But to abandon the helm was to abandon the control of the tug, and the major could recover possession of her and of his prisoner within a few minutes.
"Go below, Percy, and put yourself in the fire-room, for you will be safe there," said Christy.
At that moment the crack of a musket was heard, and a bullet crashed through the pine boards of the pilot-house.

It was the first evidence of actual war which Christy had seen, and it impressed him strongly.
"It isn't safe for me to show myself," said Percy, as his companion took the wheel from him.
"You must be your own judge of that," replied Christy, as he dropped down on the floor, with the compass in his hand.
"What are you going to do down there ?" asked Percy.
"I have no wish to be shot any more than you have.

I am going to keep out of sight, and steer the steamer by compass," replied Christy.
"I will steer her if I can keep out of sight," added Percy.
"You can't steer by compass; but you can do something if you are willing," suggested the pilot.
"I am willing to do all I can; but I don't want my brother to shoot me, as much for his sake as my own.

What shall I do ?" asked Percy.
"Crawl out of the pilot-house on the port-side, where they can't see you from the boat, and then keep watch of all the other steamers.

Report to me just where they all are, and what they are doing." "All right; I will do that," replied Percy, as he obeyed the order.
The boat continued to fire at the pilot-house of the Leopard, and though a shot came uncomfortably near Christy, he stuck to his post; for to leave it was to give up the battle.
"The Bellevite is headed directly towards us," called Percy, outside of the pilot-house.