The gun the disabled steamer had fired was regarded as another signal of distress, which indicated that the situation was becoming urgent with her.
"She has hoisted a white flag," added Captain Breaker; and no glass was needed to disclose the fact that a panic existed on board of her, for men who could fight bravely for a cause they deemed right might not be willing to be drowned without being able to lift a finger to save themselves.
"Come about, Breaker, and run for the disabled steamer," said Captain Passford, in a decided tone; and the order was instantly obeyed.
The commander sent Christy to the chief engineer to have him increase the speed of the steamer, at the suggestion of the owner.

Paul had not seen him before, and the two friends hugged each other like a couple of girls when they came together.

But the chief did not lose a moment in obeying the order brought to him.

In a few minutes the Bellevite passed the Dauphine, and readied the vicinity of the Belle, which was evidently sinking, for she had settled a good deal in the water.
Four boats were instantly lowered into the water; and Christy was assigned to the command of one of them, while the first and second officers and the boatswain went in charge of the others.

These boats were skilfully handled, and they dashed boldly up to the sinking craft.
The soldiers on board of her were more afraid of water than they were of fire, and the four boats were soon loaded.
"Is that you, Christy ?" said one of his passengers.
Christy looked, and saw that the person who addressed him was his uncle Homer.
"Yes, sir," replied the nephew; but he did not venture to say any thing more.
"I was not aware that you were taking an active part in this affair till Major Pierson told me that you had taken possession of his steam-tug, and that it was you who had fired the shot which disabled the Belle," continued Colonel Passford, evidently very much troubled and annoyed.
"I was made a prisoner by the major, and I have done what I could to get out of his hands," replied Christy.