Christy did not believe there was
any naval officer on board of that steamer.
"Keep up the fire with the long gun, Mr. Fillbrook," said the commander,
in a low tone, and with no excitement apparent in his manner, for he
always studied and labored to appear cool and self-possessed, whether he
was so or not, and there was nothing in the present situation to try him
in the least.
For a full hour the long gun of the Vixen continued to pelt the enemy
with solid shot, about every one of them hulling her or carrying away
some of her spars. Her mainmast had gone by the board, and the
resistance she was making was becoming very feeble.
"She is full of men, Captain Passford," said Mr. Fillbrook, when the
steamer seemed to be almost a wreck.
"I observed that she had a large crew some time ago, and it is better to
knock her to pieces than to board her," replied Christy. "Keep her as
far off as she is now."
The enemy tried to get nearer to the Vixen, but failed to do so.
CHAPTER XXXI
A SHORT VISIT TO BONNYDALE
The firing was continued from the long gun, though only at intervals
that would permit any signals to be seen on board of the enemy.
Pages:
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306