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diff --git a/old/8blok10h.htm b/old/8blok10h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..63cd3a9 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/8blok10h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,3902 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN"> + +<HTML><HEAD><TITLE>The Blockade Runners by Jules Verne</TITLE> + +<META content="MSHTML 6.00.2600.0" name=GENERATOR> + +<META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> + +<STYLE type=text/css>BODY { + + BACKGROUND: #ffffec; FONT-FAMILY: Bookman Old Style, Times new Roman + +} + +P { + + TEXT-INDENT: 2ex + +} + +H4 { + + TEXT-ALIGN: center + +} + +</STYLE> + +</head> + +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Blockade Runners, by Jules Verne +#32 in our series by Jules Verne + +Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the +copyright laws for your country before downloading or redistributing +this or any other Project Gutenberg eBook. + +This header should be the first thing seen when viewing this Project +Gutenberg file. Please do not remove it. Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: The Blockade Runners + +Author: Jules Verne + +Release Date: September, 2005 [EBook #8992] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on August 30, 2003] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BLOCKADE RUNNERS *** + + + + +Produced by Norman M. Wolcott + + + + + +</pre> + + +<H4>The Blockade Runners by Jules Verne</H4> + +<P><B>[Redactor’s Note:</B> <I>The Blockade Runners</I> (number <B>V008</B> in + +the T&M numerical listing of Verne's works) is a translation of <I>Les + +forceurs de blocus</I> (1871). <I>The Blockade Runners</I>, a novella, was + +included along with <I>A Floating City</I> 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).</P> + +<P>Both of these stories are about ships; <I>Floating City</I> about the largest + +ship of the time, the <I>Great Eastern</I>, and <I>Blockade Runners</I> about + +one of the fastest, the <I>Dolphin</I>.</P> + +<P>This HTML version was prepared from public domain sources by Norman M. + +Wolcott, 2003, nwolcott2@post.harvard.edu .<B>]</B></P> + +<HR> + + + +<H4>The Blockade Runners</H4> + +<H4>Table of Contents</H4> + +<DIV align=center> + +<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="85%" align=center border=1> + + <TBODY> + + <TR> + + <TD width="20%">I</TD> + + <TD>THE <I>DOLPHIN</I></TD></TR> + + <TR> + + <TD>II</TD> + + <TD>GETTING UNDER SAIL</TD></TR> + + <TR> + + <TD>III</TD> + + <TD>THINGS ARE NOT WHAT THEY SEEM</TD></TR> + + <TR> + + <TD>IV</TD> + + <TD>CROCKSTON’S TRICK</TD></TR> + + <TR> + + <TD>V</TD> + + <TD>THE SHOT FROM THE <I>IROQUOIS,</I> AND MISS JENNY’S ARGUMENTS</TD></TR> + + <TR> + + <TD>VI</TD> + + <TD>SULLIVAN ISLAND CHANNEL</TD></TR> + + <TR> + + <TD>VII</TD> + + <TD>A SOUTHERN GENERAL</TD></TR> + + <TR> + + <TD>VIII</TD> + + <TD>THE ESCAPE</TD></TR> + + <TR> + + <TD>IX</TD> + + <TD>BETWEEN TWO FIRES</TD></TR> + + <TR> + + <TD>X</TD> + + <TD>ST. MUNGO</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></DIV><BR> + +<HR> + + + +<H4>THE BLOCKADE RUNNERS</H4> + +<H4>Chapter I</H4> + +<H4>THE <I>DOLPHIN</I></H4> + +<P>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 <I>Comet</I> 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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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 <I>Dolphin</I>, then — for that was the name of + +the ship built by Messrs. Tod & MacGregor — some special peculiarity? To + +tell the truth, it had none.</P> + +<P>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 + +<I>Dolphin</I> 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 <I>Dolphin</I> 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 <I>Dolphin</I> would take place in the usual + +manner.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>The launch had been perfectly successful, the <I>Dolphin</I> 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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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 <I>Dolphin</I> was a privateer, a transport ship, or an + +addition to the Federal marine was what no one could tell.</P> + +<P>“Hurrah!” cried one, affirming that the <I>Dolphin</I> had been built for the + +Southern States.</P> + +<P>“Hip! hip! hip!” cried another, swearing that never had a faster boat crossed + +to the American coasts.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>However, he could not lay claim to the idea of building and fitting up the + +<I>Dolphin</I>; she belonged to his nephew, James Playfair, a fine young man of + +thirty, the boldest skipper of the British merchant marine.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“Uncle Vincent,” said he, coming to the point at once, “there are two + +millions of pounds to be gained in less than a month.”</P> + +<P>“And what to risk?” asked Uncle Vincent.</P> + +<P>“A ship and a cargo.”</P> + +<P>“Nothing else?”</P> + +<P>“Nothing, except the crew and the captain, and that does not reckon for + +much.”</P> + +<P>“Let us see,” said Uncle Vincent.</P> + +<P>“It is all seen,” replied James Playfair. “You have read the <I>Tribune</I>, + +the <I>New York Herald, The Times</I>, the <I>Richmond Inquirer</I>, the + +<I>American Review</I>?”</P> + +<P>“Scores of times, nephew.”</P> + +<P>“You believe, like me, that the war of the United States will last a long + +time still?”</P> + +<P>“A very long time.”</P> + +<P>“You know how much this struggle will affect the interests of England, and + +especially those of Glasgow?”</P> + +<P>“And more especially still the house of Playfair & Co.,” replied Uncle + +Vincent.</P> + +<P>“Theirs especially,” added the young Captain.</P> + +<P>“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!”</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>It was the sight of this great misery which had put the idea of his bold + +enterprise into James Playfair’s head.</P> + +<P>“I will go for cotton, and will get it, cost what it may.”</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“Uncle Vincent,” said he, “this is my idea.”</P> + +<P>“Well, James?”</P> + +<P>“It is simply this: we will have a ship built of superior sailing qualities + +and great bulk.”</P> + +<P>“That is quite possible.”</P> + +<P>“We will load her with ammunition of war, provisions, and clothes.”</P> + +<P>“Just so.”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“You must make a good bargain for your cargo with the Confederates, who will + +be in need of it,” said his uncle.</P> + +<P>“And I shall return laden with cotton.”