Each officer arranged his men, and spoke some stirring words to them.

Men in the tops were supplied with muskets, and all with revolvers and cutlasses.

It was not believed that all this force would be necessary to capture the prize, but there was some evidence that she had a fighting crew on board, and the captain prepared for the worst.
As the Bellevite came nearer to the prize, the sound of hammers was heard, and it appeared that the engineers were engaged in an effort to repair the mischief which had been done to the engine.

It was still impossible to see how many men she had on board, but Captain Breaker did not estimate that she had a full ship's company, for vessels intended for war purposes, escaping as this one doubtless had, did not usually take their force on board at the beginning of the cruise.
[Illustration: "Christy and Beeks on the Steamer's Deck."-- Page 181.] The three divisions of boarders were all in readiness, and all they feared was that there would be little for them to do on board the enemy.
Captain Breaker was in the fore rigging where he could observe all that was done on the decks of both vessels.

The Bellevite went ahead with all speed till the signal was given to slow down.