The first shot was followed by others, and a shot dropped into the water near the Teaser.
"Let the leadsmen sound, Beeks," said Christy.

The order was repeated, and the reports were made known in the pilot-house.

Sampson seemed to be testing the capacity of the engine, for he was doing his best in the matter of speed; but the Teaser behaved under the strain to which he subjected her as though she had been very strongly built.
"By the mark eight," chimed the leadsman on the port side.
That was water enough to float a seventy-four, and there was no let-up in the speed.

In fact, it would not have been convenient to reduce the speed while the guard-boat could be at no great distance from the flying steamer.

This was the report for the next mile at least, and Christy felt that the enemy was at a safe distance from him.
"And a half six!" shouted the port leadsman, with energy, as though he understood the effect his report would produce.
Christy rang to slow her down.