The Blockade Runner — page 247: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XXXI. A STRATAGEM OF WAR. Black and angry-looking clouds hung over the heavens like a pall and a nasty sea was running, through which the Seabird pitched and rolled heavily. She had run along without mishap for several hours through foggy, squally weather, hugging the shore closely. One suspicious vessel, probably a Yankee cruiser, had come in sight, but the fleet Seabird had easily distanced her. “Tm afraid this will prove a dangerous mission for — me,” said Captain Nugent, as he paced the deck with Captain Powers. “I’ve got a snug cargo of Enfield rifles © and a power of cartridges aboard. I’d make a pretty prize for the Yankees, and I fear there’s more chance of falling in with a cruiser than meeting the Destroyer.” Before Powers could reply the lookout signaled a steamer was dead ahead. | The stranger ahead showed a clear light, and might therefore be reckoned a war vessel without the con- jecture going very wide of its mark. “What do you think of her?” asked Captain Nugent anxiously. “T can’t say,” replied Powers, who was staring through | the night-glass, “but I hope it’s the Destroyer. We ought | to fetch her about this time.” | ~L fear its) ai Yankee;” | “LT hope you'll crawl up and investigate,’ said | COMMIGLOOKSSCOL f