The Blockade Runner — page 251: what you’re looking at

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

252 . THE BLOCKADE RUNNER. vessel and cargo. I’m off to Charleston in earnest. Take my advice, Powers—trust to luck.” Captain Nugent was master of his own steamer, and having decided upon his line of action, nothing that Powers said made the faintest impression on him. The Seabird was now headed N. E. by N. and going ahead at top speed, increasing her distance every mo- ment from the Yankee cruiser, who paid her no further attention, but bore down on the Destroyer. * * Nar Mia ** * We will return to Robert Bentham and the faithful Jube. : The latter had been turned over to Mr. Jones, who sent him forward to mess with the crew. Jupe had received secret instructions from the soi- disant Captain Randolph as to the part he might be ex- pected to play in the impending drama. He carried on his person a signal rocket which he was to discharge from the privateer’s bow at the proper moment. It was an act that bristled with danger, for was his agency in the affair discovered, he might better jump © into the sea than face the exasperated crew. Bentham’s situation was one of peril and difficulty. He had to so perform his hazardous mission that no — suspicion of his true character should be evident to the | astute Mr. Jones, or any other quarter-deck officer. | He was-surrounded by watchful eyes, and an error | of judgment might cost him his life on the spot. Meanwhile the Destroyer got fairly to sea, and under | half-speed was churning her way through foam and | spray. As soon as Great Abaco light was fairly seen on the eonnicboolks.con