"I should not hesitate to attack her, but the noise would wake up the rebel iron clads and gunboats. We must get the vessel without fighting. I don't believe Pillgrim has been on board of her. If he had, that picket officer would have known that I am not the man. I'm not going to croak about the business, though. In my opinion it will be all right."
"Of course the Tallapoosa is in charge of some one."
"All her officers are on board, except the commander, we were told."
"Some of them may know Mr. Pillgrim," suggested the boatswain, who had more fears for his young commander than the latter had for himself.
"Mr. Pillgrim has been in the North, and in England since the war began. I am of the opinion that those on board do not know him."
"Suppose they do?"
"I shall put them under arrest if they refuse to obey my orders."
"You are smart, Mr. Somers," said Tom, who chuckled over the adroitness of his protégé, even while he trembled for his safety and success.
"Steamer ahead, sir!" reported the bowman.
"Where does she lie?"