So quickly did this singular glow come and vanish that it must have been mistaken by the sentinels for a part of the lightning display, for it caused no alarm; but the turning of the escape steam into the paddle-box had allowed the soot to get dry, and they flamed up a second time.

Though extinguished as promptly as before, the sentinels knew something was wrong and signalled to the batteries below that one of the boats of the enemy was approaching.
It was useless to attempt concealment any longer.

Walke ordered the engine ahead at full speed and ran close to the shore nearest the batteries, that their shot might pass over him.

Aside from the enemy, this was dangerous work, for there was no telling into what obstruction the boat would dash.

A man stood at the front with lead and line, quietly calling out in a guarded voice the soundings, which were repeated by a second man on deck, who forwarded the report aft to Walke, standing beside the pilot.
All the time the rain was falling in torrents.