"You shall have them, Mr. Somers," said the admiral. "Instead of the first cutter, I suggest a whale-boat, which will not be much more than half as heavy."
"That would be better, sir," replied Somers, hardly able to conceal the joy and exultation he felt at the prospect of being permitted to carry out his plan.
"Captain, you will permit Mr. Somers to pick his men, and afford him every facility for the execution of his purpose."
"I will, with pleasure, sir."
"When do you wish to begin, Mr. Somers?" asked the admiral.
"To-night, sir."
"Very well. The monitors haven't arrived, captain, and it may be a fortnight before we make the attack on the forts. The steamer may run out in a fog or storm before that time, and I think we do well to prevent another Tuscaloosa from preying on the commerce of the country."
"Undoubtedly, sir, if we can."
"Mr. Somers's scheme may possibly succeed, though I do not think his chances of cutting out the steamer are very encouraging."
"I am afraid not, admiral," answered Captain Cascabel, incredulously.