he asked of his mate.
+
+"Yes, Captain," replied Mr. Mathew.
+
+"Well, then, weigh anchor."
+
+This was immediately done, and the screws began to move. The _Dolphin_
+trembled, passed between the ships in the port, and soon disappeared
+from the sight of the people, who shouted their last hurrahs.
+
+The descent of the Clyde was easily accomplished, one might almost say
+that this river had been made by the hand of man, and even by the hand
+of a master. For sixty years, thanks to the dredges and constant
+dragging, it has gained fifteen feet in depth, and its breadth has been
+tripled between the quays and the town. Soon the forests of masts and
+chimneys were lost in the smoke and fog; the noise of the foundry
+hammers and the hatchets of the timber-yards grew fainter in the
+distance. After the village of Partick had been passed the factories
+gave way to country houses and villas. The _Dolphin_, slackening her
+speed, sailed between the dykes which carry the river above the shores,
+and often through a very narrow channel, which, however, is only a
+small inconvenience for a navigable river, for, after all, depth is of
+more importance than width. The steamer, guided by one of those
+excellent pilots from the Irish sea, passed without hesitation between
+floating buoys, stone columns, and _biggings_, surmounted with
+lighthouses, which mark the entrance to the channel. Beyond the town of
+Renfrew, at the foot of Kilpatrick hills, the Clyde grew wider. Then
+came Bouling Bay, at the end of which opens the mouth of the canal
+which joints Edinburgh to Glasgow. Lastly, at the height of four
+hundred feet from the ground, was seen the outline of Dumbarton Castle,
+almost indiscernible through the mists, and soon the harbour-boats of
+Glasgow were rocked on the waves which the _Dolphin_ caused. Some miles
+farther on Greenock, the birthplace of James Watt, was passed: the
+_Dolphin_ now found herself at the mouth of the Clyde, and at the
+entrance of the gulf by which it empties its waters into the Northern
+Ocean. Here the first undulations of the sea were felt, and the steamer
+ranged along the picturesque coast of the Isle of Arran. At last the
+promontory of Cantyre, which runs out into the channel, was doubled;
+the Isle of Rattelin was hailed, the pilot returned by a shore-boat to
+his cutter, which was cruising in the open sea; the _Dolphin_,
+returning to her Captain's authority, took a less frequented route
+round the north of Ireland, and soon, having lost sight of the last
+European land, found herself in the open ocean.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter III
+
+THINGS ARE NOT WHAT THEY SEEM
+
+The _Dolphin_ had a good crew, not fighting men, or boarding sailors,
+but good working men, and that was all she wanted. These brave,
+determined fellows were all, more or less, merchants; they sought a
+fortune rather than glory; they had no flag to display, no colours to
+defend with cannon; in fact, all the artillery on board consisted of
+two small swivel signal-guns.
+
+The _Dolphin_ shot bravely across the water, and fulfilled the utmost
+expectations of both builder and captain. Soon she passed the limit of
+British seas; there was not a ship in sight; the great ocean route was
+free; besides, no ship of the Federal marine would have a right to
+attack her beneath the English flag. Followed she might be, and
+prevented from forcing the blockade, and precisely for this reason had
+James Playfair sacrificed everything to the speed of his ship, in order
+not to be pursued.
+
+Howbeit a careful watch was kept on board, and, in spite of the extreme
+cold, a man was always in the rigging ready to signal the smallest sail
+that appeared on the horizon. When evening came, Captain James gave the
+most precise orders to Mr. Mathew.
+
+"Don't leave the man on watch too long in the rigging; the cold may
+seize him, and in that case it is impossible to keep a good look-out;
+change your men often."
+
+"I understand, Captain," replied Mr. Mathew.
+
+"Try Crockston for that work; the fellow pretends to have excellent
+sight; it must be put to trial; put him on the morning watch, he will
+have the morning mists to see through. If anything particular happens
+call me."
+
+This said, James Playfair went to his cabin. Mr. Mathew called
+Crockston, and told him the Captain's orders.
+
+"To-morrow, at six o'clock," said he, "you are to relieve watch of the
+main masthead."
+
+For reply, Crockston gave a decided grunt, but Mr. Mathew had hardly
+turned his back when the sailor muttered some incomprehensible words,
+and then cried:
+
+"What on earth did he say about the mainmast?"
+
+At this moment his nephew, John Stiggs, joined him on the forecastle.
+
+"Well, my good Crockston," said he.
+
+"It's all right, all right," said the seaman, with a forced smile;
+"there is only one thing, this wretched boat shakes herself like a dog
+coming out of the water, and it makes my head confused."
+
+"Dear Crockston, and it is for my sake."
+
+"For you and him," replied Crockston, "but not a word about that, John.
+Trust in God, and He will not forsake you."
+
+So saying, John Stiggs and Crockston went to the sailor's berth, but
+the sailor did not lie down before he had seen the young novice
+comfortably settled in the narrow cabin which he had got for him.
+
+The next day, at six o'clock in the morning, Crockston got up to go to
+his place; he went on deck, where the first officer ordered him to go
+up into the rigging, and keep good watch.
+
+At these words the sailor seemed undecided what to do; then, making up
+his mind, he went towards the bows of the _Dolphin_.
+
+"Well, where are you off to now?" cried Mr. Mathew.
+
+"Where you sent me," answered Crockston.
+
+"I told you to go to the mainmast."
+
+"And I am going there," replied the sailor, in an ununconcerned tone,
+continuing his way to the poop.
+
+"Are you a fool?" cried Mr. Mathew, impatiently; "you are looking for
+the bars of the main on the foremast. You are like a cockney, who
+doesn't know how to twist a cat-o'-nine-tails, or make a splice. On
+board what ship can you have been, man? The mainmast, stupid, the
+mainmast!"
+
+The sailors who had run up to hear what was going on burst out laughing
+when they saw Crockston's disconcerted look, as he went back to the
+forecastle.
+
+"So," said he, looking up the mast, the top of which was quite
+invisible through the morning mists; "so, am I to climb up here?"
+
+"Yes," replied Mr. Mathew, "and hurry yourself! By St. Patrick, a
+Federal ship would have time to get her bowsprit fast in our rigging
+before that lazy fellow could get to his post. Will you go up?"
+
+Without a word, Crockston got on the bulwarks with some difficulty;
+then he began to climb the rigging with most visible awkwardness, like
+a man who did not know how to make use of his hands or feet. When he
+had reached the topgallant, instead of springing lightly on to it, he
+remained motionless, clinging to the ropes, as if he had been seized
+with giddiness. Mr. Mathew, irritated by his stupidity, ordered him to
+come down immediately.
+
+"That fellow there," said he to the boatswain, "has never been a sailor
+in his life. Johnston, just go and see what he has in his bundle."
+
+The boatswain made haste to the sailor's berth.
+
+In the meantime Crockston was with difficulty coming down again, but,
+his foot having slipped, he slid down the rope he had hold of, and fell
+heavily on the deck.
+
+"Clumsy blockhead! land-lubber!" cried Mr. Mathew, by way of
+consolation. "What did you come to do on board the _Dolphin!_ Ah! you
+entered as an able seaman, and you cannot even distinguish the main
+from the foremast! I shall have a little talk with you."
+
+Crockston made no attempt to speak; he bent his back like a man
+resigned to anything he might have to bear; just then the boatswain
+returned.
+
+"This," said he to the first officer, "is all that I have found; a
+suspicious portfolio with letters."
+
+"Give them here," said Mr. Mathew. "Letters with Federal stamps! Mr.
+Halliburtt, of Boston! An Abolitionist! a Federalist! Wretch! you are
+nothing but a traitor, and have sneaked on board to betray us! Never
+mind, you will be paid for your trouble with the cat-o'-nine-tails!
+Boatswain, call the Captain, and you others just keep an eye on that
+rogue there."
+
+Crockston received these compliments with a hideous grimace, but he did
+not open his lips. They had fastened him to the capstan, and he could
+move neither hand nor foot.
+
+A few minutes later James Playfair came out of his cabin and went to
+the forecastle, where Mr. Mathew immediately acquainted him with the
+details of the case.
+
+"What have you to say?" asked James Playfair, scarcely able to restrain
+his anger.
+
+"Nothing," replied Crockston.
+
+"And what did you come on board my ship for?"
+
+"Nothing."
+
+"And what do you expect from me now?"
+
+"Nothing."
+
+"Who are you? An American, as letters seem to prove?" Crockston did not
+answer.
+
+"Boatswain," said James Playfair, "fifty lashes with the
+cat-o'-nine-tails to loosen his tongue. Will that be enough, Crockston?"
+
+"It will remain to be seen," replied John Stiggs' uncle without moving
+a muscle.
+
+"Now then, come along, men," said the boatswain.
+
+At this order, two strong sailors stripped Crockston of his woollen
+jersey; they had already seized the formidable weapon, and laid it
+across the prisoner's shoulders, when the novice, John Stiggs, pale and
+agitated, hurried on deck.
+
+"Captain!" exclaimed he.
+
+"Ah! the nephew!" remarked James Playfair.
+
+"Captain," repeated the novice, with a violent effort to steady his
+voice, "I will tell you what Crockston does not want to say. I will
+hide it no longer; yes, he is American, and so am I; we are both
+enemies of the slave-holders, but not traitors come on board to betray
+the _Dolphin_ into the hands of the Federalists."
+
+"What did you come to do, then?" asked the Captain, in a severe tone,
+examining the novice attentively. The latter hesitated a few seconds
+before replying, then he said, "Captain, I should like to speak to you
+in private."
+
+Whilst John Stiggs made this request, James Playfair did not cease to
+look carefully at him; the sweet young face of the novice, his
+peculiarly gentle voice, the delicacy and whiteness of his hands,
+hardly disguised by paint, the large eyes, the animation of which could
+not bide their tenderness--all this together gave rise to a certain
+suspicion in the Captain's mind. When John Stiggs had made his request,
+Playfair glanced fixedly at Crockston, who shrugged his shoulders; then
+he fastened a questioning look on the novice, which the latter could
+not withstand, and said simply to him, "Come."
