"That steamer off to the north-west has set her ensign with the union
down, though I can't make out what the flag is," said Captain Breaker,
addressing the owner, as Christy came on deck.
"What does that mean?" asked Captain Passford, getting upon the rail
with the commander.
"I am sure I don't know. I suppose it is a signal of distress, but it
may be a trick of some sort," added Captain Breaker.
"Do you know any thing about that steamer over there, Christy?" asked
the owner, calling his son.
"That is the Belle, and I believe she came from Mobile," replied
Christy.
"What is she out here for?"
"I have no doubt she came out here to capture the Bellevite. Uncle Homer
must have sent word to some one in Mobile, judging from what I heard
Major Pierson say; and probably that steamer came out here to prevent
the Bellevite from going into the navy of the Union."
"But why does she hoist a signal of distress?"
"I think it is very likely she is in distress."
"She is firing a gun," added Captain Breaker, as a cloud of smoke rose
from the Belle.
"Why do you think she is in distress, Christy?" asked his father.
"She opened fire on the Leopard, after she had picked up the boat
containing Major Pierson's party, and Captain Pecklar and I gave her
a shot in return, which went through her bow and made a big hole. She
stopped her wheels then, and since that she has been out of the fight."
"The Dauphine is coming about," added Christy, as he joined the
commander and his father on the rail.
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