The Blockade Runner — page 242: what you’re looking at

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

THE BLOCKADE RUNNER. Magee i, knowledged to be one of the best American screw war steamers. The counterfeit Captain Randolph presented his letter to Mr. Jones on the quarter-deck. He was politely received, and duly vested with the authority of commander pro tem. “Now, Mr. Jones,” said the disguised Bentham. “ How lone will it take you to get under way.” “One hour, Cap’n Randolph.” “ All hands are aboard, I believe ?” “Yes, sir; we expected to sail at any moment.” “Very well; get on a head of steam at once. And, by the way, send a boat to the mole. There is a. gentleman, his servant, and two ladies coming off.” Mr. Jones looked his surprise. “Tam to deliver them under flag of truce to the first Yankee cruiser we sight.” This explanation satisfied the first officer and he gave orders to send the boat. The hour had nearly elapsed and Bentham was watching for the return of the boat when the steamer was hailed from the port side. “Hallo, there, what do you want?’ said a petty officer. “ Want ter come on board, boss.” “* Keep away—you can’t board this craft.” “Must do it, Massa Ossifer. Gota message from Oap’n Powers ter Cap’n Randolph.” “Hand it up, then, quick.” “Can’t do it, sah; must see de cap’n myself. Berry ticklar.” | “Come aboard, then.” “All right, sah. Be up in a twist ob a cat’s tail.” COMMCOoks (©) =}