+
+John Stiggs followed the Captain on to the poop, and then James
+Playfair, opening the door of his cabin, said to the novice, whose
+cheeks were pale with emotion, "Be so kind as to walk in, miss."
+
+John, thus addressed, blushed violently, and two tears rolled
+involuntarily down his cheeks.
+
+"Don't be alarmed, miss," said James Playfair, in a gentle voice, "but
+be so good as to tell me how I come to have the honour of having you on
+board?"
+
+The young girl hesitated a moment, then, reassured by the Captain's
+look, she made up her mind to speak.
+
+"Sir," said she, "I wanted to join my father at Charleston; the town is
+besieged by land and blockaded by sea. I knew not how to get there,
+when I heard that the _Dolphin_ meant to force the blockade. I came on
+board your ship, and I beg you to forgive me if I acted without your
+consent, which you would have refused me."
+
+"Certainly," said James Playfair.
+
+"I did well, then, not to ask you," resumed the young girl, with a
+firmer voice.
+
+The Captain crossed his arms, walked round his cabin, and then came
+back.
+
+"What is your name?" said he.
+
+"Jenny Halliburtt."
+
+"Your father, if I remember rightly the address on the letters, is he
+not from Boston?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"And a Northerner is thus in a southern town in the thickest of the
+war?"
+
+"My father is a prisoner; he was at Charleston when the first shot of
+the Civil War was fired, and the troops of the Union driven from Fort
+Sumter by the Confederates. My father's opinions exposed him to the
+hatred of the slavist part, and by the order of General Beauregard he
+was imprisoned. I was then in England, living with a relation who has
+just died, and left alone, with no help but that of Crockston, our
+faithful servant, I wished to go to my father and share his prison with
+him."
+
+"What was Mr. Halliburtt, then?" asked James Playfair.
+
+"A loyal and brave journalist," replied Jenny proudly, "one of the
+noblest editors of the _Tribune_, and the one who was the boldest in
+defending the cause of the negroes."
+
+"An Abolitionist," cried the Captain angrily; "one of those men who,
+under the vain pretence of abolishing slavery, have deluged their
+country with blood and ruin."
+
+"Sir!" replied Jenny Halliburtt, growing pale, "you are insulting my
+father; you must not forget that I stand alone to defend him."
+
+The young Captain blushed scarlet; anger mingled with shame struggled
+in his breast; perhaps he would have answered the young girl, but he
+succeeded in restraining himself, and, opening the door of the cabin,
+he called "Boatswain!"
+
+The boatswain came to him directly.
+
+"This cabin will henceforward belong to Miss Jenny Halliburtt. Have a
+cot made ready for me at the end of the poop; that's all I want."
+
+The boatswain looked with a stupefied stare at the young novice
+addressed in a feminine name, but on a sign from James Playfair he went
+out.
+
+"And now, miss, you are at home," said the young Captain of the
+_Dolphin_. Then he retired.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter IV
+
+CROCKSTON'S TRICK
+
+It was not long before the whole crew knew Miss Halliburtt's story,
+which Crockston was no longer hindered from telling. By the Captain's
+orders he was released from the capstan, and the cat-o'-nine-tails
+returned to its Place.
+
+"A pretty animal," said Crockston, "especially when it shows its
+velvety paws."
+
+As soon as he was free, he went down to the sailors' berths, found a
+small portmanteau, and carried it to Miss Jenny; the young girl was now
+able to resume her feminine attire, but she remained in her cabin, and
+did not again appear on deck.
+
+As for Crockston, it was well and duly agreed that, as he was no more a
+sailor than a horse-guard, he should be exempt from all duty on board.
+
+In the meanwhile the _Dolphin_, with her twin screws cutting the waves,
+sped rapidly across the Atlantic, and there was nothing now to do but
+keep a strict look-out. The day following the discovery of Miss Jenny's
+identity, James Playfair paced the deck at the poop with a rapid step;
+he had made no attempt to see the young girl and resume the
+conversation of the day before.
+
+Whilst he was walking to and fro, Crockston passed him several times,
+looking at him askant with a satisfied grin. He evidently wanted to
+speak to the Captain, and at last his persistent manner attracted the
+attention of the latter, who said to him, somewhat impatiently:
+
+"How now, what do you want? You are turning round me like a swimmer
+round a buoy: when are you going to leave off?"
+
+"Excuse me, Captain," answered Crockston, winking, "I wanted to speak
+to you."
+
+"Speak, then."
+
+"Oh, it is nothing very much. I only wanted to tell you frankly that
+you are a good fellow at bottom."
+
+"Why at bottom?"
+
+"At bottom and surface also."
+
+"I don't want your compliments."
+
+"I am not complimenting you. I shall wait to do that when you have gone
+to the end."
+
+"To what end?"
+
+"To the end of your task."
+
+"Ah! I have a task to fulfil?"
+
+"Decidedly, you have taken the young girl and myself on board; good!
+You have given up your cabin to Miss Halliburtt; good! You released me
+from the cat-o'-nine-tails; nothing could be better. You are going to
+take us straight to Charleston; that's delightful, but it is not all."
+
+"How not all?" cried James Playfair, amazed at Crockston's boldness.
+
+"No, certainly not," replied the latter, with a knowing look, "the
+father is prisoner there."
+
+"Well, what about that?"
+
+"Well, the father must be rescued."
+
+"Rescue Miss Halliburtt's father?"
+
+"Most certainly, and it is worth risking something for such a noble man
+and courageous citizen as he."
+
+"Master Crockston," said James Playfair, frowning, "I am not in the
+humour for your jokes, so have a care what you say."
+
+"You misunderstand me, Captain," said the American. "I am not joking in
+the least, but speaking quite seriously. What I have proposed may at
+first seem very absurd to you; when you have thought it over, you will
+see that you cannot do otherwise."
+
+"What, do you mean that I must deliver Mr. Halliburtt?"
+
+"Just so. You can demand his release of General Beauregard, who will
+not refuse you."
+
+"But if he does refuse me?"
+
+"In that case," replied Crockston, in a deliberate tone, "we must use
+stronger measures, and carry off the prisoner by force."
+
+"So," cried James Playfair, who was beginning to get angry, "so, not
+content with passing through the Federal fleets and forcing the
+blockade of Charleston, I must run out to sea again from under the
+cannon of the forts, and this to deliver a gentleman I know nothing of,
+one of those Abolitionists whom I detest, one of those journalists who
+shed ink instead of their blood!"
+
+"Oh, it is but a cannon-shot more or less!" added Crockston.
+
+"Master Crockston," said James Playfair, "mind what I say: if ever you
+mention this affair again to me, I will send you to the hold for the
+rest of the passage, to teach you manners."
+
+Thus saying, the Captain dismissed the American, who went off
+murmuring, "Ah, well, I am not altogether displeased with this
+conversation: at any rate, the affair is broached; it will do, it will
+do!"
+
+James Playfair had hardly meant it when he said an Abolitionist whom I
+detest; he did not in the least side with the Federals, but he did not
+wish to admit that the question of slavery was the predominant reason
+for the civil war of the United States, in spite of President Lincoln's
+formal declaration. Did he, then, think that the Southern States, eight
+out of thirty-six, were right in separating when they had been
+voluntarily united? Not so; he detested the Northerners, and that was
+all; he detested them as brothers separated from the common
+family--true Englishmen--who had thought it right to do what he, James
+Playfair, disapproved of with regard to the United States: these were
+the political opinions of the Captain of the _Dolphin_. But, more than
+this, the American war interfered with him personally, and he had a
+grudge against those who had caused this war; one can understand, then,
+how he would receive a proposition to deliver an Abolitionist, thus
+bringing down on him the Confederates, with whom he pretended to do
+business.
+
+However, Crockston's insinuation did not fail to disturb him; he cast
+the thought from him, but it returned unceasingly to his mind, and when
+Miss Jenny came on deck the next day for a few minutes, he dared not
+look her in the face.
+
+And really it was a great pity, for this young girl, with the fair hair
+and sweet, intelligent face, deserved to be looked at by a young man of
+thirty. But James felt embarrassed in her presence; he felt that this
+charming creature who had been educated in the school of misfortune
+possessed a strong and generous soul; he understood that his silence
+towards her inferred a refusal to acquiesce in her dearest wishes;
+besides, Miss Jenny never looked out for James Playfair, neither did
+she avoid him. Thus for the first few days they spoke little or not at
+all to each other. Miss Halliburtt scarcely ever left her cabin, and it
+is certain she would never have addressed herself to the Captain of the
+_Dolphin_ if it had not been for Crockston's strategy, which brought
+both parties together.
+
+The worthy American was a faithful servant of the Halliburtt family; he
+had been brought up in his master's house, and his devotion knew no
+bounds. His good sense equalled his courage and energy, and, as has
+been seen, he had a way of looking things straight in the face. He was
+very seldom discouraged, and could generally find a way out of the most
+intricate dangers with a wonderful skill.
+
+This honest fellow had taken it into his head to deliver Mr.
+Halliburtt, to employ the Captain's ship, and the Captain himself for
+this purpose, and to return with him to England. Such was his
+intention, so long as the young girl had no other object than to rejoin
+her father and share his captivity. It was this Crockston tried to make
+the Captain understand, as we have seen, but the enemy had not yet
+surrendered; on the contrary.
+
+"Now," said he, "it is absolutely necessary that Miss Jenny and the
+Captain come to an understanding; if they are going to be sulky like
+this all the passage we shall get nothing done. They must speak,
+discuss; let them dispute even, so long as they talk, and I'll be
+hanged if during their conversation James Playfair does not propose
+himself what he refused me to-day."
