and water over the group on deck.

The boom of a columbiad from the fort shook the air like thunder, and gave
to the blockaders the unmistakable assurance, "Thus far, and no farther."

The schooner strained on its way; a few shot fell behind, and soon, under
the frowning bastions of the fort, whence the Confederate banner floated so
proudly on the balmy Gulf breeze, spreading its free folds like an aegis,
the gallant little vessel passed up the channel, and came to anchor in
Mobile Bay, amid the shouts of crew and garrison, and welcomed by a salute
of five guns.

CHAPTER XXXI

RESULTS OF SECESSION

Immediately after her arrival in Mobile, Electra prepared to forward her
despatches by Captain Wright, whose business called him to Richmond before
his return to Cuba; and an examination of them proved that the expedient
resorted to was perfectly successful. By moistening the edges of the
drawing-paper, the tissue missive was drawn out uninjured, and, to Eric's
surprise, she removed the carefully-stitched blue silk which lined the tops
of her travelling gauntlets, and extracted similar despatches, all of which
were at once transmitted to the seat of government. While waiting for a
boat, they heard the painful tidings of Major Huntingdon's death, which
increased Eric's impatience to reach W----. The remainder of the journey
was sad, and four days after leaving the Gulf City the lights of W---- and
roar of the Falls simultaneously greeted the spent travellers. Having
telegraphed of his safe arrival, the carriage was waiting at the depot, and
Andrew handed to Electra a note from his mistress, requesting her to come
at once to her house instead of going to the hotel. Eric added earnest
persuasion, and with some reluctance the artist finally consented. They
were prepared for the silent, solemn aspect of the house, and for the
mourning dress of the orphan, but not for the profound calm, the
melancholy, tearless composure with which she received them. Mental and
physical suffering had sadly changed her. The oval face was thinner, and
her form had lost its roundness, but the countenance retained its singular
loveliness, and the mesmeric splendour of the large eyes seemed enhanced.
Of her father she did not speak, but gave her uncle a written statement of
all the facts which she had been able to gather concerning the
circumstances of his death; and thus a tacit compact was formed; to make no
reference to the painful subjec