"That steamer off to the north-west has set her ensign with the union down, though I can't make out what the flag is," said Captain Breaker, addressing the owner, as Christy came on deck.
"What does that mean?" asked Captain Passford, getting upon the rail with the commander.
"I am sure I don't know. I suppose it is a signal of distress, but it may be a trick of some sort," added Captain Breaker.
"Do you know any thing about that steamer over there, Christy?" asked the owner, calling his son.
"That is the Belle, and I believe she came from Mobile," replied Christy.
"What is she out here for?"
"I have no doubt she came out here to capture the Bellevite. Uncle Homer must have sent word to some one in Mobile, judging from what I heard Major Pierson say; and probably that steamer came out here to prevent the Bellevite from going into the navy of the Union."
"But why does she hoist a signal of distress?"
"I think it is very likely she is in distress."
"She is firing a gun," added Captain Breaker, as a cloud of smoke rose from the Belle.