The Blockade Runner — page 138: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE BLOCKADE RUNNER. 139 “T hope you will, cap’n ; upon my soul I do.” “| forgot to tell you that the man vou brought over from France, Bob Bentham, is chief gunner on yon- der cruiser.” “How do you know that?’ said Powell, not a little astonished. “| have means of learning many things that it is to my interest to be informed of. Mr. Mowbray’s instruc- tions included positive orders to hunt out the craft that bis nephew went to sea in, and unless she proved to be of-much superior force Iwas to engage her at all hazards, and if possible put an end to that young man’s career.” ‘You surprise me,” said Powell. “Well, when I left Wilmington, I found that the Swiftwing was unseaworthy. Mowbray had evidently been imposed upon when he purchased the vessel. . [ was forced to put into Nassau for safety. The priva- teer underwent a thorough examination in dry dock and was overhauled and put into Al condition. I also obtained a heavier deck battery. In the meantime I was expecting intelligence regarding Bentham’s move- ments. Yesterday I got a letter saying that this young man had been appointed to the Avenger—a fast steam cruiser of the third class, intended to overs haul the more important Confederate privateers. Like the Swiftwing she carried a broadside of four heavy guns, and a long rifled Parrott in the waist. There was not much difference in the armament of either vessel, so | felt easy in my mind about tackling her. My surprise, however, was great to run athwart her so soon. My only regret is that I lost the day.” “It was a most unfortunate Waterloo for you,” said Powell. | CoOmicloo Ss co 5}