The rocket had done its work, and the battery opened fire; but the aim of the gunners seemed to be half a mile farther up the river, and no notice was taken of the firing by the Middy. The prize was brought alongside the steamer, and her crew put in irons to prevent them from doing mischief. Mr. Brackett was directed to remain on board of her with his prize-crew; and Jack was ordered to her wheel, with instructions to follow the Middy. Both vessels reached the bar in safety; but there was not water enough for the little gunboat to go over, and she was compelled to anchor. The Olympus--for Clem had been correct in his supposition--was supplied with provisions and stores, and ordered to Key West. An engineer and two first-class firemen were sent on board, who, with her negro firemen, formed a sufficient force for the engine. The master’s mate and six seamen also went in her. The Olympus was a river-steamer of light draught. She was loaded with a valuable cargo of hardware and clothing, which she had just brought up from Cedar Keys, where it had been landed by a schooner hailing from Nassau. Captain McBride had some doubts whether she would reach Key West; but nothing else could be done with her; and he had full confidence in Mr. Brackett’s skill and prudence. She was fortunately favored with good weather; and, at the end of three weeks, the prize-crew returned to the Middy by a vessel bound to Pensacola. “Now, massa cap’n,” said Clem, when the Olympus had departed, “dar’s two boats loaded with cotton up de riber, wat’s gwin down to de Keys to load de schooners dar.” “Where are they?” “Up to Clay Landing, massa.” “Can we go up there?” “Yes, sar, ’spose de fort let you go.” “We can take care of the fort.” “And de gorillas, massa?” “The what?” “Dem fellers dat goes about on hoss-back cutting people’s froats,--dem dat fired on de boats down to de Keys.” “Oh! the guerillas?” “Yes, sar.” “We can take care of them too.” “Take de gum-boat right up dar, den; but de gorillas done shoot de man at de wheel!” added Clem with a shudder. “Well, we have iron screens to protect the helmsman.” The Middy remained at her anchorage above the bar till forenoon of the next day, when a southerly wind, which had prevailed for several days, had raised the water nearly two feet above the ordinary level of high tide. The fog had disappeared; and, under these favorable circumstances, the little gunboat sailed on her cruise up the river, where no armed steamer had gone before. The iron screens had been put up to protect the gunners and the helmsman, and every preparation made for a stormy time.