But Christy was not disposed to make an issue with the enemy when they met; he intended to defend the Bellevite, if she was attacked, to the extent of his ability and small force.
"There she is!" exclaimed Beeks, as the Bellevite began to change her course to go around the bend.
Christy saw the Vampire as soon as the quartermaster, and he was glad to find that she had drifted to the left bank of the river as far as the depth of water would permit.

As her engine was disabled, she had no means of propulsion with which she could help herself.

It was not improbable that she was aground.

She was not armed with a single heavy gun, or with any gun, and she was entirely harmless.
Christy breathed more freely when he realized the situation of the Vampire.

Probably she was provided with one or more boats, and it was possible that Captain Carboneer might attempt to board the Bellevite as soon as he discovered her.