"I am well aware of it; and I have no doubt, that, by this time, the
fort is strongly garrisoned, to say nothing of other forts which have
probably been built in the vicinity," replied Captain Passford.

"It says in this paper that the ports of the South have been blockaded,"
said Christy, glancing at the journal in his hand.

"The President has issued a proclamation to this effect, but there has
hardly been time to enforce it to any great extent yet. But of these
matters I have nothing to say yet. The important point now is that I
shall go in the Bellevite to Mobile Bay, and by force or strategy I
shall bring off my daughter and the family of my brother."

"Then I suppose Christy and I are to be sent on shore in the tug
alongside," suggested Mrs. Passford.

"That is precisely what I wanted the tug for," added the husband.

"I should be willing to go with you, and share whatever dangers you may
incur," said the lady, who had by this time come to a full realization
of what war meant.

"I should be a heathen to allow you to do so. A woman would be more of
a burden than a help to us. You had better return to Bonnydale, Julia,
where I am sure you can render more service to your country than you
could on board of the steamer. All that I am, all that I have, shall be
at the service of the Union; and I wish you to act for me according to
your own good judgment."

"I shall do whatever you wish me to do, Horatio," added the lady.