This must have been seen; and the question naturally would come up as to why those in the boat fired upon their own people in the Leopard.
It was not likely that they could answer the question in a satisfactory manner on board of the Bellevite; but the firing indicated that an enemy was in possession of the tug.

This was enough, in the opinion of Christy, as it had been in that of Captain Pecklar, to produce the change in her course.
The firing from both craft since the first demonstration must have deepened the impression.

Those on board of the Leopard must be on the side of the Union, or the party in the boat would not repeatedly fire upon them.

Christy was satisfied that his father would know what all the indications meant before he abandoned the investigation.
But the Bellevite did not seem to be making her best speed by a great deal.

With his glass he could see that there was a hand in the fore-chains heaving the lead; and probably Captain Breaker feared that the bottom "might be too near the top of the water" for the draught of his vessel, and he was proceeding with caution.
Christy descended the ladder to the main-deck.