This is not the end of the affair," said the engineer, very seriously.
"Decidedly not; but I hope to have further information in the course of a few minutes," replied Christy.
"Bellevite, ahoy!" shouted some one on shore.
"That is Mr.Watts; send Sampson on shore after him, and we shall soon know the condition of affairs on board of the Vampire," added the midshipman.

"I told the steward to ride up as fast as he could after he had satisfied himself that the steamer was disabled." Sampson was gone but a few minutes, during which time Christy and Paul consulted in regard to the next step to be taken, and the question was promptly decided.

The boat in which Sampson had gone to the shore returned not only with the steward, but also with Mrs.Passford and Miss Florry.
"What does this mean, mother ?" asked Christy, astonished to see his mother and sister come on board.
"It means that we were alarmed, and could not stay in the house any longer," said Florry, taking it upon herself to answer.
"Your father has not come home yet, Christy, and I don't think he will come to-night, for he said he might not be able to return in the last train," added Mrs.Passford.

"We came down to the shore with two of the men, and saw Mr.Watts when he arrived on the horse." "And I shall take the responsibility of having advised the ladies to go on board of the Bellevite," interposed the steward.
"But you have not reported upon the condition of the enemy after the shot hit the Vampire, Mr.Watts," said Christy, impatiently.
"The shot struck her walking-beam, smashed it all to pieces, and cleaned it off completely.

Of course, that disabled her.