Harry and Arthur remained silent.
The ship rose higher and higher.

Behind her hung the long black trail of her smoke.

Soon, she would be in the range of the batteries.
A deep shuddering sigh ran through the crowd, and then came moments of intense, painful silence.

The little blue figures lining the walls of Sumter were motionless.

The sea moved slowly and sleepily, its waters drenched in wintry sunshine.
On came the Star of the West, straight toward the harbor mouth.
"They will not fire! They dare not!" cried Shepard in a tense, strained whisper.
As the last word left his lips there was a heavy crash.