"The captain of this steamer managed his affair very well indeed, and I intend to adopt his tactics." The steamer was under way, and had been for some time.

Christy climbed upon the bales of cotton far enough to see what the crew of the vessel were doing.

The hatches appeared to have been taken off in the waist and forward, and the crew were lowering cargo into the hold.

A portion of the cotton had either been hoisted out of the hold, or had been left on deck, to form the hiding-places for the men.

The captain must have had early notice of the approach of the Bellevite and Bronx; but there had been time enough after the former began to fire at the battery to enable him to make all his preparations.
Captain Stopfoot was not to be seen, and was probably in the pilot-house.