“Gaines,” called Bob, “are you well enough to take the engine? I want Dick up here with me.”
“Sure,” answered Gaines.
“Then go down and send him up.”
Dick reached the periscope room in a few moments.
“Dick,” said Bob, “our periscope is out of commission and we’ve got to pass the fort on the surface of the river. We could wait until night. That would give the rebels less of a chance at us, but it would also make our dash for the gulf more dangerous. The daylight has advantages as well as disadvantages, and so has the night. What do you say?”
“I’m for running their bally old fort,” answered Dick. “We’ll go so fast they can’t hit us.”
“Get the Stars and Stripes out of the locker, Dick,” said Bob. “We’ll haul it up to the staff as we pass and see if it commands their respect.”
Bob threw open the conning-tower hatch. The next moment, with his body half exposed above the hatch, he rang for full speed ahead.
As the Grampus started on the last leg of her dangerous voyage, Dick forced his way up beside his chum.
“Give me room now, Bob,” said he, between his teeth. “I’m going out on deck. If the flag commands any respect, it will be under my personal supervision.”