</P> + +<P>“Which they will give you for nothing.”</P> + +<P>“As you say, Uncle. Will it answer?”</P> + +<P>“It will; but shall you be able to get there?”</P> + +<P>“I shall, if I have a good ship.”</P> + +<P>“One can be made on purpose. But the crew?”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“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?”</P> + +<P>“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 <I>Bermuda</I>. 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.”</P> + +<P>“The fact is,” said Uncle Vincent, “Charleston is overwhelmed with cotton; + +they are even burning it to get rid of it.”</P> + +<P>“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!”</P> + +<P>“Well, nephew, and when will you start?”</P> + +<P>“In six months; I must have the long winter nights to aid me.”</P> + +<P>“It shall be as you wish, nephew.”</P> + +<P>“It is settled, then, Uncle?”</P> + +<P>“Settled!”</P> + +<P>“Shall it be kept quiet?”</P> + +<P>“Yes; better so.”</P> + +<P>And this is how it was that five months later the steamer <I>Dolphin</I> was + +launched from the Kelvin Dock timber-yards, and no one knew her real + +destination.</P> + +<H4>Chapter II</H4> + +<H4>GETTING UNDER SAIL</H4> + +<P>The <I>Dolphin</I> 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 <I>Dolphin</I> did not rely on the wind to escape + +the Federalists, but rather on her powerful engines.</P> + +<P>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 <I>Dolphin</I> would certainly have gained by + +several lengths in a sailing match with the fastest opponent.</P> + +<P>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 <I>Dolphin</I>. 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 <I>Dolphin</I> 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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>The departure was settled for the 3rd of January; on the 31st of December the + +<I>Dolphin</I> was ready, her hold full of ammunition and provisions, and + +nothing was keeping her now.</P> + +<P>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 <I>Dolphin</I>, and asked to speak with the Captain. One of the + +sailors led him on to the poop.</P> + +<P>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 <I>Dolphin</I>, and waddling in + +true sailor fashion.</P> + +<P>When he had reached the Captain, he looked fixedly at him, and said, “Captain + +James Playfair?”</P> + +<P>“The same,” replied the skipper. “What do you want with me?”</P> + +<P>“To join your ship.”</P> + +<P>“There is no room; the crew is already complete.”</P> + +<P>“Oh, one man, more or less, will not be in the way; quite the contrary.”</P> + +<P>“You think so?” said James Playfair, giving a sidelong glance at his + +questioner.</P> + +<P>“I am sure of it,” replied the sailor.</P> + +<P>“But who are you?” asked the Captain.</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“But there are other ships besides the <I>Dolphin</I>, and other captains + +besides James Playfair. Why do you come here?”</P> + +<P>“Because it is on board the <I>Dolphin</I> that I wish to serve, and under + +the orders of Captain James Playfair.”</P> + +<P>“I do not want you.”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“That will do,” replied James Playfair. “And what is your name?”</P> + +<P>“Crockston, at your service.”</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“Where have you sailed?” asked Playfair of him.</P> + +<P>“A little everywhere.”</P> + +<P>“And do you know where the <I>Dolphin</I> is bound for?”</P> + +<P>“Yes; and that is what tempts me.”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“Well! did you hear me?” asked the Captain.</P> + +<P>“Yes, but it is not all,” replied the sailor. “I have something else to ask + +you.”</P> + +<P>“Ah! You are wasting my time,” replied James, sharply; “I have not a moment + +to lose in talking.”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“He has a fine uncle, then,” interrupted James Playfair.</P> + +<P>“Hah! Hah!” laughed Crockston.</P> + +<P>“Have you finished?” asked the Captain, very impatiently.</P> + +<P>“Well, this is what I have to say, when one takes the uncle, the nephew comes + +into the bargain.”</P> + +<P>“Ah! indeed!”</P> + +<P>“Yes, that is the custom, the one does not go without the other.”</P> + +<P>“And what is this nephew of yours?”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“How now, Master Crockston,” cried James Playfair; “do you think the + +<I>Dolphin</I> is a training-school for cabin-boys?”</P> + +<P>“Don’t let us speak ill of cabin-boys: there was one of them who became + +Admiral Nelson, and another Admiral Franklin.”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>Crockston did not want to be told twice; be bowed awkwardly to the Captain of + +the <I>Dolphin</I>, 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:</P> + +<P>“Come,” said he, “don’t be frightened, they are not going to eat us, besides, + +there is yet time to return.”</P> + +<P>“No, no,” replied the young man, “and may God protect us!”</P> + +<P>The same day the sailor Crockston and his nephew were inscribed in the + +muster-roll of the <I>Dolphin</I>.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>On this recommendation, borrowed from the manual of the perfect merchant, the + +uncle and nephew separated, and all the visitors left the boat.</P> + +<P>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.”</P> + +<P>For reply the novice pressed Crockston’s hand.</P> + +<P>James Playfair then gave the orders for departure.</P> + +<P>“Have we pressure on?” he asked of his mate.</P> + +<P>“Yes, Captain,” replied Mr. Mathew.</P> + +<P>“Well, then, weigh anchor.”</P> + +<P>This was immediately done, and the screws began to move. The <I>Dolphin</I> + +trembled, passed between the ships in the port, and soon disappeared from the + +sight of the people, who shouted their last hurrahs.</P> + +<P>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 <I>Dolphin</I>, 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 + +<I>biggings</I>, 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 <I>Dolphin</I> caused. Some miles farther on + +Greenock, the birthplace of James Watt, was passed: the <I>Dolphin</I> 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 <I>Dolphin</I>, 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.</P> + +<H4>Chapter III</H4> + +<H4>THINGS ARE NOT WHAT THEY SEEM</H4> + +<P>The <I>Dolphin</I> 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.</P> + +<P>The <I>Dolphin</I> 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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“I understand, Captain,” replied Mr. Mathew.