United States or Montserrat ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
"I beg your pardon, Captain Chantor, but do you consider that you have a right to capture that steamer?" asked the late commander of the Dornoch, who seemed to be very much disturbed at the proceedings of his captor.
"You have told me about him, Christy; and I believe you suggested to Captain Chantor his best plan of action." "I simply indicated what I should do in his place, and he adopted the method I mentioned," added Christy modestly. "We may find it advisable to resort to the same plan, though I must add that it is by no means original with you. It was adopted in the war of 1812 with England."
Before it was really dark everything on board was in order, and the ship was put in perfect trim. Christy could not help seeing that Captain Chantor was a thorough commander, and that his officers were excellent in all respects. He walked about the ship, wishing to make himself familiar with her.
"The Ionian is a slow boat; at least, she is not as fast as the Chateaugay, Mr. Passford," said Captain Chantor, when Christy had halted near him. "That is apparent," replied Christy. "How many knots can you make in your ship, Captain Chantor?" "I am told that she has made fifteen when driven at her best."
"Dornoch, ahoy!" shouted Captain Chantor, mounted on the port rail. "Do you surrender?" "I do," replied Captain Rombold; for Christy recognized his voice. "Our ship is sinking!" By this time the havoc made by the big gun of the Chateaugay could be seen and estimated. The bow of the steamer had been nearly all shot away. Her bowsprit and her mainmast had gone by the board.
The commander went on deck, and the two passengers retired to Christy's stateroom, where they discussed the enterprise for a couple of hours. In the mean time the Chateaugay was making her best speed, for Captain Chantor did not wish to lose any of his chances by being too late; and he believed that the Dornoch must be fully due at the Bermudas.
The man with the mutilated nose had not yet seen Christy, and possibly he was still wondering what had become of his chief officer and the two men who had been ordered to put the prisoner on the ledge. Christy had informed Captain Chantor, in his narrative, of the manner in which he had turned the tables on his custodians, and he had not forgotten that the party were still where he had left them.
If I fail to meet you as agreed, you can look for me. If you cannot find me, you must leave at the time agreed upon with Captain Chantor, whether I go with you or not. But I have no idea that anything will happen to prevent me from returning to the ship with you." "I could not leave without you," said the detective moodily.
"That is more than the average of the steamers in the service by three knots," added Christy. "I have just been forward, Captain, and I saw there a boat which is not quite on the regulation pattern." "It is like a whaleboat, though it differs from one in some respects," added the commander. "Is it for ordinary service, Captain Chantor?"
The Dornoch was not exactly a blockade-runner, and doubtless she used soft coal, though anthracite was beginning to come into use in other than American steamers, for its smoke was less likely to betray them. "I think we have figured this matter out correctly, Mr. Passford," said Captain Chantor, as they gazed at the attenuated streak of black.
Word Of The Day