The Blockade Runner — page 129: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

130 THE BLOCKADE RUNNER. A heavy shot from the Swiftwing’s pivot gun struck the keel of the mainmast diagonally and tore across the deck into the sea. It was getting decidedly hot in Bentham’s locality. The enemy were evidently seeking to disable the huge gun which was working them such vital injury. Then the Avenger shook under the broadside she delivered at that moment, and which worked destruc- tion to the privateer, silencing many of her guns. A minute later Bentham; after a careful aim, dis- charged his piece, and the shot struck the Swiftwing below the water line. At that fateful moment an officer approached Captain Graham. ‘A steamer off our starboard bow, sir.” ‘“ What colors does she fiy ?” answered the Yankee commander, wheeling upon the speaker. “ British, I think.” “That's only a bluff, Pll swear. How far off is she 2?” ‘About three miles.” “Very good. When I sink this privateer Dll give her my attention.” . Bentham’s last shot had settled the fate of the Swift- wing, as Captain Graham presently ascertained. ‘“ Has she struck her flag?” he inguired, “No,” returned his first lieutenant. ‘ Her Confed- erate ensign is still floating from the stump of the foremast.” | ‘Seems to me she has ceased firing.” “Our last broadside silenced her. She is a mere wreck and sinking at that.” “Bear down on her, then, Mr. Haskins; have the guns 5} EComicbooksico