A SATISFACTORY ORDER Whatever had happened to the Bellevite, it was plain enough now to Christy that she had repaired the injury, for the speck in the distance was assuming the form of a steamer.

The discovery was not calculated to fan the hopes of Captain Carboneer and his officers, though the two Unionists on board of the Yazoo were elated.

The chase was continued till the middle of the afternoon, when the Bellevite opened fire with her heavy midship gun.
"Mr.Passford, your ship has opened fire upon us, and I will not compel you to expose yourself to it," said Captain Carboneer, as one of the shots from the Bellevite dropped into the water near the Yazoo.

"You are at liberty to retire to any part of the vessel you desire, with your companion." "Thank you, sir; you are very kind; and as I don't care to be shot by my friends, I will go below," replied Christy.
It was hardly safer below than on deck, and it was not likely that the resolute commander of the Yazoo would allow her to be captured as long as he could make any resistance.

Christy got the idea from the decision he had observed in the face and expression of Captain Carboneer, that the only way to capture the steamer would be to knock her to pieces.