You are almost sure to be captured, and think what Florry would suffer in such an event." "You seem to think that the North is going to hold still, and let you do all this, Homer," added the owner of the Bellevite.
"I don't see how the North can help itself." "My information is rather meagre; but I am informed that the Government of the United States has proclaimed the blockade, and even that it is enforced farther north, as I am sure it will be on the south." "That is all nonsense, Horatio, and you know it." "I don't understand it so." "How is it possible for the Yankee Government to station ships-of-war on the coast of the Southern States?
It is simply impossible," said Homer, warming up with the argument.

"The business of fitting out vessels is already begun, I read in the newspapers; and it will be pushed to the utmost." "I am confident that every Confederate port in the United States will be invested by one or more vessels within a reasonable time." "But your steamer will be captured before you can get home, even if you get out of Mobile Bay." "I don't apprehend any difficulty on that account.

If the Bellevite can't keep out of the way of any thing that floats, she deserves to be captured.

She will belong to the Government within a few weeks," added Horatio quietly.
"The Bellevite!" exclaimed Homer.
"The Bellevite, certainly.

I should be ashamed to retain her a month after I knew that the Union needs her, and the Union shall have her as a free gift," added Horatio, quite as warmly as his brother had spoken.
"You will give your steamer to the Yankee Government!" gasped Homer, rising from his chair again, and darting across the room, as though he was both shocked and disgusted at the conduct of Horatio.