She is to be driven ahead by her engine as she always is," replied Captain Folkner, suspending the work upon which he was engaged, and trying to see the face of the pilot through the darkness.

"How do steamers generally go ahead ?" "If they are screw steamers, they are propelled by the pressure of the blades of the screw," answered Christy.
"And that is just the way the Teaser will be propelled through the sound," replied Captain Folkner.

"This steamer is to be a privateer, and I own her.

She has cost me about all the money I have in the world, and I don't want to lose her before I get to sea.

If I can get into blue water with her, I am not at all concerned but that she will run away from anything afloat." "How many knots can she do in a smooth sea ?" "Eighteen, and perhaps more." "Then she is not fast enough for that blockader outside.