The Bellevite was shaking in all her frame; for Paul Vapoor was again exercising his skill upon the screw, and she was flying through the water. The Dauphine seemed to be struggling to get up an equal degree of speed; but, fast as she was said to be, the Bellevite was running away from her. There was no excitement on deck, and Christy readily obtained the required permission for his sister. Captain Pecklar, under the skillful treatment of Dr. Linscott, had improved a great deal, though he still remained in his bed. He declared that he felt like a new man; and, whether he lived or died, he was as happy as any man ought to be on the face of the earth. "That steamer off to the north-west has set her ensign with the union down, though I can't make out what the flag is," said Captain Breaker, addressing the owner, as Christy came on deck. "What does that mean?" asked Captain Passford, getting upon the rail with the commander. "I am sure I don't know. I suppose it is a signal of distress, but it may be a trick of some sort," added Captain Breaker. "Do you know any thing about that steamer over there, Christy?" asked the owner, calling his son. "That is the Belle, and I believe she came from Mobile," replied Christy. "What is she out here for?" "I have no doubt she came out here to capture the Bellevite. Uncle Homer must have sent word to some one in Mobile, judging from what I heard Major Pierson say; and probably that steamer came out here to prevent the Bellevite from going into the navy of the Union." "But why does she hoist a signal of distress?" "I think it is very likely she is in distress." "She is firing a gun," added Captain Breaker, as a cloud of smoke rose from the Belle. "Why do you think she is in distress, Christy?" asked his father. "She opened fire on the Leopard, after she had picked up the boat containing Major Pierson's party, and Captain Pecklar and I gave her a shot in return, which went through her bow and made a big hole. She stopped her wheels then, and since that she has been out of the fight." "The Dauphine is coming about," added Christy, as he joined the commander and his father on the rail. "The Dauphine?" queried Captain Passford. "That is her name. Captain Pecklar can tell you something about her. He says she is fitting up for the Confederate navy, but he thinks she has no guns on board yet." "It is beginning to blow very fresh," said Captain Breaker, as he took a look at the sky and the waters of the bay. "My barometer indicates nasty weather." "There is too much sea, at any rate, for a steamer with a big hole in her bow," said Captain Passford. Christy told all he knew about the Belle, and the owner declared that he had no desire to see the large number of men on board of her drowned before his eyes. The gun the disabled steamer had fired was regarded as another signal of distress, which indicated that the situation was becoming urgent with her.