ad been made, the artillery
officer had finally and carefully inspected the torpedo to see if it
was in good working order, the men had descended into the cramped
narrow little hull of the boat and had made ready to start the
propeller. None of them wore any superfluous clothing, for it was
oppressively hot in the confined area of the little iron shell, and
they might have to swim for their lives anyway--perhaps they would be
lucky if they got the chance. In short, everybody was ready and every
one was there except the commander of the expedition.

Great secrecy had been observed in the preparations lest there might be
a spy in the town, who, learning of the attempt, would communicate the
valuable information to the Federal fleet, and so frustrate it. General
Beauregard had caused the wharf to be cleared and guarded early in the
evening. It was quite dark in February at six o'clock, and no one
except his trusted staff officers and Lacy, who had so magnanimously
surrendered his opportunity to Sempland, was present.

At a quarter before seven, which was the time Sempland had appointed to
return when he left in obedience to Fanny Glen's summons, the general
began to feel some uneasiness. He spoke about it to Lacy, but was
reassured by that gentleman, who professed full confidence that the
young lieutenant would undoubtedly be there in a few moments. He had
already of his own motion despatched a soldier to Fanny Glen's house
and had learned from him the false news that Sempland had been there
and had left. Lacy supposed he had returned to his quarters.

The state of the tide, the necessities of the blockade-runners who
hoped to escape that night under cover of the confusion caused by the
attack, rendered it absolutely necessary that there should be no delay
in the departure of the torpedo boat. The time had been set for seven
o'clock, as late as practicable, in order to secure the advantage of
settled darkness before the blow was delivered. The party on the wharf
waited apprehensively a little longer, conversing in low tones as the
moments ran away, and there was great anxiety as to the whereabouts of
the missing officer. Seven o'clock struck from the ancient church
steeple hard by; still he did not appear.

"General," said Lacy, a few moments later, "if I might suggest, sir--"

"Go on. What is it?"

"It might be well to send for him."

"Never!" said the general, shortly; "it is a soldier's duty to be at
the place a