The
shot struck the water only a little less ahead of the ship than the
former, and the crew gave a more vigorous cheer: but it was observed
that it hit the sea a little on the starboard bow, so that if it had
been better aimed it would not have reached the ship.
"She is wasting her ammunition," said the captain. "She seems to be
jesting, or else she is trying to frighten us."
"I think it is some thing worse than that, Captain Breaker," replied Mr.
Ballard.
"What could be worse?"
"I am inclined to the opinion that she cannot swing the gun around so as
to make it bear on an object so far astern of her as this ship is at the
present moment." said the lieutenant.
"He has an all sufficient remedy for that," added the captain. "He can
swing his ship's head around so his gun will bear on us."
"But that would cause him to lose a quarter of a mile or more of his
advantage; and she seems to be more inclined to run away from the
Bellevite than to fight her," suggested the lieutenant.
"Call all hands, Mr. Ballard," said the commander; and in a few minutes
all the officers and seamen were at their stations.
The call awoke Christy from his slumber, which the report of the gun and
the cheering of the men had failed to do. But he understood the summons,
and thought the action was about to begin. He adjusted his dress and
hastened to the quarter deck, where he reported in due form to the
captain.
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