"I am a fighting man."
More applause.
"That Yankee fleet will not stop me!" added Somers, with enthusiasm.
"That's so!" shouted one of the first-class firemen, who had a high appreciation of a good joke; and his remark was followed by a storm of applause.
"I repeat, my lads, the Yankee fleet will not stop me. I shall pay my respects to the Yankee admiral down there before the sun rises."
Tumultuous applause.
"Now, my lads, I mean just what I say, and I say just what I mean. I command this ship, and every man on board obeys me. I am going through the Yankee fleet; will you go with me?"
"Ay, ay, sir!" roared the crew; and the voices of the Chatauqua's people were prominent in the reply.
"Will you go where I lead you?"
"Ay, ay, sir."