Suddenly a dazzling gleam showed the pilot he was speeding straight for a shoal under the guns of the Confederate battery.
"Hard aport!" commanded the captain, and the heavy craft barely missed the island, past which it shot at the highest speed.

The lightning flashes helped the _Carondelet_ in more than one way.

It not only gave the pilot the necessary knowledge to avoid running aground, but confused the Confederate gunners, who sent most of their shots over the boat, which was not struck once during its remarkable run down the Mississippi.

Two shots had entered the barge at her side, but not a man was hurt.

The boat was received with wild cheers by the expectant soldiers, who, while hoping for the best, feared the worst.
It had been agreed between Walke and Captain Foote that in case the former was successful, he was to make it known by firing minute guns.
The captain was listening intently, when through the rain and darkness the welcome signals reached his ears, and he thanked God that all had come out so well.
Now that General Pope had received the transport for which he longed, Captain Foote breathed freely and prepared to give what help he could in the attack upon the rebel fortifications; but, to his surprise, Pope sent an urgent request that a second boat should be sent to him on the next night, adding that the success of the whole movement depended upon a compliance with this request.
Foote replied that it would be as safe to run the batteries at midday as on a clear night; for a vessel had to pass not only seven batteries, but be kept "head on" to a battery of eleven guns, at the upper part of Island No.