"If you have steam up on board of the Bellevite, why not get under way and run down the river," continued Mr. Watts.
"Perhaps I am a coward, but I am afraid to do that," replied the midshipman, thoughtfully.
"We all know that you are no coward, Christy, and if you don't send a shot into the Vampire, it will not be because you are afraid."
"Although I know the river as well as any pilot in this vicinity, I should not dare to run the Bellevite at full speed around such a bend as the one off this spot," Christy explained. "We have not above half a dozen trained sailors who know how to handle a cutlass on board, and all the others will be needed in working the steamer. The coal-passers would be good for nothing in repelling boarders."
"You think Captain Carboneer would board the steamer, do you?"
"I have no doubt he would. He is a naval officer, and he knows what he is about. There are several ways that he might get a hold on the Bellevite, and, if he got alongside of her, I am afraid it would be all up with us, and we should have a fair chance to see the inside of a Confederate prison. I am afraid to run the risk you suggest, Mr. Watts."
"You know best, and I don't mean to interfere; I only thought I would suggest the idea," added the steward, as they reached the bank of the river again.
After he had secured his horse, Christy had lighted a match and looked at his watch. It was a quarter of one, and still the puffing of the Vampire came from the same direction. It was plain enough to him that the old tub was not a racer. But she showed herself beyond the bend in about a quarter of an hour, indicating that her rate of speed, or rather of slowness, was not more than four statute miles an hour. But this was simply confirmation of what the steward had said on the subject. Yet she was coming, though it was too dark on the river to see her in detail. Though he strained his eyes to the utmost, Christy could not discover any men on her forward deck.
"I think you had better move back where you cannot be seen," said the midshipman, in a low tone, to his companion.
"Do you wish me to leave you alone, Christy?" asked the steward, surprised at the request.