The effect was immediately apparent in the improved sailing of the schooner.
A Confederate flag was found in the signal chest, and it was set at the main topmast head, with the American ensign over it, so that it could be easily seen on board of the Bellevite.

The lieutenant was now very confident that he should intercept his ship.
"Now clear away that quarter-boat, so that we can drop it into the water without any delay," continued Christy, as he gave up the wheel to Lines again.
Graines hastened to obey the order, for the Bellevite was rushing through the water at her best speed, and it was evident enough by this time that Weeks had faithfully performed the duty assigned to him.
"A small pull on the fore-sheet, Londall," called Christy to one of the men on the forecastle.

"Another on the main sheet," he added to Fallon in the waist.
The bow of the West Wind was thus pointed closer into the wind; and the gaff-topsails enabled her to hold her speed after this change.

Paul Vapoor, the chief engineer of the Bellevite, was plainly doing his best in the engine-room, and if the lieutenant had been a sporting man, he would have been willing to wager that his ship would overhaul the Tallahatchie; for on an emergency she had actually steamed twenty-two knots an hour, and Christy believed she could do it now, being in first-rate condition, if the occasion required.
"What time is it now, Mr.Graines ?" asked Christy.
"Quarter-past four," replied the engineer, when he had lighted a match and looked at his watch.
"I thought it was later than that, and I have been looking for some signs of daylight," replied the lieutenant.
"It is just breaking a little in the east." "I suppose Captain Sullendine is still asleep." "No doubt of it; he has not had two hours yet in his berth, and he is good for two hours more at least." "I think we shall be on board of the Bellevite in ten minutes more," continued Christy, as he noted the position of the ship.

"Have you instructed French what to do with Captain Sullendine if he should attempt to make trouble ?" "I told him to keep him in his stateroom, and I feel pretty sure he can't get out.