"How do you get on, Captain Pecklar?" asked Christy, as he glanced at the engine, and judged that it was moving more rapidly than at any time before.
"I am a good deal better, Christy: in fact, the thought of getting out of this country is almost enough to cure me; for I have come to the conclusion that I had rather die at home than live here," replied the captain, as he put an enormous piece of beef into his mouth, which his companion thought would be almost enough for his breakfast.
"I am glad you are better. How does the engine work?" asked Christy.
"I have been stirring it up, and I just filled up the furnaces. I think she is doing her best, though that is not saying a great deal. But, Christy, have you tried to get a look over beyond the Bellevite?"
"No, I haven't seen any thing in that direction," replied Christy, a little startled by the question.
"I believe there is another steamer over there; and, if there is, it must be the Dauphine."
"What of her?" asked Christy anxiously.
"She is a steam-yacht of four hundred tons, and the fastest steamer in these waters. They have been fitting her up for the war, though I don't know whether she is to be a man-of-war or a blockade-runner."
"What makes you think it is she?"
"Because she has been over to the town you may have seen in that direction. She is behind the Bellevite, so that you can hardly see her."