+
+But when Crockston saw that the young girl and the young man avoided
+each other, he began to be perplexed.
+
+"We must look sharp," said he to himself, and the morning of the fourth
+day he entered Miss Halliburtt's cabin, rubbing his hands with an air
+of perfect satisfaction.
+
+"Good news!" cried he, "good news! You will never guess what the
+Captain has proposed to me. A very noble young man he is. Now try."
+
+"Ah!" replied Jenny, whose heart beat violently, "has he proposed to--"
+
+"To deliver Mr. Halliburtt, to carry him off from the Confederates, and
+bring him to England."
+
+"Is it true?" cried Jenny.
+
+"It is as I say, miss. What a good-hearted man this James Playfair is!
+These English are either all good or all bad. Ah! he may reckon on my
+gratitude, and I am ready to cut myself in pieces if it would please
+him."
+
+Jenny's joy was profound on hearing Crockston's words. Deliver her
+father! She had never dared to think of such a plan, and the Captain of
+the _Dolphin_ was going to risk his ship and crew!
+
+"That's what he is," added Crockston; "and this, Miss Jenny, is well
+worth an acknowledgment from you."
+
+"More than an acknowledgment," cried the young girl; "a lasting
+friendship!"
+
+And immediately she left the cabin to find James Playfair, and express
+to him the sentiments which flowed from her heart.
+
+"Getting on by degrees," muttered the American.
+
+James Playfair was pacing to and fro on the poop, and, as may be
+thought, he was very much surprised, not to say amazed, to see the
+young girl come up to him, her eyes moist with grateful tears, and,
+holding out her hand to him, saying:
+
+"Thank you, sir, thank you for your kindness, which I should never have
+dared to expect from a stranger."
+
+"Miss," replied the Captain, as if he understood nothing of what she
+was talking, and could not understand, "I do not know--"
+
+"Nevertheless, sir, you are going to brave many dangers, perhaps
+compromise your interests for me, and you have done so much already in
+offering me on board an hospitality to which I have no right whatever--"
+
+"Pardon me, Miss Jenny," interrupted James Playfair, "but I protest
+again I do not understand your words. I have acted towards you as any
+well-bred man would towards a lady, and my conduct deserves neither so
+many thanks nor so much gratitude."
+
+"Mr. Playfair," said Jenny, "it is useless to pretend any longer;
+Crockston has told me all!"
+
+"Ah!" said the Captain, "Crockston has told you all; then I understand
+less than ever the reason for your leaving your cabin, and saying these
+words which--"
+
+Whilst speaking the Captain felt very much embarrassed; he remembered
+the rough way in which he had received the American's overtures, but
+Jenny, fortunately for him, did not give him time for further
+explanation; she interrupted him, holding out her hand and saying:
+
+"Mr. James, I had no other object in coming on board your ship except
+to go to Charleston, and there, however cruel the slave-holders may be,
+they will not refuse to let a poor girl share her father's prison; that
+was all. I had never thought of a return as possible; but, since you
+are so generous as to wish for my father's deliverance, since you will
+attempt everything to save him, be assured you have my deepest
+gratitude."
+
+James did not know what to do or what part to assume; he bit his lip;
+he dared not take the hand offered him; he saw perfectly that Crockston
+had compromised him, so that escape was impossible. At the same time he
+had no thoughts of delivering Mr. Halliburtt, and getting complicated
+in a disagreeable business: but how dash to the ground the hope which
+had arisen in this poor girl's heart? How refuse the hand which she
+held out to him with a feeling of such profound friendship? How change
+to tears of grief the tears of gratitude which filled her eyes?
+
+So the young man tried to reply evasively, in a manner which would
+ensure his liberty of action for the future.
+
+"Miss Jenny," said he, "rest assured I will do everything in my power
+for--"
+
+And he took the little hand in both of his, but with the gentle
+pressure he felt his heart melt and his head grow confused: words to
+express his thoughts failed him. He stammered out some incoherent words:
+
+"Miss--Miss Jenny--for you--"
+
+Crockston, who was watching him, rubbed his hands, grinning and
+repeating to himself:
+
+"It will come! it will come! it has come!"
+
+How James Playfair would have managed to extricate himself from his
+embarrassing position no one knows, but fortunately for him, if not for
+the _Dolphin_, the man on watch was heard crying:
+
+"Ahoy, officer of the watch!"
+
+"What now?" asked Mr. Mathew.
+
+"A sail to windward!"
+
+James Playfair, leaving the young girl, immediately sprang to the
+shrouds of the mainmast.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter V
+
+THE SHOT FROM THE _IROQUOIS,_ AND MISS JENNY'S ARGUMENTS
+
+Until now the navigation of the _Dolphin_ had been very fortunate. Not
+one ship had been signalled before the sail hailed by the man on watch.
+
+The _Dolphin_ was then in 32° 51' lat., and 57° 43' W. longitude. For
+forty-eight hours a fog, which now began to rise, had covered the
+ocean. If this mist favoured the _Dolphin_ by hiding her course, it
+also prevented any observations at a distance being made, and, without
+being aware of it, she might be sailing side by side, so to speak, with
+the ships she wished most to avoid.
+
+Now this is just what had happened, and when the ship was signalled she
+was only three miles to windward.
+
+When James Playfair had reached the cross-trees, he saw distinctly,
+through an opening in the mist, a large Federal corvette in full
+pursuit of the _Dolphin_.
+
+After having carefully examined her, the Captain came down on deck
+again, and called to the first officer.
+
+"Mr. Mathew," said he, "what do you think of this ship?"
+
+"I think, Captain, that it is a Federal cruiser, which suspects our
+intentions."
+
+"There is no possible doubt of her nationality," said James Playfair.
+"Look!"
+
+At this moment the starry flag of the North United States appeared on
+the gaff-yards of the corvette, and the latter asserted her colours
+with a cannon-shot.
+
+"An invitation to show ours," said Mr. Mathew. "Well, let us show them;
+there is nothing to be ashamed of."
+
+"What's the good?" replied James Playfair. "Our flag will hardly
+protect us, and it will not hinder those people from paying us a visit.
+No; let us go ahead."
+
+"And go quickly," replied Mr. Mathew, "for, if my eyes do not deceive
+me, I have already seen that corvette lying off Liverpool, where she
+went to watch the ships in building: my name is not Mathew, if that is
+not the _Iroquois_ on her taffrail."
+
+"And is she fast?"
+
+"One of the fastest vessels of the Federal marine."
+
+"What guns does she carry?"
+
+"Eight."
+
+"Pooh!"
+
+"Oh, don't shrug your shoulders, Captain," said Mr. Mathew, in a
+serious tone; "two out of those eight guns are rifled, one is a
+sixty-pounder on the forecastle, and the other a hundred-pounder on
+deck."
+
+"Upon my soul!" exclaimed James Playfair, "they are Parrott's, and will
+carry three miles."
+
+"Yes, and farther than that, Captain."
+
+"Ah, well! Mr. Mathew, let their guns be sixty or only four-pounders,
+and let them carry three miles or five hundred yards, it is all the
+same if we can go fast enough to avoid their shot. We will show this
+_Iroquois_ how a ship can go when she is built on purpose to go. Have
+the fires drawn forward, Mr. Mathew."
+
+The first officer gave the Captain's orders to the engineer, and soon
+volumes of black smoke curled from the steamer's chimneys.
+
+This proceeding did not seem to please the corvette, for she made the
+_Dolphin_ the signal to lie to, but James Playfair paid no attention to
+this warning, and did not change his ship's course.
+
+"Now," said he, "we shall see what the _Iroquois_ will do; here is a
+fine opportunity for her to try her guns. Go ahead full speed!"
+
+"Good!" exclaimed Mr. Mathew; "she will not be long in saluting us."
+
+Returning to the poop, the Captain saw Miss Halliburtt sitting quietly
+near the bulwarks.
+
+"Miss Jenny," said he, "we shall probably be chased by that corvette
+you see to windward, and as she will speak to us with shot, I beg to
+offer you my arm to take you to your cabin again."
+
+"Thank you, very much, Mr. Playfair," replied the young girl, looking
+at him, "but I am not afraid of cannon-shots."
+
+"However, miss, in spite of the distance, there may be some danger."
+
+"Oh, I was not brought up to be fearful; they accustom us to everything
+in America, and I assure you that the shot from the _Iroquois_ will not
+make me lower my head."
+
+"You are brave, Miss Jenny."
+
+"Let us admit, then, that I am brave, and allow me to stay by you."
+
+"I can refuse you nothing, Miss Halliburtt," replied the Captain,
+looking at the young girl's calm face.
+
+These words were hardly uttered when they saw a line of white smoke
+issue from the bulwarks of the corvette; before the report had reached
+the _Dolphin_ a projectile whizzed through the air in the direction of
+the steamer.
+
+At about twenty fathoms from the _Dolphin_ the shot, the speed of which
+had sensibly lessened, skimmed over the surface of the waves, marking
+its passage by a series of water-jets; then, with another burst, it
+rebounded to a certain height, passed over the _Dolphin_, grazing the
+mizzen-yards on the starboard side, fell at thirty fathoms beyond, and
+was buried in the waves.
+
+"By Jove!" exclaimed James Playfair, "we must get along; another slap
+like that is not to be waited for."
+
+"Oh!" exclaimed Mr. Mathew, "they will take some time to reload such
+pieces."
+
+"Upon my honour, it is an interesting sight," said Crockston, who, with
+arms crossed, stood perfectly at his ease looking at the scene.
+
+"Ah! that's you," cried James Playfair, scanning the American from head
+to foot.
+
+"It is me, Captain," replied the American, undisturbed. "I have come to
+see how these brave Federals fire; not badly, in truth, not badly."
+
+The Captain was going to answer Crockston sharply, but at this moment a
+second shot struck the sea on the starboard side.
