But the tug was approaching, and the worst part of the channel was still to be attempted.

The two men in the chains reported the depth as rapidly as they could heave the lead, and it was soon evident that the steamer could not pass the extensive bar to the westward of the ship-channel.
"Steamer ahoy!" shouted the captain of the tug, as he stopped his screw within hailing-distance of the Bellevite.
"Reply to that hail, Mr.Percy," said the commander to the young gentleman in uniform.

"You must do all the talking." "I shall be very happy to do it, and I think I can do it to your satisfaction," replied Percy confidently.
"Jump up on the rail nearest to the tug, where you can see and hear." "I am not much of a sailor, Captain Breaker, and I don't pretend to be one," added Percy.

"What shall I say to the captain of that boat ?" "On board of the tug!" shouted the agent of his father, after the commander had instructed him in regard to his speech.
"What steamer is that ?" demanded the master of the tug.
Captain Breaker instructed him in what manner to make his reply, though he did not tell him what to say.

The young man was to explain the character of the vessel as he understood it; and neither the commander nor the owner was disposed to indulge in any unnecessary strategetical falsehood, though they felt that they could do so in the service of the Union.
"The Bellevite from Nassau," replied Percy.
"Is she a Federal vessel ?" inquired the captain of the tug with the greatest simplicity.
"A Federal vessel!" exclaimed Percy, evidently expressing by his manner some of the indignation he felt.