</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>This said, James Playfair went to his cabin. Mr. Mathew called Crockston, and + +told him the Captain’s orders.</P> + +<P>“To-morrow, at six o’clock,” said he, “you are to relieve watch of the main + +masthead.”</P> + +<P>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:</P> + +<P>“What on earth did he say about the mainmast?”</P> + +<P>At this moment his nephew, John Stiggs, joined him on the forecastle.</P> + +<P>“Well, my good Crockston,” said he.</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“Dear Crockston, and it is for my sake.”</P> + +<P>“For you and him,” replied Crockston, “but not a word about that, John. Trust + +in God, and He will not forsake you.”</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>At these words the sailor seemed undecided what to do; then, making up his + +mind, he went towards the bows of the <I>Dolphin</I>.</P> + +<P>“Well, where are you off to now?” cried Mr. Mathew.</P> + +<P>“Where you sent me,” answered Crockston.</P> + +<P>“I told you to go to the mainmast.”</P> + +<P>“And I am going there,” replied the sailor, in an ununconcerned tone, + +continuing his way to the poop.</P> + +<P>“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!”</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“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?”</P> + +<P>“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?”</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>The boatswain made haste to the sailor’s berth.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“Clumsy blockhead! land-lubber!” cried Mr. Mathew, by way of consolation. + +“What did you come to do on board the <I>Dolphin!</I> 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.”</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“This,” said he to the first officer, “is all that I have found; a suspicious + +portfolio with letters.”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“What have you to say?” asked James Playfair, scarcely able to restrain his + +anger.</P> + +<P>“Nothing,” replied Crockston.</P> + +<P>“And what did you come on board my ship for?”</P> + +<P>“Nothing.”</P> + +<P>“And what do you expect from me now?”</P> + +<P>“Nothing.”</P> + +<P>“Who are you? An American, as letters seem to prove?” Crockston did not + +answer.</P> + +<P>“Boatswain,” said James Playfair, “fifty lashes with the cat-o’-nine-tails to + +loosen his tongue. Will that be enough, Crockston?”</P> + +<P>“It will remain to be seen,” replied John Stiggs’ uncle without moving a + +muscle.</P> + +<P>“Now then, come along, men,” said the boatswain.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“Captain!” exclaimed he.</P> + +<P>“Ah! the nephew!” remarked James Playfair.</P> + +<P>“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 <I>Dolphin</I> into the hands of the + +Federalists.”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>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.”</P> + +<P>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.”</P> + +<P>John, thus addressed, blushed violently, and two tears rolled involuntarily + +down his cheeks.</P> + +<P>“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?”</P> + +<P>The young girl hesitated a moment, then, reassured by the Captain’s look, she + +made up her mind to speak.</P> + +<P>“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 <I>Dolphin</I> 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.”</P> + +<P>“Certainly,” said James Playfair.</P> + +<P>“I did well, then, not to ask you,” resumed the young girl, with a firmer + +voice.</P> + +<P>The Captain crossed his arms, walked round his cabin, and then came back.</P> + +<P>“What is your name?” said he.</P> + +<P>“Jenny Halliburtt.”</P> + +<P>“Your father, if I remember rightly the address on the letters, is he not + +from Boston?”</P> + +<P>“Yes, sir.”</P> + +<P>“And a Northerner is thus in a southern town in the thickest of the war?”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“What was Mr. Halliburtt, then?” asked James Playfair.</P> + +<P>“A loyal and brave journalist,” replied Jenny proudly, one of the noblest + +editors of the <I>Tribune</I>, and the one who was the boldest in defending the + +cause of the negroes.”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“Sir!” replied Jenny Halliburtt, growing pale, “you are insulting my father; + +you must not forget that I stand alone to defend him.”</P> + +<P>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!”</P> + +<P>The boatswain came to him directly.</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“And now, miss, you are at home,” said the young Captain of the + +<I>Dolphin</I>. Then he retired.</P> + +<H4>Chapter IV</H4> + +<H4>CROCKSTON’S TRICK</H4> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“A pretty animal,” said Crockston, “especially when it shows its velvety + +paws.”</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>In the meanwhile the <I>Dolphin</I>, 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.</P> + +<P>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:</P> + +<P>“How now, what do you want? You are turning round me like a swimmer round a + +buoy: when are you going to leave off?”</P> + +<P>“Excuse me, Captain,” answered Crockston, winking, “I wanted to speak to + +you.”</P> + +<P>“Speak, then.”</P> + +<P>“Oh, it is nothing very much. I only wanted to tell you frankly that you are + +a good fellow at bottom.”</P> + +<P>“Why at bottom?”</P> + +<P>“At bottom and surface also.”</P> + +<P>“I don’t want your compliments.”</P> + +<P>“I am not complimenting you. I shall wait to do that when you have gone to + +the end.”</P> + +<P>“To what end?”</P> + +<P>“To the end of your task.”</P> + +<P>“Ah! I have a task to fulfil?”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“How not all?” cried James Playfair, amazed at Crockston’s boldness.</P> + +<P>“No, certainly not,” replied the latter, with a knowing look, “the father is + +prisoner there.”</P> + +<P>“Well, what about that?”</P> + +<P>“Well, the father must be rescued.”</P> + +<P>“Rescue Miss Halliburtt’s father?”</P> + +<P>“Most certainly, and it is worth risking something for such a noble man and + +courageous citizen as he.”</P> + +<P>“Master Crockston,” said James Playfair, frowning, “I am not in the humour + +for your jokes, so have a care what you say.”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“What, do you mean that I must deliver Mr. Halliburtt?”</P> + +<P>“Just so. You can demand his release of General Beauregard, who will not + +refuse you.”</P> + +<P>“But if he does refuse me?”