this time, Horatio; but when you are suffering
and in want from the effects of this war, remember that I shall always
have a brother's heart in my bosom, and that it will always be open to
you and yours."

"I heartily reciprocate this fraternal sentiment, and I am confident
that you will need my assistance before I need yours: but all that I
have and all that I am shall be at your service, Homer."

"I am glad that we understand each other, and I rejoice that I came on
board of your steamer for these parting words. I will not ask you what
you are going to do next, for you would not tell me; but I shall expect
to hear that the Bellevite has been sunk in attempting to pass the
forts."

"Better that than in the service of the enemies of my country, Homer."

They parted with tears in the eyes of both, and never before had they
realized how stern and severe was the mandate of duty. Christy conveyed
his uncle back to the Dauphine, shook hands with him, and returned to
the Bellevite.

The mission of the steamer in Mobile Bay ended, and she had nothing more
to do but return to her native waters, though perhaps this would prove
to be the most difficult part of the entire enterprise. The steamer
stood down the bay in the drenching rain, and was soon buried in a dense
fog that was blown in by the wind from the gulf. She lay off and on
during the rest of the day, and the commander made his preparations for
running the gantlet of the forts.

This was not so difficult and dangerous an enterprise as it became later
when the channel was obstructed, though even now the feat could not be
accomplished without great difficulty and danger. In the course of the
day, Captain Pecklar left his berth and came on deck. Captain Breaker
decided to leave the piloting of the steamer to him, after he had
conversed for hours with him.

No better night in the whole year could have been selected for the
undertaking. It had ceased to rain, but the darkness and the fog were
as dense as possible. The pilot manifested entire confidence, as he had
plenty of water in the channel, and he knew all about the currents, the
tide, and the action of the wind. It was an exciting time, when every
light on board was extinguished, and the steamer started down the bay
with Captain Pecklar and two quartermasters at the wheel.

After the Bellevite had passed the dangerous part of the channel, firing
was heard from Fort Morgan; but the vessel was soon in the Gulf of