+
+"Good!" cried James Playfair, "we have already gained two cables on
+this _Iroquois_. Your friends sail like a buoy; do you hear, Master
+Crockston?"
+
+"I will not say they don't," replied the American, "and for the first
+time in my life it does not fail to please me."
+
+A third shot fell still farther astern, and in less than ten minutes
+the _Dolphin_ was out of range of the corvette's guns.
+
+"So much for patent-logs, Mr. Mathew," said James Playfair; "thanks to
+those shot we know how to rate our speed. Now have the fires lowered;
+it is not worth while to waste our coal uselessly."
+
+"It is a good ship that you command," said Miss Halliburtt to the young
+Captain.
+
+"Yes, Miss Jenny, my good _Dolphin_ makes her seventeen knots, and
+before the day is over we shall have lost sight of that corvette."
+
+James Playfair did not exaggerate the sailing qualities of his ship,
+and the sun had not set before the masts of the American ship had
+disappeared below the horizon.
+
+This incident allowed the Captain to see Miss Halliburtt's character in
+a new light; besides, the ice was broken, henceforward, during the
+whole of the voyage; the interviews between the Captain and his
+passenger were frequent and prolonged; he found her to be a young girl,
+calm, strong, thoughtful, and intelligent, speaking with great ease,
+having her own ideas about everything, and expressing her thoughts with
+a conviction which unconsciously penetrated James Playfair's heart.
+
+She loved her country, she was zealous in the great cause of the Union,
+and expressed herself on the civil war in the United States with an
+enthusiasm of which no other woman would have been capable. Thus it
+happened, more than once, that James Playfair found it difficult to
+answer her, even when questions purely mercantile arose in connection
+with the war: Miss Jenny attacked them none the less vigorously, and
+would come to no other terms whatever. At first James argued a great
+deal, and tried to uphold the Confederates against the Federals, to
+prove that the Secessionists were in the right, and that if the people
+were united voluntarily they might separate in the same manner. But the
+young girl would not yield on this point; she demonstrated that the
+question of slavery was predominant in the struggle between the North
+and South Americans, that it was far more a war in the cause of morals
+and humanity than politics, and James could make no answer. Besides,
+during these discussions, which he listened to attentively, it is
+difficult to say whether he was more touched by Miss Halliburtt's
+arguments or the charming manner in which she spoke; but at last he was
+obliged to acknowledge, among other things, that slavery was the
+principal feature in the war, that it must be put an end to decisively,
+and the last horrors of barbarous times abolished.
+
+It has been said that the political opinions of the Captain did not
+trouble him much. He would have sacrificed his most serious opinion
+before such enticing arguments and under like circumstances; he made a
+good bargain of his ideas for the same reason, but at last he was
+attacked in his tenderest point; this was the question of the traffic
+in which the _Dolphin_ was being employed, and, consequently, the
+ammunition which was being carried to the Confederates.
+
+"Yes, Mr. James," said Miss Halliburtt, "gratitude does not hinder me
+from speaking with perfect frankness; on the contrary, you are a brave
+seaman, a clever merchant, the house of Playfair is noted for its
+respectability; but in this case it fails in its principles, and
+follows a trade unworthy of it."
+
+"How!" cried James, "the house of Playfair ought not to attempt such a
+commercial enterprise?"
+
+"No! it is taking ammunition to the unhappy creatures in revolt against
+the government of their country, and it is lending arms to a bad cause."
+
+"Upon my honour, Miss Jenny, I will not discuss the right of the
+Confederates with you; I will only answer you with one word: I am a
+merchant, and as such I only occupy myself with the interests of my
+house; I look for gain wherever there is an opportunity of getting it."
+
+"That is precisely what is to be blamed, Mr. James," replied the young
+girl; "profit does not excuse it; thus, when you supply arms to the
+Southerners, with which to continue a criminal war, you are quite as
+guilty as when you sell opium to the Chinese, which stupefies them."
+
+"Oh, for once, Miss Jenny, this is too much, and I cannot admit--"
+
+"No; what I say is just, and when you consider it, when you understand
+the part you are playing, when you think of the results for which you
+are responsible, you will yield to me in this point, as in so many
+others."
+
+James Playfair was dumfounded at these words; he left the young girl, a
+prey to angry thoughts, for he felt his powerlessness to answer; then
+he sulked like a child for half an hour, and an hour later he returned
+to the singular young girl who could overwhelm him with convincing
+arguments with quite a pleasant smile.
+
+In short, however it may have come about, and although he would not
+acknowledge it to himself, Captain James Playfair belonged to himself
+no longer; he was no longer commander-in-chief on board his own ship.
+
+Thus, to Crockston's great joy, Mr. Halliburtt's affairs appeared to be
+in a good way; the Captain seemed to have decided to undertake
+everything in his power to deliver Miss Jenny's father, and for this he
+would be obliged to compromise the _Dolphin_, his cargo, his crew, and
+incur the displeasure of his worthy Uncle Vincent.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter VI
+
+SULLIVAN ISLAND CHANNEL
+
+Two days after the meeting with the _Iroquois_, the _Dolphin_ found
+herself abreast of the Bermudas, where she was assailed by a violent
+squall. These isles are frequently visited by hurricanes, and are
+celebrated for shipwrecks. It is here that Shakespeare has placed the
+exciting scene of his drama, _The Tempest_, in which Ariel and Caliban
+dispute for the empire of the floods.
+
+The squall was frightful; James Playfair thought once of running for
+one of the Bermudas, where the English had a military post: it would
+have been a sad waste of time, and therefore especially to be
+regretted; happily the _Dolphin_ behaved herself wonderfully well in
+the storm, and, after flying a whole day before the tempest, she was
+able to resume her course towards the American coast.
+
+But if James Playfair had been pleased with his ship, he had not been
+less delighted with the young girl's bravery; Miss Halliburtt had
+passed the worst hours of the storm at his side, and James knew that a
+profound, imperious, irresistible love had taken possession of his
+whole being.
+
+"Yes," said he, "this brave girl is mistress on board; she turns me
+like the sea a ship in distress--I feel that I am foundering! What will
+Uncle Vincent say? Ah! poor nature, I am sure that if Jenny asked me to
+throw all this cursed cargo into the sea, I should do it without
+hesitating, for love of her."
+
+Happily for the firm of Playfair & Co., Miss Halliburtt did not demand
+this sacrifice; nevertheless, the poor Captain had been taken captive,
+and Crockston, who read his heart like an open book, rubbed his hands
+gleefully.
+
+"We will hold him fast!" he muttered to himself, "and before a week has
+passed my master will be quietly installed in one of the best cabins of
+the _Dolphin_."
+
+As for Miss Jenny, did she perceive the feelings which she inspired?
+Did she allow herself to share them? No one could say, and James
+Playfair least of all; the young girl kept a perfect reserve, and her
+secret remained deeply buried in her heart.
+
+But whilst love was making such progress in the heart of the young
+Captain, the _Dolphin_ sped with no less rapidity towards Charleston.
+
+On the 13th of January, the watch signalled land ten miles to the west.
+It was a low-lying coast, and almost blended with the line of the sea
+in the distance. Crockston was examining the horizon attentively, and
+about nine o'clock in the morning he cried:
+
+"Charleston lighthouse!"
+
+Now that the bearings of the _Dolphin_ were set, James Playfair had but
+one thing to do, to decide by which channel he would run into
+Charleston Bay.
+
+"If we meet with no obstacles," said he, "before three o'clock we shall
+be in safety in the docks of the port."
+
+The town of Charleston is situated on the banks of an estuary seven
+miles long and two broad, called Charleston Harbour, the entrance to
+which is rather difficult. It is enclosed between Morris Island on the
+south and Sullivan Island on the north. At the time when the _Dolphin_
+attempted to force the blockade Morris Island already belonged to the
+Federal troops, and General Gillmore had caused batteries to be erected
+overlooking the harbour. Sullivan Island, on the contrary, was in the
+hands of the Confederates, who were also in possession of Moultrie
+Fort, situated at the extremity of the island; therefore it would be
+advantageous to the _Dolphin_ to go as close as possible to the
+northern shores to avoid the firing from the forts on Morris Island.
+
+Five channels led into the estuary, Sullivan Island Channel, the
+Northern Channel, the Overall Channel, the Principal Channel, and
+lastly, the Lawford Channel; but it was useless for strangers, unless
+they had skilful pilots on board, or ships drawing less than seven feet
+of water, to attempt this last; as for Northern and Overall Channels,
+they were in range of the Federalist batteries, so that it was no good
+thinking of them. If James Playfair could have had his choice, he would
+have taken his steamer through the Principal Channel, which was the
+best, and the bearings of which were easy to follow; but it was
+necessary to yield to circumstances, and to decide according to the
+event. Besides, the Captain of the _Dolphin_ knew perfectly all the
+secrets of this bay, its dangers, the depths of its water at low tide,
+and its currents, so that he was able to steer his ship with the
+greatest safety as soon as he entered one of these narrow straits. The
+great question was to get there.
+
+Now this work demanded an experienced seaman, and one who knew exactly
+the qualities of the _Dolphin_.
+
+In fact, two Federal frigates were now cruising in the Charleston
+waters. Mr. Mathew soon drew James Playfair's attention to them.
+
+"They are preparing to ask us what we want on these shores," said he.
+
+"Ah, well! we won't answer them," replied the Captain, "and they will
+not get their curiosity satisfied."
+
+In the meanwhile the cruisers were coming on full steam towards the
+_Dolphin_, who continued her course, taking care to keep out of range
+of their guns. But in order to gain time James Playfair made for the
+south-west, wishing to put the enemies' ships off their guard; the
+latter must have thought that the _Dolphin_ intended to make for Morris
+Island Channel. Now there they had batteries and guns, a single shot
+from which would have been enough to sink the English ship; so the
+Federals allowed the _Dolphin_ to run towards the south-west,
+contenting themselves by observing her without following closely.