</P> + +<P>“In that case,” replied Crockston, in a deliberate tone, “we must use + +stronger measures, and carry off the prisoner by force.”</P> + +<P>“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!”</P> + +<P>“Oh, it is but a cannon-shot more or less!” added Crockston.</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>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!”</P> + +<P>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 <I>Dolphin</I>. 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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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 + +<I>Dolphin</I> if it had not been for Crockston’s strategy, which brought both + +parties together.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>But when Crockston saw that the young girl and the young man avoided each + +other, he began to be perplexed.</P> + +<P>“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.</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“Ah!” replied Jenny, whose heart beat violently, “has he proposed to — ”</P> + +<P>“To deliver Mr. Halliburtt, to carry him off from the Confederates, and bring + +him to England.”</P> + +<P>“Is it true?” cried Jenny.</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>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 + +<I>Dolphin</I> was going to risk his ship and crew!</P> + +<P>“That’s what he is,” added Crockston; “and this, Miss Jenny, is well worth an + +acknowledgment from you.”</P> + +<P>“More than an acknowledgment,” cried the young girl; “a lasting + +friendship!”</P> + +<P>And immediately she left the cabin to find James Playfair, and express to him + +the sentiments which flowed from her heart.</P> + +<P>“Getting on by degrees,” muttered the American.</P> + +<P>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:</P> + +<P>“Thank you, sir, thank you for your kindness, which I should never have dared + +to expect from a stranger.”</P> + +<P>“Miss,” replied the Captain, as if he understood nothing of what she was + +talking, and could not understand, “I do not know — ”</P> + +<P>“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 — ”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“Mr. Playfair,” said Jenny, “it is useless to pretend any longer; Crockston + +has told me all!”</P> + +<P>“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 — + +”</P> + +<P>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:</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>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?</P> + +<P>So the young man tried to reply evasively, in a manner which would ensure his + +liberty of action for the future.</P> + +<P>“Miss Jenny,” said he, “rest assured I will do everything in my power for — + +”</P> + +<P>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:</P> + +<P>“Miss — Miss Jenny — for you — ”</P> + +<P>Crockston, who was watching him, rubbed his hands, grinning and repeating to + +himself:</P> + +<P>“It will come! it will come! it has come!”</P> + +<P>How James Playfair would have managed to extricate himself from his + +embarrassing position no one knows, but fortunately for him, if not for the + +<I>Dolphin</I>, the man on watch was heard crying:</P> + +<P>“Ahoy, officer of the watch!”</P> + +<P>“What now?” asked Mr. Mathew.</P> + +<P>“A sail to windward!”</P> + +<P>James Playfair, leaving the young girl, immediately sprang to the shrouds of + +the mainmast.</P> + +<H4>Chapter V</H4> + +<H4>THE SHOT FROM THE <I>IROQUOIS,</I> AND MISS JENNY’S ARGUMENTS</H4> + +<P>Until now the navigation of the <I>Dolphin</I> had been very fortunate. Not + +one ship had been signalled before the sail hailed by the man on watch.</P> + +<P>The <I>Dolphin</I> 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 <I>Dolphin</I> 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.</P> + +<P>Now this is just what had happened, and when the ship was signalled she was + +only three miles to windward.</P> + +<P>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 + +<I>Dolphin</I>.</P> + +<P>After having carefully examined her, the Captain came down on deck again, and + +called to the first officer.</P> + +<P>“Mr. Mathew,” said he, “what do you think of this ship?”</P> + +<P>“I think, Captain, that it is a Federal cruiser, which suspects our + +intentions.”</P> + +<P>“There is no possible doubt of her nationality,” said James Playfair. + +“Look!”</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“An invitation to show ours,” said Mr. Mathew. “Well, let us show them; there + +is nothing to be ashamed of.”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“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 <I>Iroquois</I> on + +her taffrail.”</P> + +<P>“And is she fast?”</P> + +<P>“One of the fastest vessels of the Federal marine.”</P> + +<P>“What guns does she carry?”</P> + +<P>“Eight.”</P> + +<P>“Pooh!”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“Upon my soul!” exclaimed James Playfair, “they are Parrott’s, and will carry + +three miles.”</P> + +<P>“Yes, and farther than that, Captain.”</P> + +<P>“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 <I>Iroquois</I> how a ship + +can go when she is built on purpose to go. Have the fires drawn forward, Mr. + +Mathew.”</P> + +<P>The first officer gave the Captain’s orders to the engineer, and soon volumes + +of black smoke curled from the steamer’s chimneys.</P> + +<P>This proceeding did not seem to please the corvette, for she made the + +<I>Dolphin</I> the signal to lie to, but James Playfair paid no attention to + +this warning, and did not change his ship’s course.</P> + +<P>“Now,” said he, “we shall see what the <I>Iroquois</I> will do; here is a + +fine opportunity for her to try her guns. Go ahead full speed!”</P> + +<P>“Good!” exclaimed Mr. Mathew; “she will not be long in saluting us.”</P> + +<P>Returning to the poop, the Captain saw Miss Halliburtt sitting quietly near + +the bulwarks.</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“Thank you, very much, Mr. Playfair,” replied the young girl, looking at him, + +“but I am not afraid of cannon-shots.”</P> + +<P>“However, miss, in spite of the distance, there may be some danger.”</P> + +<P>“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 <I>Iroquois</I> will not make + +me lower my head.”</P> + +<P>“You are brave, Miss Jenny.”</P> + +<P>“Let us admit, then, that I am brave, and allow me to stay by you.”</P> + +<P>“I can refuse you nothing, Miss Halliburtt,” replied the Captain, looking at + +the young girl’s calm face.</P> + +<P>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 + +<I>Dolphin</I> a projectile whizzed through the air in the direction of the + +steamer.