The crew of the latter were armed with all the boarding weapons in use, and before the hands on deck had fastened to the enemy, the flanking party were working their heavy craft around the stern of the steamer.
The loyal ship came in contact with the side of the Confederate.

The grappling irons were cast, and in an incredibly short space of time the two vessels were firmly attached to each other.

The supreme moment had come, as all thought, but for some reason not apparent, the command to board was withheld.

Captain Breaker who stood on the quarter deck with Christy, appeared to be perplexed.

He saw that the seamen of the enemy were drawn up on the starboard side, instead of at the port bulwarks..