+
+Thus for an hour the respective situations of the ships did not change,
+for James Playfair, wishing to deceive the cruisers as to the course of
+the _Dolphin_, had caused the fires to be moderated, so that the speed
+was decreased. However, from the thick volumes of smoke which escaped
+from the chimneys, it might have been thought that he was trying to get
+his maximum pressure, and, consequently his maximum of rapidity.
+
+"They will be slightly astonished presently," said James Playfair,
+"when they see us slip through their fingers!"
+
+In fact, when the Captain saw that he was near enough to Morris Island,
+and before a line of guns, the range of which he did not know, he
+turned his rudder quickly, and the ship resumed her northerly course,
+leaving the cruisers two miles to windward of her; the latter, seeing
+this manoeuvre, understood the steamer's object, and began to pursue
+her in earnest, but it was too late. The _Dolphin_ doubled her speed
+under the action of the screws, and distanced them rapidly. Going
+nearer to the coast, a few shell were sent after her as an acquittal of
+conscience, but the Federals were outdone, for their projectiles did
+not reach half-way. At eleven o'clock in the morning, the steamer
+ranging near Sullivan Island, thanks to her small draft, entered the
+narrow strait full steam; there she was in safety, for no Federalist
+cruiser dared follow her in this channel, the depth of which, on an
+average, was only eleven feet at low tide.
+
+"How!" cried Crockston, "and is that the only difficulty?"
+
+"Oh! oh! Master Crockston," said James Playfair, "the difficulty is not
+in entering, but in getting out again."
+
+"Nonsense!" replied the American, "that does not make me at all uneasy;
+with a boat like the _Dolphin_ and a Captain like Mr. James Playfair,
+one can go where one likes, and come out in the same manner."
+
+Nevertheless, James Playfair, with telescope in his hand, was
+attentively examining the route to be followed. He had before him
+excellent coasting guides, with which he could go ahead without any
+difficulty or hesitation.
+
+Once his ship was safely in the narrow channel which runs the length of
+Sullivan Island, James steered bearing towards the middle of Fort
+Moultrie as far as the Pickney Castle, situated on the isolated island
+of Shute's Folly; on the other side rose Fort Johnson, a little way to
+the north of Fort Sumter.
+
+At this moment the steamer was saluted by some shot which did not reach
+her, from the batteries on Morris Island. She continued her course
+without any deviation, passed before Moultrieville, situated at the
+extremity of Sullivan Island, and entered the bay.
+
+Soon Fort Sumter on the left protected her from the batteries of the
+Federalists.
+
+This fort, so celebrated in the civil war, is situated three miles and
+a half from Charleston, and about a mile from each side of the bay: it
+is nearly pentagonal in form, built on an artificial island of
+Massachusetts granite; it took ten years to construct and cost more
+than 900,000 dollars.
+
+It was from this fort, on the 13th of April, 1861, that Anderson and
+the Federal troops were driven, and it was against it that the first
+shot of the Confederates was fired. It is impossible to estimate the
+quantity of iron and lead which the Federals showered down upon it.
+However, it resisted for almost three years, but a few months after the
+passage of the _Dolphin_ it fell beneath General Gillmore's three
+hundred-pounders on Morris Island.
+
+But at this time it was in all its strength, and the Confederate flag
+floated proudly above it.
+
+Once past the fort, the town of Charleston appeared, lying between
+Ashley and Cooper Rivers.
+
+James Playfair threaded his way through the buoys which mark the
+entrance of the channel, leaving behind the Charleston lighthouse,
+visible above Morris Island. He had hoisted the English flag, and made
+his way with wonderful rapidity through the narrow channels. When he
+had passed the quarantine buoy, he advanced freely into the centre of
+the bay. Miss Halliburtt was standing on the poop, looking at the town
+where her father was kept prisoner, and her eyes filled with tears.
+
+At last the steamer's speed was moderated by the Captain's orders; the
+_Dolphin_ ranged along the end of the south and east batteries, and was
+soon moored at the quay of the North Commercial Wharf.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter VII
+
+A SOUTHERN GENERAL
+
+The _Dolphin_, on arriving at the Charleston quay, had been saluted by
+the cheers of a large crowd. The inhabitants of this town, strictly
+blockaded by sea, were not accustomed to visits from European ships.
+They asked each other, not without astonishment, what this great
+steamer, proudly bearing the English flag, had come to do in their
+waters; but when they learned the object of her voyage, and why she had
+just forced the passage Sullivan, when the report spread that she
+carried a cargo of smuggled ammunition, the cheers and joyful cries
+were redoubled.
+
+James Playfair, without losing a moment, entered into negotiation with
+General Beauregard, the military commander of the town. The latter
+eagerly received the young Captain of the _Dolphin_, who had arrived in
+time to provide the soldiers with the clothes and ammunition they were
+so much in want of. It was agreed that the unloading of the ship should
+take place immediately, and numerous hands came to help the English
+sailors.
+
+Before quitting his ship James Playfair had received from Miss
+Halliburtt the most pressing injunctions with regard to her father, and
+the Captain had placed himself entirely at the young girl's service.
+
+"Miss Jenny," he had said, "you may rely on me; I will do the utmost in
+my power to save your father, but I hope this business will not present
+many difficulties. I shall go and see General Beauregard to-day, and,
+without asking him at once for Mr. Halliburtt's liberty, I shall learn
+in what situation he is, whether he is on bail or a prisoner."
+
+"My poor father!" replied Jenny, sighing; "he little thinks his
+daughter is so near him. Oh that I could fly into his arms!"
+
+"A little patience, Miss Jenny; you will soon embrace your father. Rely
+upon my acting with the most entire devotion, but also with prudence
+and consideration."
+
+This is why James Playfair, after having delivered the cargo of the
+_Dolphin_ up to the General, and bargained for an immense stock of
+cotton, faithful to his promise, turned the conversation to the events
+of the day.
+
+"So," said he, "you believe in the triumph of the slave-holders?"
+
+"I do not for a moment doubt of our final success, and, as regards
+Charleston, Lee's army will soon relieve it: besides, what do you
+expect from the Abolitionists? Admitting that which will never be, that
+the commercial towns of Virginia, the two Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama,
+fall under their power, what then? Will they be masters of a country
+they can never occupy? No, certainly not; and for my part, if they are
+ever victorious, they shall pay dearly for it."
+
+"And you are quite sure of your soldiers?" asked the Captain. "You are
+not afraid that Charleston will grow weary of a siege which is ruining
+her?"
+
+"No, I do not fear treason; besides, the traitors would be punished
+remorselessly, and I would destroy the town itself by sword or fire if
+I discovered the least Unionist movement. Jefferson Davis confided
+Charleston to me, and you may be sure that Charleston is in safe hands."
+
+"Have you any Federal prisoners?" asked James Playfair, coming to the
+interesting object of the conversation.
+
+"Yes, Captain," replied the General, "it was at Charleston that the
+first shot of separation was fired. The Abolitionists who were here
+attempted to resist, and, after being defeated, they have been kept as
+prisoners of war."
+
+"And have you many?"
+
+"About a hundred."
+
+"Free in the town?"
+
+"They were until I discovered a plot formed by them: their chief
+succeeded in establishing a communication with the besiegers, who were
+thus informed of the situation of affairs in the town. I was then
+obliged to lock up these dangerous guests, and several of them will
+only leave their prison to ascend the slope of the citadel, where ten
+confederate balls will reward them for their federalism."
+
+"What! to be shot!" cried the young man, shuddering involuntarily.
+
+"Yes, and their chief first of all. He is a very dangerous man to have
+in a besieged town. I have sent his letters to the President at
+Richmond, and before a week is passed his sentence will be irrevocably
+passed."
+
+"Who is this man you speak of?" asked James Playfair, with an assumed
+carelessness.
+
+"A journalist from Boston, a violent Abolitionist with the confounded
+spirit of Lincoln."
+
+"And his name?"
+
+"Jonathan Halliburtt."
+
+"Poor wretch!" exclaimed James, suppressing his emotion. "Whatever he
+may have done, one cannot help pitying him. And you think that he will
+be shot?"
+
+"I am sure of it," replied Beauregard. "What can you expect? War is
+war; one must defend oneself as best one can."
+
+"Well, it is nothing to me," said the Captain. "I shall be far enough
+away when this execution takes place."
+
+"What! you are thinking of going away already."
+
+"Yes, General, business must be attended to; as soon as my cargo of
+cotton is on board I shall be out to sea again. I was fortunate enough
+to enter the bay, but the difficulty is in getting out again. The
+_Dolphin_ is a good ship; she can beat any of the Federal vessels for
+speed, but she does not pretend to distance cannon-balls, and a shell
+in her hull or engine would seriously affect my enterprise."
+
+"As you please, Captain," replied Beauregard; "I have no advice to give
+you under such circumstances. You are doing your business, and you are
+right. I should act in the same manner were I in your place; besides, a
+stay at Charleston is not very pleasant, and a harbour where shells are
+falling three days out of four is not a safe shelter for your ship; so
+you will set sail when you please; but can you tell me what is the
+number and the force of the Federal vessels cruising before Charleston?"
+
+James Playfair did his best to answer the General, and took leave of
+him on the best of terms; then he returned to the _Dolphin_ very
+thoughtful and very depressed from what he had just heard.
+
+"What shall I say to Miss Jenny? Ought I to tell her of Mr.
+Halliburtt's terrible situation? Or would it be better to keep her in
+ignorance of the trial which is awaiting her? Poor child!"
+
+He had not gone fifty steps from the governor's house when he ran
+against Crockston. The worthy American had been watching for him since
+his departure.
+
+"Well, Captain?"
+
+James Playfair looked steadily at Crockston, and the latter soon
+understood he had no favourable news to give him.
+
+"Have you seen Beauregard?" he asked.
+
+"Yes," replied James Playfair.