</P> + +<P>At about twenty fathoms from the <I>Dolphin</I> 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 <I>Dolphin</I>, grazing the mizzen-yards on the + +starboard side, fell at thirty fathoms beyond, and was buried in the waves.</P> + +<P>“By Jove!” exclaimed James Playfair, “we must get along; another slap like + +that is not to be waited for.”</P> + +<P>“Oh!” exclaimed Mr. Mathew, “they will take some time to reload such + +pieces.”</P> + +<P>“Upon my honour, it is an interesting sight,” said Crockston, who, with arms + +crossed, stood perfectly at his ease looking at the scene.</P> + +<P>“Ah! that’s you,” cried James Playfair, scanning the American from head to + +foot.</P> + +<P>“It is me, Captain,” replied the American, undisturbed. “I have come to see + +how these brave Federals fire; not badly, in truth, not badly.”</P> + +<P>The Captain was going to answer Crockston sharply, but at this moment a + +second shot struck the sea on the starboard side.</P> + +<P>“Good!” cried James Playfair, “we have already gained two cables on this + +<I>Iroquois</I>. Your friends sail like a buoy; do you hear, Master + +Crockston?”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>A third shot fell still farther astern, and in less than ten minutes the + +<I>Dolphin</I> was out of range of the corvette’s guns.</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“It is a good ship that you command,” said Miss Halliburtt to the young + +Captain.</P> + +<P>“Yes, Miss Jenny, my good <I>Dolphin</I> makes her seventeen knots, and + +before the day is over we shall have lost sight of that corvette.”</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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; be 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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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 <I>Dolphin</I> was being employed, and, + +consequently, the ammunition which was being carried to the Confederates.</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“How!” cried James, “the house of Playfair ought not to attempt such a + +commercial enterprise?”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“Oh, for once, Miss Jenny, this is too much, and I cannot admit — ”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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 <I>Dolphin</I>, his cargo, his crew, and incur the displeasure of + +his worthy Uncle Vincent.</P> + +<H4>Chapter VI</H4> + +<H4>SULLIVAN ISLAND CHANNEL</H4> + +<P>Two days after the meeting with the <I>Iroquois</I>, the <I>Dolphin</I> 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, <I>The Tempest</I>, in which Ariel and Caliban dispute for the empire of + +the floods.</P> + +<P>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 + +<I>Dolphin</I> 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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“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 + +<I>Dolphin</I>.”</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>But whilst love was making such progress in the heart of the young Captain, + +the <I>Dolphin</I> sped with no less rapidity towards Charleston.</P> + +<P>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:</P> + +<P>“Charleston lighthouse!”</P> + +<P>Now that the bearings of the <I>Dolphin</I> were set, James Playfair had but + +one thing to do, to decide by which channel he would run into Charleston + +Bay.</P> + +<P>“If we meet with no obstacles,” said he, “before three o’clock we shall be in + +safety in the docks of the port.”</P> + +<P>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 <I>Dolphin</I> 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 <I>Dolphin</I> to go as close as possible to the + +northern shores to avoid the firing from the forts on Morris Island.</P> + +<P>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 <I>Dolphin</I> 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.</P> + +<P>Now this work demanded an experienced seaman, and one who knew exactly the + +qualities of the <I>Dolphin</I>.</P> + +<P>In fact, two Federal frigates were now cruising in the Charleston waters. Mr. + +Mathew soon drew James Playfair’s attention to them.</P> + +<P>“They are preparing to ask us what we want on these shores,” said he.</P> + +<P>“Ah, well! we won’t answer them,” replied the Captain, “and they will not get + +their curiosity satisfied.”</P> + +<P>In the meanwhile the cruisers were coming on full steam towards the + +<I>Dolphin</I>, 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 <I>Dolphin</I> 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 <I>Dolphin</I> to run towards + +the south-west, contenting themselves by observing her without following + +closely.</P> + +<P>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 + +<I>Dolphin</I>, 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.</P> + +<P>“They will be slightly astonished presently,” said James Playfair, “when they + +see us slip through their fingers!”</P> + +<P>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 + +<I>Dolphin</I> 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.</P> + +<P>“How!” cried Crockston, “and is that the only difficulty?”</P> + +<P>“Oh! oh! Master Crockston,” said James Playfair, “the difficulty is not in + +entering, but in getting out again.”</P> + +<P>“Nonsense!” replied the American, “that does not make me at all uneasy; with + +a boat like the <I>Dolphin</I> and a Captain like Mr. James Playfair, one can go + +where one likes, and come out in the same manner.”</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>Soon Fort Sumter on the left protected her from the batteries of the + +Federalists.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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 <I>Dolphin</I> it fell + +beneath General Gillmore’s three hundred-pounders on Morris Island.</P> + +<P>But at this time it was in all its strength, and the Confederate flag floated + +proudly above it.</P> + +<P>Once past the fort, the town of Charleston appeared, lying between Ashley and + +Cooper Rivers.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>At last the steamer’s speed was moderated by the Captain’s orders; the + +<I>Dolphin</I> ranged along the end of the south and east batteries, and was + +soon moored at the quay of the North Commercial Wharf.</P> + +<H4>Chapter VII</H4> + +<H4>A SOUTHERN GENERAL</H4> + +<P>The <I>Dolphin</I>, 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.