We will put in the charge before we do that," added Christy, who was now as self-possessed as though there was no excitement attending the operation he was arranging.
"Do you know what steamer Captain Carbine will have ?" asked Paul.
"Not Carbine; Carboneer.

No, I don't know what steamer he will have; only that she is an old one, and has a walking-beam," replied Christy.
"That is rather indefinite, midshipman," added Paul, with a smile.

"You can't always tell what a steamer is by looking at her, especially in the night; and a walking-beam is not a novelty on a steamer upon this river.
You may send that shot through the wrong vessel; and if you should happen to kill a dozen or two of loyal citizens of the State of New York, they might be mean enough to hang you, or send you to the State prison for life for it.

It won't do to fire off a shotted gun like that baby without knowing pretty well what you are shooting at." "That is a long argument, Paul; and I have not the remotest idea of doing any such thing as you describe.

I am going to know what we are firing at before we pull the lock-string," replied Christy, rather impatiently.