The Blockade Runner — page 241: what you’re looking at

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

242 THH BLOCKADE RUNNER. The officer became civil at once as soon as he per- ceived the letter with the superscription. “Captain Powers is not going aboard to-night then ?’ he said, without opening the note. ‘““T am to act for the time being in Captain Powers’ stead. I wish to go aboard at once.” “Very, well, cap’n—what did you say your name 1g 2 99) ‘“¢ Randolph.” “ All right, Cap’n Randolph, we'll shove off at once.” On their way they passed the blockade runner Sea- bird, on board which the reader will remember Jupe had a3. short but exciting adventure. | She had steam up, a rather portentous sadiontian of an early departure. Captain Nugent, however, was ashore Casi up his friend Flash Gillmor. In a few minutes Bentham was alongside of the Destroyer, and he hada fair view of the new priva- -_teer. } She was a powerful iron vessel, pierced for a broad- side of six guns, was painted lead color, and her two masts had a decided rake. On deck our hero made out an Armstrong rifled gun on the forecastle, and another and much more formid- able one in the waist, just forward of the funnel, pre- cisely as was located his own Parrott gun on board of the Avenger. Altogether she was an ugly customer—abundantly prepared to beat off a great many of Uncle Sam’s cruisers. Indeed,if well manned and handled, was likely to hold her own against the Avenger, which vessel was ac- COMME OOKS aE) aS