+
+"And have you spoken to him about Mr. Halliburtt?"
+
+"No, it was he who spoke to me about him."
+
+"Well, Captain?"
+
+"Well, I may as well tell you everything, Crockston."
+
+"Everything, Captain."
+
+"General Beauregard has told me that your master will be shot within a
+week."
+
+At this news anyone else but Crockston would have grown furious or
+given way to bursts of grief, but the American, who feared nothing,
+only said, with almost a smile on his lips:
+
+"Pooh! what does it matter?"
+
+"How! what does it matter?" cried James Playfair. "I tell you that Mr.
+Halliburtt will be shot within a week, and you answer, what does it
+matter?"
+
+"And I mean it--if in six days he is on board the _Dolphin_, and if in
+seven days the _Dolphin_ is on the open sea."
+
+"Right!" exclaimed the Captain, pressing Crockston's hand. "I
+understand, my good fellow, you have got some pluck; and for myself, in
+spite of Uncle Vincent, I would throw myself overboard for Miss Jenny."
+
+"No one need be thrown overboard," replied the American, "only the fish
+would gain by that: the most important business now is to deliver Mr.
+Halliburtt."
+
+"But you must know that it will be difficult to do so."
+
+"Pooh!" exclaimed Crockston.
+
+"It is a question of communicating with a prisoner strictly guarded."
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"And to bring about an almost miraculous escape."
+
+"Nonsense," exclaimed Crockston; "a prisoner thinks more of escaping
+than his guardian thinks of keeping him; that's why, thanks to our
+help, Mr. Halliburtt will be saved."
+
+"You are right, Crockston."
+
+"Always right."
+
+"But now what will you do? There must be some plan: and there are
+precautions to be taken."
+
+"I will think about it."
+
+"But when Miss Jenny learns that her father is condemned to death, and
+that the order for his execution may come any day--"
+
+"She will know nothing about it, that is all."
+
+"Yes, it will be better for her and for us to tell her nothing."
+
+"Where is Mr. Halliburtt imprisoned?" asked Crockston.
+
+"In the citadel," replied James Playfair.
+
+"Just so! . . . On board now?"
+
+"On board, Crockston!"
+
+
+
+
+Chapter VIII
+
+THE ESCAPE
+
+Miss Jenny, sitting at the poop of the _Dolphin_, was anxiously waiting
+the Captain's return; when the latter went up to her she could not
+utter a word, but her eyes questioned James Playfair more eagerly than
+her lips could have done. The latter, with Crockston's help, informed
+the young girl of the facts relating to her father's imprisonment. He
+said that he had carefully broached the subject of the prisoners of war
+to Beauregard, but, as the General did not seem disposed at all in
+their favour, he had thought it better to say no more about it, but
+think the matter over again.
+
+"Since Mr. Halliburtt is not free in the town, his escape will be more
+difficult; but I will finish my task, and I promise you, Miss Jenny,
+that the _Dolphin_ shall not leave Charleston without having your
+father on board."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. James; I thank you with my whole heart."
+
+At these words James Playfair felt a thrill of joy through his whole
+being.
+
+He approached the young girl with moist eyes and quivering lips;
+perhaps he was going to make an avowal of the sentiments he could no
+longer repress, when Crockston interfered:
+
+"This is no time for grieving," said he; "we must go to work, and
+consider what to do."
+
+"Have you any plan, Crockston?" asked the young girl.
+
+"I always have a plan," replied the American: "it is my peculiarity."
+
+"But a good one?" said James Playfair.
+
+"Excellent! and all the ministers in Washington could not devise a
+better; it is almost as good as if Mr. Halliburtt was already on board."
+
+Crockston spoke with such perfect assurance, at the same time with such
+simplicity, that it must have been the most incredulous person who
+could doubt his words.
+
+"We are listening, Crockston," said James Playfair.
+
+"Good! You, Captain, will go to General Beauregard, and ask a favour of
+him which he will not refuse you."
+
+"And what is that?"
+
+"You will tell him that you have on board a tiresome subject, a scamp
+who has been very troublesome during the voyage, and excited the crew
+to revolt. You will ask of him permission to shut him up in the
+citadel; at the same time, on the condition that he shall return to the
+ship on her departure, in order to be taken back to England, to be
+delivered over to the justice of his country."
+
+"Good!" said James Playfair, half smiling, "I will do all that, and
+Beauregard will grant my request very willingly."
+
+"I am perfectly sure of it," replied the American.
+
+"But," resumed Playfair, "one thing is wanting."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"The scamp."
+
+"He is before you, Captain."
+
+"What, the rebellious subject?"
+
+"Is myself; don't trouble yourself about that."
+
+"Oh! you brave, generous heart," cried Jenny, pressing the American's
+rough hands between her small white palms.
+
+"Go, Crockston," said James Playfair; "I understand you, my friend; and
+I only regret one thing--that is, that I cannot take your place."
+
+"Everyone his part," replied Crockston; "if you put yourself in my
+place you would be very much embarrassed, which I shall not be; you
+will have enough to do later on to get out of the harbour under the
+fire of the Feds and Rebs, which, for my part, I should manage very
+badly."
+
+"Well, Crockston, go on."
+
+"Once in the citadel--I know it--I shall see what to do, and rest
+assured I shall do my best; in the meanwhile, you will be getting your
+cargo on board."
+
+"Oh, business is now a very unimportant detail," said the Captain.
+
+"Not at all! And what would your Uncle Vincent say to that? We must
+join sentiment with work; it will prevent suspicion; but do it quickly.
+Can you be ready in six days?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well, let the _Dolphin_ be ready to start on the 22nd."
+
+"She shall be ready."
+
+"On the evening of the 22nd of January, you understand, send a gig with
+your best men to White Point, at the end of the town; wait there till
+nine o'clock, and then you will see Mr. Halliburtt and your servant."
+
+"But how will you manage to effect Mr. Halliburtt's deliverance, and
+also escape yourself?"
+
+"That's my look-out."
+
+"Dear Crockston, you are going to risk your life then, to save my
+father!"
+
+"Don't be uneasy, Miss Jenny, I shall risk absolutely nothing, you may
+believe me."
+
+"Well," asked James Playfair, "when must I have you locked up?"
+
+"To-day--you understand--I demoralise your crew; there is no time to be
+lost."
+
+"Would you like any money? It may be of use to you in the citadel."
+
+"Money to buy the gaoler! Oh, no, it would be a poor bargain; when one
+goes there the gaoler keeps the money and the prisoner! No, I have
+surer means than that; however, a few dollars may be useful; one must
+be able to drink, if needs be."
+
+"And intoxicate the gaoler."
+
+"No, an intoxicated gaoler would spoil everything. No, I tell you I
+have an idea; let me work it out."
+
+"Here, my good fellow, are ten dollars."
+
+"It is too much, but I will return what is over."
+
+"Well, then, are you ready?"
+
+"Quite ready to be a downright rogue."
+
+"Let us go to work, then."
+
+"Crockston," said the young girl, in a faltering voice, "you are the
+best man on earth."
+
+"I know it," replied the American, laughing good-humouredly. "By the
+by, Captain, an important item."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"If the General proposes to hang your rebel--you know that military men
+like sharp work--"
+
+"Well, Crockston?"
+
+"Well, you will say that you must think about it."
+
+"I promise you I will."
+
+The same day, to the great astonishment of the crew, who were not in
+the secret, Crockston, with his feet and hands in irons, was taken on
+shore by a dozen sailors, and half an hour after, by Captain James
+Playfair's request, he was led through the streets of the town, and, in
+spite of his resistance, was imprisoned in the citadel.
+
+During this and the following days the unloading of the _Dolphin_ was
+rapidly accomplished; the steam cranes lifted out the European cargo to
+make room for the native goods. The people of Charleston, who were
+present at this interesting work, helped the sailors, whom they held in
+great respect, but the Captain did not leave the brave fellows much
+time for receiving compliments; he was constantly behind them, and
+urged them on with a feverish activity, the reason of which the sailors
+could not suspect.
+
+Three days later, on the 18th of January, the first bales of cotton
+began to be packed in the hold: although James Playfair troubled
+himself no more about it, the firm of Playfair and Co. were making an
+excellent bargain, having obtained the cotton which encumbered the
+Charleston wharves at very far less than its value.
+
+In the meantime no news had been heard of Crockston. Jenny, without
+saying anything about it, was a prey to incessant fears; her pale face
+spoke for her, and James Playfair endeavoured his utmost to ease her
+mind.
+
+"I have all confidence in Crockston," said he; "he is a devoted
+servant, as you must know better than I do, Miss Jenny. You must make
+yourself quite at ease; believe me, in three days you will be folded in
+your father's arms."
+
+"Ah! Mr. James," cried the young girl, "how can I ever repay you for
+such devotion? How shall we ever be able to thank you?"
+
+"I will tell you when we are in English seas," replied the young
+Captain.
+
+Jenny raised her tearful face to him for a moment, then her eyelids
+drooped, and she went back to her cabin.
+
+James Playfair hoped that the young girl would know nothing of her
+father's terrible situation until he was in safety, but she was
+apprised of the truth by the involuntary indiscretion of a sailor.
+
+The reply from the Richmond cabinet had arrived by a courier who had
+been able to pass the line of outposts; the reply contained Jonathan
+Halliburtt's death-warrant. The news of the approaching execution was
+not long in spreading through the town, and it was brought on board by
+one of the sailors of the _Dolphin_; the man told the Captain, without
+thinking that Miss Halliburtt was within hearing; the young girl
+uttered a piercing cry, and fell unconscious on the deck. James
+Playfair carried her to her cabin, but the most assiduous care was
+necessary to restore her to life.
+
+When she opened her eyes again, she saw the young Captain, who, with a
+finger on his lips, enjoined absolute silence. With difficulty she
+repressed the outburst of her grief, and James Playfair, leaning
+towards her, said gently:
+
+"Jenny, in two hours your father will be in safety near you, or I shall
+have perished in endeavouring to save him!"