</P> + +<P>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 <I>Dolphin</I>, 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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“My poor father!” replied Jenny, sighing; “he little thinks his daughter is + +so near him. Oh that I could fly into his arms!”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>This is why James Playfair, after having delivered the cargo of the + +<I>Dolphin</I> 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.</P> + +<P>“So,” said he, “you believe in the triumph of the slave-holders?”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“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?”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“Have you any Federal prisoners?” asked James Playfair, coming to the + +interesting object of the conversation.</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“And have you many?”</P> + +<P>“About a hundred.”</P> + +<P>“Free in the town?”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“What! to be shot!” cried the young man, shuddering involuntarily.</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“Who is this man you speak of?” asked James Playfair, with an assumed + +carelessness.</P> + +<P>“A journalist from Boston, a violent Abolitionist with the confounded spirit + +of Lincoln.”</P> + +<P>“And his name?”</P> + +<P>“Jonathan Halliburtt.”</P> + +<P>“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?”</P> + +<P>“I am sure of it,” replied Beauregard. “What can you expect? War is war; one + +must defend oneself as best one can.”</P> + +<P>“Well, it is nothing to me,” said the Captain. “I shall be far enough away + +when this execution takes place.”</P> + +<P>“What! you are thinking of going away already.”</P> + +<P>“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 <I>Dolphin</I> 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.”</P> + +<P>“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?”</P> + +<P>James Playfair did his best to answer the General, and took leave of him on + +the best of terms; then he returned to the <I>Dolphin</I> very thoughtful and + +very depressed from what he had just heard.</P> + +<P>“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!”</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“Well, Captain?”</P> + +<P>James Playfair looked steadily at Crockston, and the latter soon understood + +he had no favourable news to give him.</P> + +<P>“Have you seen Beauregard?” he asked.</P> + +<P>“Yes,” replied James Playfair.</P> + +<P>“And have you spoken to him about Mr. Halliburtt?”</P> + +<P>“No, it was he who spoke to me about him.”</P> + +<P>“Well, Captain?”</P> + +<P>“Well, I may as well tell you everything, Crockston.”</P> + +<P>“Everything, Captain.”</P> + +<P>“General Beauregard has told me that your master will be shot within a + +week.”</P> + +<P>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:</P> + +<P>“Pooh! what does it matter?”</P> + +<P>“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?”</P> + +<P>“And I mean it — if in six days he is on board the <I>Dolphin</I>, and if in + +seven days the <I>Dolphin</I> is on the open sea.”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“But you must know that it will be difficult to do so.”</P> + +<P>“Pooh!” exclaimed Crockston.</P> + +<P>“It is a question of communicating with a prisoner strictly guarded.”</P> + +<P>“Certainly.”</P> + +<P>“And to bring about an almost miraculous escape.”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“You are right, Crockston.”</P> + +<P>“Always right.”</P> + +<P>“But now what will you do? There must be some plan: and there are precautions + +to be taken.”</P> + +<P>“I will think about it.”</P> + +<P>“But when Miss Jenny learns that her father is condemned to death, and that + +the order for his execution may come any day — ”</P> + +<P>“She will know nothing about it, that is all.”</P> + +<P>“Yes, it will be better for her and for us to tell her nothing.”</P> + +<P>“Where is Mr. Halliburtt imprisoned?” asked Crockston.</P> + +<P>“In the citadel,” replied James Playfair.</P> + +<P>“Just so! . . . On board now?”</P> + +<P>“On board, Crockston!”</P> + +<H4>Chapter VIII</H4> + +<H4>THE ESCAPE</H4> + +<P>Miss Jenny, sitting at the poop of the <I>Dolphin</I>, 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.</P> + +<P>“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 + +<I>Dolphin</I> shall not leave Charleston without having your father on + +board.”</P> + +<P>“Thank you, Mr. James; I thank you with my whole heart.”</P> + +<P>At these words James Playfair felt a thrill of joy through his whole + +being.</P> + +<P>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:</P> + +<P>“This is no time for grieving,” said he; “we must go to work, and consider + +what to do.”</P> + +<P>“Have you any plan, Crockston?” asked the young girl.</P> + +<P>“I always have a plan,” replied the American: “it is my peculiarity.”</P> + +<P>“But a good one?” said James Playfair.</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“We are listening, Crockston,” said James Playfair.</P> + +<P>“Good! You, Captain, will go to General Beauregard, and ask a favour of him + +which he will not refuse you.”</P> + +<P>“And what is that?”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“Good!” said James Playfair, half smiling, “I will do all that, and + +Beauregard will grant my request very willingly.”</P> + +<P>“I am perfectly sure of it,” replied the American.</P> + +<P>“But,” resumed Playfair, “one thing is wanting.”</P> + +<P>“What is that?”</P> + +<P>“The scamp.”</P> + +<P>“He is before you, Captain.”</P> + +<P>“What, the rebellious subject?”</P> + +<P>“Is myself; don’t trouble yourself about that.”</P> + +<P>“Oh! you brave, generous heart,” cried Jenny, pressing the American’s rough + +hands between her small white palms.</P> + +<P>“Go, Crockston,” said James Playfair; “I understand you, my friend; and I + +only regret one thing — that is, that I cannot take your place.”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“Well, Crockston, go on.”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“Oh, business is now a very unimportant detail,” said the Captain.</P> + +<P>“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?”</P> + +<P>“Yes.”</P> + +<P>“Well, let the <I>Dolphin</I> be ready to start on the 22nd.”</P> + +<P>“She shall be ready.”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“But how will you manage to effect Mr. Halliburtt’s deliverance, and also + +escape yourself?”</P> + +<P>“That’s my look-out.”</P> + +<P>“Dear Crockston, you are going to risk your life then, to save my + +father!”</P> + +<P>“Don’t be uneasy, Miss Jenny, I shall risk absolutely nothing, you may + +believe me.”