The major kept it loaded all the time, and I shall follow his example," replied the captain.
"Have you been hit, Percy ?" asked Christy, looking out at the side under which the late pilot had bestowed himself for safe-keeping.
"I have not been hit; they could not see me where I am.

Have you been hit, Christy ?" replied Percy.
"Not at all; I took good care not to be seen while they were firing.

But your brother has dropped astern of the Leopard in his boat, and there is no danger here now: so you can come in and take the helm, if you like." Percy was glad to have something to do, for he was very nervous; and he came into the pilot-house.

He was not half as airy as he had been before, and the sound of the muskets and the twelve-pounder on the forward deck had undoubtedly made an impression upon him.

But he was as glad to take the wheel as Christy was to have him, for he desired to study the situation after all the changes which had been made in the position of the several vessels.
"You have had an awful time of it, Christy," said Percy, as he took the wheel.