The oiler was at work, and had thoroughly lubricated the machinery, as though he intended that any failure of the steamer should not be from any fault on his part.
The new official set two of the firemen at work, though the boilers had a good head of steam.

The gong bell gave one sharp stroke, and Christy started the engine.
The Havana was headed out to sea when she was captured, and in the slack water she had not drifted at all.

He went ahead slowly, and soon had the bell to stop her; but he expected this, for the channel was narrow, and it required considerable manoeuvring to get the steamer about.

Then he happened to think of the guns on the Seahorse Key, and through the speaking tube he passed the word to Mr.Flint to have him land there in order to take the guns and ammunition on board.
After a great deal of backing and going ahead, the Havana was headed for the key, where she was stopped as near to it as the depth of water would permit.

The guns and other material were brought off, two of the firemen, the oiler, and other colored men of the crew of the Havana assisting in the work.