+
+Then he left the cabin, saying to himself, "And now he must be carried
+off at any price, since I must pay for his liberty with my own life and
+those of my crew."
+
+The hour for action had arrived, the loading of the cotton cargo had
+been finished since morning; in two hours the ship would be ready to
+start.
+
+James Playfair had left the North Commercial Wharf and gone into the
+roadstead, so that he was ready to make use of the tide, which would be
+high at nine o'clock in the evening.
+
+It was seven o'clock when James left the young girl, and began to make
+preparations for departure. Until the present time the secret had been
+strictly kept between himself, Crockston, and Jenny; but now he thought
+it wise to inform Mr. Mathew of the situation of affairs, and he did so
+immediately.
+
+"Very well, sir," replied Mr. Mathew, without making the least remark,
+"and nine o'clock is the time?"
+
+"Nine o'clock, and have the fires lit immediately, and the steam got
+up."
+
+"It shall be done, Captain."
+
+"The _Dolphin_ may remain at anchor; we will cut our moorings and sheer
+off, without losing a moment."
+
+"Just so."
+
+"Have a lantern placed at the mainmast-head; the night is dark, and
+will be foggy; we must not risk losing our way in returning. You had
+better have the bell for starting rung at nine o'clock."
+
+"Your orders shall be punctually attended to, Captain."
+
+"And now, Mr. Mathew, have a shore-boat manned with six of our best
+men. I am going to set out directly for White Point. I leave Miss Jenny
+in your charge, and may God protect us!"
+
+"May God protect us!" repeated the first officer.
+
+Then he immediately gave the necessary orders for the fires to be
+lighted, and the shore-boat provided with men. In a few minutes the
+boat was ready, and James Playfair, after bidding Jenny good-bye,
+stepped into it, whilst at the same time he saw volumes of black smoke
+issuing from the chimneys of the ship, and losing itself in the fog.
+
+The darkness was profound; the wind had fallen, and in the perfect
+silence the waters seemed to slumber in the immense harbour, whilst a
+few uncertain lights glimmered through the mist. James Playfair had
+taken his place at the rudder, and with a steady hand he guided his
+boat towards White Point. It was a distance of about two miles; during
+the day James had taken his bearings perfectly, so that he was able to
+make direct for Charleston Point.
+
+Eight o'clock struck from the church of St. Philip when the shore-boat
+ran aground at White Point.
+
+There was an hour to wait before the exact time fixed by Crockston; the
+quay was deserted, with the exception of the sentinel pacing to and fro
+on the south and east batteries. James Playfair grew impatient, and the
+minutes seemed hours to him.
+
+At half-past eight he heard the sound of approaching steps; he left his
+men with their oars clear and ready to start, and went himself to see
+who it was; but he had not gone ten feet when he met a band of
+coastguards, in all about twenty men. James drew his revolver from his
+waist, deciding to make use of it, if needs be; but what could he do
+against these soldiers, who were coming on to the quay?
+
+The leader came up to him, and, seeing the boat, asked:
+
+"Whose craft is that?"
+
+"It is a gig belonging to the _Dolphin_," replied the young man.
+
+"And who are you?"
+
+"Captain James Playfair."
+
+"I thought you had already started, and were now in the Charleston
+channels."
+
+"I am ready to start. I ought even now to be on my way but--"
+
+"But--" persisted the coastguard.
+
+A bright idea shot through James's mind, and he answered:
+
+"One of my sailors is locked up in the citadel, and, to tell the truth,
+I had almost forgotten him; fortunately I thought of him in time, and I
+have sent my men to bring him."
+
+"Ah! that troublesome fellow; you wish to take him back to England?"
+
+"Yes.
+
+"He might as well be hung here as there," said the coast-guard,
+laughing at his joke.
+
+"So I think," said James Playfair, "but it is better to have the thing
+done in the regular way."
+
+"Not much chance of that, Captain, when you have to face the Morris
+Island batteries."
+
+"Don't alarm yourself. I got in and I'll get out again."
+
+"Prosperous voyage to you!"
+
+"Thank you."
+
+With this the men went off, and the shore was left silent.
+
+At this moment nine o'clock struck; it was the appointed moment. James
+felt his heart beat violently; a whistle was heard; he replied to it,
+then he waited, listening, with his hand up to enjoin perfect silence
+on the sailors. A man appeared enveloped in a large cloak, and looking
+from one side to another. James ran up to him.
+
+"Mr. Halliburtt?"
+
+"I am he," replied the man with the cloak.
+
+"God be praised!" cried James Playfair. "Embark without losing a
+minute. Where is Crockston?"
+
+"Crockston!" exclaimed Mr. Halliburtt, amazed. "What do you mean?"
+
+"The man who has saved you and brought you here was your servant
+Crockston."
+
+"The man who came with me was the gaoler from the citadel," replied Mr.
+Halliburtt.
+
+"The gaoler!" cried James Playfair.
+
+Evidently he knew nothing about it, and a thousand fears crowded in his
+mind.
+
+"Quite right, the gaoler," cried a well-known voice. "The gaoler is
+sleeping like a top in my cell."
+
+"Crockston! you! Can it be you?" exclaimed Mr. Halliburtt.
+
+"No time to talk now, master; we will explain everything to you
+afterwards. It is a question of life or death. Get in quick!"
+
+The three men took their places in the boat.
+
+"Push off!" cried the captain.
+
+Immediately the six oars dipped into the water; the boat darted like a
+fish through the waters of Charleston Harbour.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter IX
+
+BETWEEN TWO FIRES
+
+The boat, pulled by six robust oarsmen, flew over the water. The fog
+was growing dense, and it was with difficulty that James Playfair
+succeeded in keeping to the line of his bearings. Crockston sat at the
+bows, and Mr. Halliburtt at the stern, next the Captain. The prisoner,
+only now informed of the presence of his servant, wished to speak to
+him, but the latter enjoined silence.
+
+However, a few minutes later, when they were in the middle of the
+harbour, Crockston determined to speak, knowing what thoughts were
+uppermost in Mr. Halliburtt's mind.
+
+"Yes, my dear master," said he, "the gaoler is in my place in the cell,
+where I gave him two smart blows, one on the head and the other on the
+stomach, to act as a sleeping draught, and this when he was bringing me
+my supper; there is gratitude for you. I took his clothes and his keys,
+found you, and let you out of the citadel, under the soldiers' noses.
+That is all I have done."
+
+"But my daughter--?" asked Mr. Halliburtt.
+
+"Is on board the ship which is going to take you to England."
+
+"My daughter there! there!" cried the American, springing from his seat.
+
+"Silence!" replied Crockston, "a few minutes, and we shall be saved."
+
+The boat flew through the darkness, but James Playfair was obliged to
+steer rather by guess, as the lanterns of the _Dolphin_ were no longer
+visible through the fog. He was undecided what direction to follow, and
+the darkness was so great that the rowers could not even see to the end
+of their oars.
+
+"Well, Mr. James?" said Crockston.
+
+"We must have made more than a mile and a half," replied the Captain.
+"You don't see anything, Crockston?"
+
+"Nothing; nevertheless, I have good eyes; but we shall get there all
+right. They don't suspect anything out there."
+
+These words were hardly finished when the flash of a gun gleamed for an
+instant through the darkness, and vanished in the mist.
+
+"A signal!" cried James Playfair.
+
+"Whew!" exclaimed Crockston. "It must have come from the citadel. Let
+us wait."
+
+A second, then a third shot was fired in the direction of the first,
+and almost the same signal was repeated a mile in front of the gig.
+
+"That is from Fort Sumter," cried Crockston, "and it is the signal of
+escape. Urge on the men; everything is discovered."
+
+"Pull for your lives, my men!" cried James Playfair, urging on the
+sailors, "those gun-shots cleared my route. The _Dolphin_ is eight
+hundred yards ahead of us. Stop! I hear the bell on board. Hurrah,
+there it is again! Twenty pounds for you if we are back in five
+minutes!"
+
+The boat skimmed over the waves under the sailors' powerful oars. A
+cannon boomed in the direction of the town. Crockston heard a ball whiz
+past them.
+
+The bell on the _Dolphin_ was ringing loudly. A few more strokes and
+the boat was alongside. A few more seconds and Jenny fell into her
+father's arms.
+
+The gig was immediately raised, and James Playfair sprang on to the
+poop.
+
+"Is the steam up, Mr. Mathew?"
+
+"Yes, Captain."
+
+"Have the moorings cut at once."
+
+A few minutes later the two screws carried the steamer towards the
+principal channel, away from Fort Sumter.
+
+"Mr. Mathew," said James, "we must not think of taking the Sullivan
+Island channel; we should run directly under the Confederate guns. Let
+us go as near as possible to the right side of the harbour out of range
+of the Federal batteries. Have you a safe man at the helm?"
+
+"Yes, Captain."
+
+"Have the lanterns and the fires on deck extinguished; there is a great
+deal too much light, but we cannot help the reflection from the
+engine-rooms."
+
+During this conversation the _Dolphin_ was going at a great speed; but
+in altering her course to keep to the right side of the Charleston
+Harbour she was obliged to enter a channel which took her for a moment
+near Fort Sumter; and when scarcely half a mile off all the guns
+bearing on her were discharged at the same time, and a shower of shot
+and shell passed in front of the _Dolphin_ with a thundering report.
+
+"Too soon, stupids," cried James Playfair, with a burst of laughter.
+"Make haste, make haste, Mr. Engineer! We shall get between two fires."
+
+The stokers fed the furnaces, and the _Dolphin_ trembled all over with
+the effort of the engine as if she was on the point of exploding.
+
+At this moment a second report was heard, and another shower of balls
+whizzed behind the _Dolphin_.
+
+"Too late, stupids," cried the young Captain, with a regular roar.
