"You may be sure the captain will not come out of his stateroom until we let him out," added the engineer; and Christy proceeded to explain what had passed between the schooner and the steamer.
"The Tallahatchie has one of the ablest commanders that sail the ocean, for I have seen and know him," continued the lieutenant. "It is Captain Rombold, now or formerly, of the British Navy. He is a gentleman and a scholar, as well as a brave and skilful officer."
"Then Captain Breaker may have his hands full before he captures the steamer," added the engineer.
"He certainly will; but a great deal depends upon the weight of the Tallahatchie's metal."
"We shall soon have a chance to judge of that."
"I should like to know something more about this steamer, though my father's letter gives us the principal details; but we have no time now to examine her," continued Christy.
"Who's that?" demanded Graines, as he saw a man walking forward over the bales of cotton.
It proved to be Bokes, who had slept off a part of the effects of the debauch; but Sopsy had probably consumed a large portion of the contents of his bottle.
"Does you uns happen to have any more apple-jack?" asked the fellow. "Somehow I lost nigh all o' mine, and I'm sufferin', dyin' for a drink."
"French, take him to the deck-house, and fasten him in," said Christy in a low tone.