Christy thought it was time for him to take a hand in the game, and he ordered the midship gun to be fired, charged as it was with a solid shot.

The gunner aimed the piece himself, and the shot was seen to tear up the water alongside of the enemy.

He discharged the piece four times more with no better result.

Evidently he had not got the hang of the gun, though he was improving at every trial.
Three steamers were rushing towards each other with all the fury steam could give them, for the overthrow of the funnel of the enemy did not disable her, though it probably diminished the draught of her furnaces.
Through the glass it could be seen that they were making an effort to restore the fallen smokestack to its position.

All three of the steamers were delivering the fire of their midship guns very regularly, though with little effect, the distance was so great.