She was rather low in the water, and, if it had been in the days of the pirates, the stranger would have been a fair ideal of the freebooter's ship.
"She keeps on just as though she intended to mind her own business, and leave the Bellevite to do the same," said Boxie, as Christy took his place near the midship gun.
"I have no doubt the Bellevite knows her business in this case, and that she will attend to it in due time," added the lieutenant.
"Good!" exclaimed the sheet-anchor man, suddenly.
This exclamation was called forth by a flag, which was run up at the peak, and which proved to be that of the Confederacy as soon as it was spread out to the breeze.
"She is plucky, anyhow," added Christy.
"There is no lack of pluck in the South.

But I wonder what she means by setting that rag." "Beeks, hoist the ensign at the peak," said the captain, and the brilliant banner was spread in the morning air.
"I reckon both sides understand the situation now.

I don't know the captain of that craft, but he is an able fellow, and probably got his education in the old navy, and not in the new one, where he is serving now," continued Boxie.
"I think it is easy enough to see what he means," replied Christy.

"He ascertained last night that, fast as his vessel is, he cannot outsail the Bellevite; and there is really only one thing he can do, and that is to fight." The lieutenant had hardly spoken the words before there was a puff of smoke from one side of the chase, and a heavy report came across the water.

But the two steamers were still a long distance apart, and the shot fell short, to the satisfaction of the captain.