The Blockade Runner — page 135: what you’re looking at

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

156 THE BLOCKADE RUNNER. that Powell has registered an oath never to be taken; for that exigency he carries a Whitehead torpedo in the hold of the Foxhound with: a fuse attached leading to his stateroom. When capture seems unavoid- able he will blow his vessel to the winds.” | ‘‘He’s a consummate donkey!” exclaimed Captain Graham. ‘“ He’ll have an opportunity to do so now, I fancy. Do you know his speed ?” “ Over sixteen knots when pressed, sir.’ “Phew! Wecan’t match that; but I guess we’ve a long reach in that pivot gun of ES Mr. Bentham. Call your crew to quarters; everything will depend on your ability to cripple him as soon as he shows his heels.” “J will do my best, sir.” The young man touched his cap and retired to his station amidships. “The boats have overhauled the privateer’s launches, sir, and are towing them down,” reported the first heutenant at this juncture. | “We can’t wait for them, Mr. Haskins. Signal ‘ them to follow in our wake. Ah, I see that fellow has waked up at last. He’s heading for the Northwest Channel. That means he’s bound for Nassau. Loaded to the decks with cotton, | guess. What a prize he’ll make !” And Captain Graham rubbed his hands gleefully. The Avenger was run up to top speed, and for that matter so was the chase, for great clouds of black smoke issued from her fennel and a long streak of foam was churned up by her screw. “Tet her have the Bee gun,” exclaimed the com- mander, Comicbooksico S|