"Bokes was a stupid fellow, drunk whenever he could obtain liquor, and could remember very little of what he heard on board of the steamer.

But you have the long range Parrot, and I have no doubt you can knock her to pieces in your own time, since it has been demonstrated that we can outsail her." But at this moment the conversation was disturbed by the movement of the chase, which appeared to be again preparing to come about.

The commander ordered the helm to be put to starboard to avoid being raked, and directed that the pivot gun should be discharged at the enemy.

The enemy fired a broadside of three guns in quick succession, the solid shots from all them striking the Bellevite between wind and water.

The carpenter's gang was hurried below to plug the shot holes.
Blumenhoff secured his aim and fired; but this time he was less happy than on the former occasion, and though the shot went between the masts, no great damage appeared to be done.