"We stow them away in the hold, after the manner of packing sardines in a box. We only let them out one at a time, when we feed them with salt fish and baked beans."
"That makes a good many men to a gun," suggested the major.
"Lots of them," answered Christy.
"How many guns does the steamer carry?"
"Only two hundred; of course I mean heavy guns,—sixty and eighty-four pounders. I think there must be small arms enough to supply all your men in the fort."
"I was on board of the Bellevite for half an hour or more, and I really did not see a single heavy gun," added the major, biting his lip.
"Didn't you notice the one hundred and twenty pounder in the waist? It is big enough for you to have seen it."
It was plain enough to the young Unionist that the major really desired to know something about the force and metal of the Bellevite, and that he was disappointed when he found that the son of the owner was on his guard. No information was to be obtained from him.
"I think you said there was a doctor on board of the steamer," continued Major Pierson, changing the subject of the conversation.
"Yes, sir; and a very skilful surgeon he is,—Dr. Linscott," replied Christy.