By this time it was seven o'clock in the morning, for a great deal of the time had been used up in moving the cutter and the steamer.

Breakfast had been served to all hands, and Christy had fortified his stomach for a busy forenoon.

As the Bronx proceeded on her course, the lead going all the time, making not more than two knots an hour, the report of a gun was heard from the fort.
"They are awake there," said Christy with a smile to the first lieutenant, and both of them watched for the fall of the shot, which struck the water at least a quarter of a mile ahead of the vessel.

"Beat to quarters, Mr.Flint." The strength of the Bronx was mainly in her heavy midship gun.

The commander had ascertained the range of the twenty-four pounder barbette guns of the fort, and made his calculations accordingly.