us! There is some movement among them.
They are getting ready to cut us off this side of the Swash channel! We
shall see."

He had crowded on all sail, and the little vessel dashed through the light
fog as if conscious of her danger, and resolved to sustain herself
gallantly. Day broke fully, sea and sky took the rich orange tint which
only autumn mornings give, and in this glow a Federal frigate and sloop
slipped from their moorings, and bore down threateningly on the graceful
bounding schooner.

"But for the fog, which puzzled me about three o'clock, I should have run
by unseen, and they would never have known it till I was safe in Navy cove.
We will beat them, though, as it is, by about twenty minutes. An hour ago I
was afraid I should have to beach her. Are you getting frightened, Miss
Grey?"

"Oh, no! I would not have missed this for any consideration. How rapidly
the Federal vessels move! They are gaining on us."

Her curling hair, damp with mist, clustered around her forehead; she had
wrapped a scarlet crape shawl about her shoulders, and stood with her red
lips apart and trembling, watched the exciting race.

"Look at the frigate!"

There was a flash at her bow, a curl of white smoke rolled up, then a heavy
roar, and a thirty-two pounder round shot fell about a hundred yards to the
right of the vessel.

A yell of defiance rent the air from the crew of the _Dixie_--hats were
waved--and, snatching off her shawl, Electra shook its bright folds to the
stiffening breeze, while her hot cheeks matched them in depth of colour.

Another and another shot was fired in quick succession, and so accurate had
they become, that the last whizzed through the rigging, cutting one of the
small ropes.

"Humph! they are getting saucy," said the captain looking up coolly, when
the yells of his crew ceased for a moment; and, with a humorous twinkle in
his fine eyes, he added--

"Better go below, Miss Grey; they might clip one of your curls next time.
The Vandals see you, I dare say, and your red flag stings their Yankee
pride a little."

"Do you suppose they can distinguish me?"

"Certainly. Through my glass I can see the gunners at work, and of course
they see you. Should not be surprised if they aimed specially at you. That
is the style of New England chivalry."

Whiz--whiz; both sloop and frigate were firing now in good earnest, and
one shell exploded a few yards from the side of the little vessel, tossing
the foam