</P> + +<P>“Well,” asked James Playfair, “when must I have you locked up?”</P> + +<P>“To-day — you understand — I demoralise your crew; there is no time to be + +lost.”</P> + +<P>“Would you like any money? It may be of use to you in the citadel.”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“And intoxicate the gaoler.”</P> + +<P>“No, an intoxicated gaoler would spoil everything. No, I tell you I have an + +idea; let me work it out.”</P> + +<P>“Here, my good fellow, are ten dollars.”</P> + +<P>“It is too much, but I will return what is over.”</P> + +<P>“Well, then, are you ready?”</P> + +<P>“Quite ready to be a downright rogue.”</P> + +<P>“Let us go to work, then.”</P> + +<P>“Crockston,” said the young girl, in a faltering voice, “you are the best man + +on earth.”</P> + +<P>“I know it,” replied the American, laughing good-humouredly. “By the by, + +Captain, an important item.”</P> + +<P>“What is that?”</P> + +<P>“If the General proposes to hang your rebel — you know that military men like + +sharp work — ”</P> + +<P>“Well, Crockston?”</P> + +<P>“Well, you will say that you must think about it.”</P> + +<P>“I promise you I will.”</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>During this and the following days the unloading of the <I>Dolphin</I> 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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“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?”</P> + +<P>“I will tell you when we are in English seas,” replied the young Captain.</P> + +<P>Jenny raised her tearful face to him for a moment, then her eyelids drooped, + +and she went back to her cabin.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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 + +<I>Dolphin</I>; 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.</P> + +<P>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:</P> + +<P>“Jenny, in two hours your father will be in safety near you, or I shall have + +perished in endeavouring to save him!”</P> + +<P>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.”</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“Very well, sir,” replied Mr. Mathew, without making the least remark, “and + +nine o’clock is the time?”</P> + +<P>“Nine o’clock, and have the fires lit immediately, and the steam got up.”</P> + +<P>“It shall be done, Captain.”</P> + +<P>“The <I>Dolphin</I> may remain at anchor; we will cut our moorings and sheer + +off, without losing a moment.”</P> + +<P>“Just so.”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“Your orders shall be punctually attended to, Captain.”</P> + +<P>“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!”</P> + +<P>“May God protect us!” repeated the first officer.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>Eight o’clock struck from the church of St. Philip when the shore-boat ran + +aground at White Point.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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?</P> + +<P>The leader came up to him, and, seeing the boat, asked:</P> + +<P>“Whose craft is that?”</P> + +<P>“It is a gig belonging to the <I>Dolphin</I>,” replied the young man.</P> + +<P>“And who are you?”</P> + +<P>“Captain James Playfair.”</P> + +<P>“I thought you had already started, and were now in the Charleston + +channels.”</P> + +<P>“I am ready to start. I ought even now to be on my way but — ”</P> + +<P>“But — ” persisted the coastguard.</P> + +<P>A bright idea shot through James’s mind, and he answered:</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“Ah! that troublesome fellow; you wish to take him back to England?”</P> + +<P>“Yes.</P> + +<P>“He might as well be hung here as there,” said the coast-guard, laughing at + +his joke.</P> + +<P>“So I think,” said James Playfair, “but it is better to have the thing done + +in the regular way.”</P> + +<P>“Not much chance of that, Captain, when you have to face the Morris Island + +batteries.”</P> + +<P>“Don’t alarm yourself. I got in and I’ll get out again.”</P> + +<P>“Prosperous voyage to you!”</P> + +<P>“Thank you.”</P> + +<P>With this the men went off, and the shore was left silent.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“Mr. Halliburtt?”</P> + +<P>“I am he,” replied the man with the cloak.</P> + +<P>“God be praised!” cried James Playfair. “Embark without losing a minute. + +Where is Crockston?”</P> + +<P>“Crockston!” exclaimed Mr. Halliburtt, amazed. “What do you mean?”</P> + +<P>“The man who has saved you and brought you here was your servant + +Crockston.”</P> + +<P>“The man who came with me was the gaoler from the citadel,” replied Mr. + +Halliburtt.</P> + +<P>“The gaoler!” cried James Playfair.</P> + +<P>Evidently he knew nothing about it, and a thousand fears crowded in his + +mind.</P> + +<P>“Quite right, the gaoler,” cried a well-known voice. “The gaoler is sleeping + +like a top in my cell.”</P> + +<P>“Crockston! you! Can it be you?” exclaimed Mr. Halliburtt.</P> + +<P>“No time to talk now, master; we will explain everything to you afterwards. + +It is a question of life or death. Get in quick!”</P> + +<P>The three men took their places in the boat.</P> + +<P>“Push off!” cried the captain.</P> + +<P>Immediately the six oars dipped into the water; the boat darted like a fish + +through the waters of Charleston Harbour.</P> + +<H4>Chapter IX</H4> + +<H4>BETWEEN TWO FIRES</H4> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“But my daughter — ?” asked Mr. Halliburtt.</P> + +<P>“Is on board the ship which is going to take you to England.”</P> + +<P>“My daughter there! there!” cried the American, springing from his seat.</P> + +<P>“Silence!” replied Crockston, “a few minutes, and we shall be saved.”</P> + +<P>The boat flew through the darkness, but James Playfair was obliged to steer + +rather by guess, as the lanterns of the <I>Dolphin</I> 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.</P> + +<P>“Well, Mr. James?” said Crockston.</P> + +<P>“We must have made more than a mile and a half,” replied the Captain. “You + +don’t see anything, Crockston?”</P> + +<P>“Nothing; nevertheless, I have good eyes; but we shall get there all right. + +They don’t suspect anything out there.”</P> + +<P>These words were hardly finished when the flash of a gun gleamed for an + +instant through the darkness, and vanished in the mist.</P> + +<P>“A signal!” cried James Playfair.</P> + +<P>“Whew!” exclaimed Crockston. “It must have come from the citadel. Let us + +wait.”</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“That is from Fort Sumter,” cried Crockston, “and it is the signal of escape. + +Urge on the men; everything is discovered.”