"I could go to sea in this steamer, and plunder all the vessels I could overhaul."
"So you could," replied the boatswain, who seemed to be amazed even at such a suggestion.
"I'm not sure that I am not carrying out the very plan which the traitor had in his mind. Perhaps he intended to do just what I have done, when he reached the blockading station."
"Very likely."
"Then I shall be Mr. Pillgrim, and carry out his purpose to the letter; only, when we get out of the bay I shall do rather differently from what he intended."
"Boat ahoy!" shouted a man at the gangway of the Ben Lomond.
"On board the Tallapoosa!" replied Somers.
"Keep off," said the man, who seemed to be the officer of the deck. "Who are you?"
"Commander John Pillgrim, Confederate States navy, and captain of this ship."
"Man the side, you lubbers!" added the boatswain, rather improving on the suggestion of Somers, given him at this moment.