CHAPTER XXIII.
THE EXPEDITION FROM THE LEOPARD "What is the matter now ?" demanded Percy Pierson, when the tug ceased to shake under the pressure of the engine, and began to roll rather smartly in the sea, though it was not heavy enough to be at all dangerous.
"It appears that the engine has stopped," replied Christy quietly.
"What has it stopped for ?" asked the other.
"You will have to put that conundrum to your brother; but doubtless the needs of the Confederate States require that it should stop." "Which is the bell, Christy ?" inquired Percy, looking at the pulls on the frame of the wheel.
"The large one is the gong bell, the other is the speed bell, and the latter is a jingler." "Well, which one do you ring to start her ?" "One pull at the gong bell to stop or to start her," replied Christy, who was rather anxious to have his companion learn the secrets of the pilot-house.
"One bell to stop or start her," repeated Percy.
"Two bells to back her," added the acting captain.
"Two bells to back her.

I can remember all that without writing it down.
But what is the other pull for.

There don't seem to be any need of any more bells." "I think there is; at least, it saves striking too many strokes on the gong when there is an emergency.

The other is the speed bell." "What is that for, to make her go faster ?" "Yes, or slower.

If you start the engine, the engineer will run it slowly at first, and continue to do so till he gets the speed bell, or jingler, which he can never mistake for the gong." "I see; and that is a good scheme." "If you are approaching a wharf or another vessel, or if a fog come up, you ring the jingler, if the boat is going at full speed, and the engineer slows her down.