The Blockade Runner — page 163: what you’re looking at

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

164 THE BLOCKADE RUNNER. “Old Abe” was carefully sighted by the young gunner, and then Jupe pulled the ianyard with ‘great unction. : The shell soared aloft and burst close to the fleeing steamer. | Shot followed shot after that, and finally one shell struck the blockade runner squarely in the stern. After that she seemed to be crippled, for the cruiser came down on her hand over hand. “Fit, by the Lord Harry!” exclaimed Captain Graham... “She’s ours. By my soul, the men will get their first prize-money to-night.” “Old Abe” had done his duty, and there was no need to discharge another shell. The stranger was drifting ashore. The two steamers were now less than a mile apart. A full-orbed moon hung over the wide expanse of waters, silvering the crests of the waves, and affording the Union vessel plenty of light. With full head on, the Avenger now bore swiftly down upon the blockade runner, still endeavoring to escape, despite the injuries inflicted by Bentham’s gun. Evervbody on board the Union cruiser was on the alert. | Ten minutes later the Avenger ran alongside, and the voice of Captain Graham was plainly heard as he ealled out: | : “Ship ahoy ! Who are you?” The reply was not delayed an instant. “The steamer Foxhound,” “Great heaven!” ejaculated Bentham to Jupe. “ Powell may keep his oath 2?” “We are the United States cruiser, Avenger,” - conicbooks. coms a .