"Perhaps not; but it is best to have it ready for the next time we want it. The major kept it loaded all the time, and I shall follow his example," replied the captain.
"Have you been hit, Percy?" asked Christy, looking out at the side under which the late pilot had bestowed himself for safe-keeping.
"I have not been hit; they could not see me where I am. Have you been hit, Christy?" replied Percy.
"Not at all; I took good care not to be seen while they were firing. But your brother has dropped astern of the Leopard in his boat, and there is no danger here now: so you can come in and take the helm, if you like."
Percy was glad to have something to do, for he was very nervous; and he came into the pilot-house. He was not half as airy as he had been before, and the sound of the muskets and the twelve-pounder on the forward deck had undoubtedly made an impression upon him. But he was as glad to take the wheel as Christy was to have him, for he desired to study the situation after all the changes which had been made in the position of the several vessels.
"You have had an awful time of it, Christy," said Percy, as he took the wheel. "I wonder that you have not been killed."
"Not a very awful time of it, and I took good care not to be killed," replied Christy. "A fellow isn't good for much after he has been killed, and it is always best to look out and not get killed; though I suppose one cannot always help it."
"Did you fire the field-piece on the deck below?"
"No, I did not; that was done by Captain Pecklar."
"My brother will have him hanged when he gets hold of him," added Percy, shaking his head.