The Blockade Runner — page 248: what you’re looking at

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

THE BLOCKADE RUNNER. 249 Powers, who entertained some doubts as to Nugent’s intentions sincé the narrow shave the Seabird had from the cruiser. . | “TIl go on a bit. We show no light of any kind and le low in the water. Since I’ve gone into this thing I’m willing to take some chances, but you must under- stand I can’t afford to lose my vessel, even to assist the Confederacy.” “You are the master here and I must bow to what- ever you decide upon; but I believe there is a reason- able chance for judging that yonder craft is my vessel. I can recognize the Destroyer if you will go near enough to afford me a plain view.” “T will go as close to her as I dare,” said Nugent frankly, and Captain Powers felt that that was all he could reasonably expect of the blockade runner. It was certainly a risky venture, though everything favored the little lead-colored steamer. The vessel ahead was under moderate speed, so that the Seabird crept rapidly up to the windward. Captain Powers was visibly excited. He was more than half-assured that the blot on the water, a couple of points off the starboard bow, was the wished-for Destroyer. “What’s our course?” he inquired. Nugent consulted the binnacle, which was shaded so that the light could not be seen seaward, and returned to Powers. “East by east-sou’-east,” he said. _ “The weather has thickened so that I can’t get a good view of the steamer,” said Powers, “but we’re coming up very fast. I should like to chance a private signal pretty soon, if you'll allow me. If it’s the Destroyer, she’ll Comichdoo S (€©)