</P> + +<P>“Pull for your lives, my men!” cried James Playfair, urging on the sailors, + +“those gun-shots cleared my route. The <I>Dolphin</I> 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!”</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>The bell on the <I>Dolphin</I> was ringing loudly. A few more strokes and the + +boat was alongside. A few more seconds and Jenny fell into her father’s + +arms.</P> + +<P>The gig was immediately raised, and James Playfair sprang on to the poop.</P> + +<P>“Is the steam up, Mr. Mathew?”</P> + +<P>“Yes, Captain.”</P> + +<P>“Have the moorings cut at once.”</P> + +<P>A few minutes later the two screws carried the steamer towards the principal + +channel, away from Fort Sumter.</P> + +<P>“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?”</P> + +<P>“Yes, Captain.”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>During this conversation the <I>Dolphin</I> 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 <I>Dolphin</I> + +with a thundering report.</P> + +<P>“Too soon, stupids,” cried James Playfair, with a burst of laughter. “Make + +haste, make haste, Mr. Engineer! We shall get between two fires.”</P> + +<P>The stokers fed the furnaces, and the <I>Dolphin</I> trembled all over with + +the effort of the engine as if she was on the point of exploding.</P> + +<P>At this moment a second report was heard, and another shower of balls whizzed + +behind the <I>Dolphin</I>.</P> + +<P>“Too late, stupids,” cried the young Captain, with a regular roar.</P> + +<P>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.”</P> + +<P>“Then do you think we have nothing more to fear from Fort Sumter?” asked + +James.</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>“Right; the position of Fort Moultrie will allow us to go straight for the + +principal channel. Fire away then, fire away!”</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“Touched this time!” exclaimed Crockston.</P> + +<P>“Mr. Mathew!” cried the Captain to his second, who was stationed at the bows, + +“what has been damaged?”</P> + +<P>“The bowsprit broken.”</P> + +<P>“Any wounded?”</P> + +<P>“No, Captain.”</P> + +<P>“Well, then, the masts may go to Jericho. Straight into the pass! Straight! + +and steer towards the island.”</P> + +<P>“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.”</P> + +<P>In fact, the <I>Dolphin</I> 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 <I>Dolphin</I>.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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 <I>Dolphin</I>, 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 <I>Dolphin</I>, 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 <I>Dolphin</I>. 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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>The <I>Dolphin</I> 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:</P> + +<P>“A ship!”</P> + +<P>“A ship?” cried James.</P> + +<P>“Yes, on the larboard side.”</P> + +<P>The fog had cleared off, and a large frigate was seen making towards the + +pass, in order to obstruct the passage of the <I>Dolphin</I>. It was necessary, + +cost what it might, to distance her, and urge the steam-engine to an increase of + +speed, or all was lost.</P> + +<P>“Port the helm at once!” cried the Captain.</P> + +<P>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 <I>Dolphin</I>, + +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.</P> + +<P>James Playfair understood that in this lay his own safety, Miss Jenny’s, her + +father’s, and that of all his crew.</P> + +<P>The frigate was considerably in advance of the <I>Dolphin</I>. 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.</P> + +<P>“How are the engines?” cried he to the engineer.</P> + +<P>“At the maximum speed,” replied the latter; “the steam is escaping by all the + +valves.”</P> + +<P>“Fasten them down,” ordered the Captain.</P> + +<P>And his orders were executed at the risk of blowing up the ship.</P> + +<P>The <I>Dolphin</I> 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.</P> + +<P>“More pressure!” cried James Playfair; “put on more pressure!”</P> + +<P>“Impossible!” replied the engineer. “The valves are tightly closed; our + +furnaces are full up to the mouths.”</P> + +<P>“What difference! Fill them with cotton soaked in spirits; we must pass that + +frigate at any price.”</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>“Saved!” cried the Captain.</P> + +<P>“Saved!” echoed the crew, clapping their hands.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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 <I>Dolphin</I>.</P> + +<P>The terrified sailors crowded to the stern, and no one dared move a step, + +whilst the shell was burning with a brisk crackle.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>Hardly had the shell reached the surface of the water when it burst with a + +frightful report.</P> + +<P>“Hurrah! hurrah!” cried the whole crew of the <I>Dolphin</I> unanimously, + +whilst Crockston rubbed his hands.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<H4>Chapter X</H4> + +<H4>ST. MUNGO</H4> + +<P>The next day at sunrise the American coast had disappeared; not a ship was + +visible on the horizon, and the <I>Dolphin</I>, moderating the frightful + +rapidity of her speed, made quietly towards the Bermudas.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>The ceremony was accomplished amidst great pomp. Everyone knew the history of + +the <I>Dolphin</I>, and everyone thought the young Captain well recompensed for + +his devotion. He alone said that his reward was greater than he deserved.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>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.</P> + +<P>Late in the evening, when the guests had retired, James Playfair took his + +uncle’s hand.</P> + +<P>“Well, Uncle Vincent,” said he to him.</P> + +<P>“Well, Nephew James?”</P> + +<P>“Are you pleased with the charming cargo I brought you on board the + +<I>Dolphin</I>?” continued Captain Playfair, showing him his brave young + +wife.</P> + +<P>“I am quite satisfied,” replied the worthy merchant; “I have sold my cotton + +at three hundred and seventy-five per cent. profit.”</P> + +<H4>End of The Blockade Runners</H4> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Blockade Runners, by Jules Verne + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BLOCKADE RUNNERS *** + +This file should be named 8blok10h.htm or 8blok10h.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, 8blok11h.htm +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, 8blok10ah.htm + +Produced by Norman M. 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