+
+Then Crockston, who was standing on the poop, cried, "That's one
+passed. A few minutes more, and we shall have done with the Rebs."
+
+"Then do you think we have nothing more to fear from Fort Sumter?"
+asked James.
+
+"Nothing at all, but everything from Fort Moultrie, at the end of
+Sullivan Island; but they will only get a chance at us for half a
+minute, and then they must choose their time well, and shoot straight
+if they want to reach us. We are getting near."
+
+"Right; the position of Fort Moultrie will allow us to go straight for
+the principal channel. Fire away then, fire away!"
+
+At the same moment, and as if in obedience to James Playfair, the fort
+was illuminated by a triple line of lightning. A frightful crash was
+heard; then a crackling sound on board the steamer.
+
+"Touched this time!" exclaimed Crockston.
+
+"Mr. Mathew!" cried the Captain to his second, who was stationed at the
+bows, "what has been damaged?"
+
+"The bowsprit broken."
+
+"Any wounded?"
+
+"No, Captain."
+
+"Well, then, the masts may go to Jericho. Straight into the pass!
+Straight! and steer towards the island."
+
+"We have passed the Rebs!" cried Crockston; "and, if we must have balls
+in our hull, I would much rather have the Northerners; they are more
+easily digested."
+
+In fact, the _Dolphin_ could not yet consider herself out of danger;
+for, if Morris Island was not fortified with the formidable pieces of
+artillery which were placed there a few months later, nevertheless its
+guns and mortars could easily have sunk a ship like the _Dolphin_.
+
+The alarm had been given to the Federals on the island, and to the
+blockading squadron, by the firing from Forts Sumter and Moultrie. The
+besiegers could not make out the reason of this night attack; it did
+not seem to be directed against them. However, they were obliged to
+consider it so, and were ready to reply.
+
+It occupied James Playfair's thoughts whilst making towards the passes
+of Morris Island; and he had reason to fear, for in a quarter of an
+hour's time lights gleamed rapidly through the darkness. A shower of
+small shell fell round the steamer, scattering the water over her
+bulwarks; some of them even struck the deck of the _Dolphin_, but not
+on their points, which saved the ship from certain ruin. In fact, these
+shell, as it was afterwards discovered, could break into a hundred
+fragments, and each cover a superficial area of a hundred and twenty
+square feet with Greek fire, which would burn for twenty minutes, and
+nothing could extinguish it. One of these shell alone could set a ship
+on fire. Fortunately for the _Dolphin_, they were a new invention, and
+as yet far from perfect. Once thrown into the air, a false rotary
+movement kept them inclined, and, when falling, instead of striking on
+their points, where is the percussion apparatus, they fell flat. This
+defect in construction alone saved the _Dolphin_. The falling of these
+shells did her little harm, and under the pressure of her over-heated
+boilers she continued to advance into the pass.
+
+At this moment, and in spite of his orders, Mr. Halliburtt and his
+daughter went to James Playfair on the poop; the latter urged them to
+return to their cabins, but Jenny declared that she would remain by the
+Captain. As for Mr. Halliburtt, who had just learnt all the noble
+conduct of his deliverer, he pressed his hand without being able to
+utter a word.
+
+The _Dolphin_ was speeding rapidly towards the open sea. There were
+only three miles more before she would be in the waters of the
+Atlantic; if the pass was free at its entrance, she was saved. James
+Playfair was wonderfully well acquainted with all the secrets of
+Charleston Bay, and he guided his ship through the darkness with an
+unerring hand. He was beginning to think his daring enterprise
+successful, when a sailor on the forecastle cried:
+
+"A ship!"
+
+"A ship?" cried James.
+
+"Yes, on the larboard side."
+
+The fog had cleared off, and a large frigate was seen making towards
+the pass, in order to obstruct the passage of the _Dolphin_. It was
+necessary, cost what it might, to distance her, and urge the
+steam-engine to an increase of speed, or all was lost.
+
+"Port the helm at once!" cried the Captain.
+
+Then he sprang on to the bridge above the engine. By his orders one of
+the screws was stopped, and under the action of the other the
+_Dolphin_, veering with an extraordinary rapidity, avoided running foul
+of the frigate, and advanced like her to the entrance of the pass. It
+was now a question of speed.
+
+James Playfair understood that in this lay his own safety, Miss
+Jenny's, her father's, and that of all his crew.
+
+The frigate was considerably in advance of the _Dolphin_. It was
+evident from the volumes of black smoke issuing from her chimneys that
+she was getting up her steam. James Playfair was not the man to be left
+in the background.
+
+"How are the engines?" cried he to the engineer.
+
+"At the maximum speed," replied the latter; "the steam is escaping by
+all the valves."
+
+"Fasten them down," ordered the Captain.
+
+And his orders were executed at the risk of blowing up the ship.
+
+The _Dolphin_ again increased her speed; the pistons worked with
+frightful rapidity; the metal plates on which the engine was placed
+trembled under the terrific force of their blows. It was a sight to
+make the boldest shudder.
+
+"More pressure!" cried James Playfair; "put on more pressure!"
+
+"Impossible!" replied the engineer. "The valves are tightly closed; our
+furnaces are full up to the mouths."
+
+"What difference! Fill them with cotton soaked in spirits; we must pass
+that frigate at any price."
+
+At these words the most daring of the sailors looked at each other, but
+did not hesitate. Some bales of cotton were thrown into the
+engine-room, a barrel of spirits broached over them, and this expensive
+fuel placed, not without danger, in the red-hot furnaces. The stokers
+could no longer hear each other speak for the roaring of the flames.
+Soon the metal plates of the furnaces became red-hot; the pistons
+worked like the pistons of a locomotive; the steamgauge showed a
+frightful tension; the steamer flew over the water; her boards creaked,
+and her chimneys threw out volumes of smoke mingled with flames. She
+was going at a headlong speed, but, nevertheless, she was gaining on
+the frigate--passed her, distanced her, and in ten minutes was out of
+the channel.
+
+"Saved!" cried the Captain.
+
+"Saved!" echoed the crew, clapping their hands.
+
+Already the Charleston beacon was disappearing in the south-west; the
+sound of firing from the batteries grew fainter, and it might with
+reason be thought that the danger was all past, when a shell from a
+gun-boat cruising at large was hurled whizzing through the air. It was
+easy to trace its course, thanks to the line of fire which followed it.
+
+Then was a moment of anxiety impossible to describe; every one was
+silent, and each watched fearfully the arch described by the
+projectile. Nothing could be done to escape it, and in a few seconds it
+fell with a frightful noise on the fore-deck of the _Dolphin_.
+
+The terrified sailors crowded to the stern, and no one dared move a
+step, whilst the shell was burning with a brisk crackle.
+
+But one brave man alone among them ran up to the formidable weapon of
+destruction. It was Crockston; he took the shell in his strong arms,
+whilst showers of sparks were falling from it; then, with a superhuman
+effort, he threw it overboard.
+
+Hardly had the shell reached the surface of the water when it burst
+with a frightful report.
+
+"Hurrah! hurrah!" cried the whole crew of the _Dolphin_ unanimously,
+whilst Crockston rubbed his hands.
+
+Some time later the steamer sped rapidly through the waters of the
+Atlantic; the American coast disappeared in the darkness, and the
+distant lights which shot across the horizon indicated that the attack
+was general between the batteries of Morris Island and the forts of
+Charleston Harbour.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter X
+
+ST. MUNGO
+
+The next day at sunrise the American coast had disappeared; not a ship
+was visible on the horizon, and the _Dolphin_, moderating the frightful
+rapidity of her speed, made quietly towards the Bermudas.
+
+It is useless to recount the passage across the Atlantic, which was
+marked by no accidents, and ten days after the departure from
+Queenstown the French coast was hailed.
+
+What passed between the Captain and the young girl may be imagined,
+even by the least observant individuals. How could Mr. Halliburtt
+acknowledge the devotion and courage of his deliverer, if it was not by
+making him the happiest of men? James Playfair did not wait for English
+seas to declare to the father and daughter the sentiments which
+overflowed his heart, and, if Crockston is to be believed, Miss Jenny
+received his confession with a happiness she did not try to conceal.
+
+Thus it happened that on the 14th of February, 18--, a numerous crowd
+was collected in the dim aisles of St. Mungo, the old cathedral of
+Glasgow. There were seamen, merchants, manufacturers, magistrates, and
+some of every denomination gathered here. There was Miss Jenny in
+bridal array and beside her the worthy Crockston, resplendent in
+apple-green clothes, with gold buttons, whilst Uncle Vincent stood
+proudly by his nephew.
+
+In short, they were celebrating the marriage of James Playfair, of the
+firm of Vincent Playfair & Co., of Glasgow, with Miss Jenny Halliburtt,
+of Boston.
+
+The ceremony was accomplished amidst great pomp. Everyone knew the
+history of the _Dolphin_, and everyone thought the young Captain well
+recompensed for his devotion. He alone said that his reward was greater
+than he deserved.
+
+In the evening there was a grand ball and banquet at Uncle Vincent's
+house, with a large distribution of shillings to the crowd collected in
+Gordon Street. Crockston did ample justice to this memorable feast,
+while keeping himself perfectly within bounds.
+
+Everyone was happy at this wedding; some at their own happiness, and
+others at the happiness around them, which is not always the case at
+ceremonies of this kind.
+
+Late in the evening, when the guests had retired, James Playfair took
+his uncle's hand.
+
+"Well, Uncle Vincent," said he to him.
+
+"Well, Nephew James?"
+
+"Are you pleased with the charming cargo I brought you on board the
+_Dolphin_?" continued Captain Playfair, showing him his brave young
+wife.
+
+"I am quite satisfied," replied the worthy merchant; "I have sold my
+cotton at three hundred and seventy-five per cent. profit."
+
+
+
+
+End of The Blockade Runners
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Blockade Runners, by Jules Verne
+
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