Litchfield enquirer., 1881-03-17
t. It revealed a low range of sand hills

light. It revealed low range of sand hills on the in shore side, seemingly but stones throw away, while on our starboard bow there was the English might flyer" as Sailor Jack called them, going for the north passage with the velocity of a telephone. There was no mistaking the low hull, eraking masts, jaunty smoke-stacks vomiting forth clouds of black smoke, the peculiarly cut bow and general appearance. Once seen, an English blockade runner of the late war could never be con founded with any other style of craft. am afraid the commander swore, but the keen, sharp report of the rifled Parrot drowned the energetic explosives of my superior. Whang! went the shell exploding above the fleeing steamers mastheads, which the skipper very properly kept in one, presenting the least pos slble surface for our men to fire at. The thirty-pounder of the forecastle sent his mis- sile after the illicit trader with good effect, shower of white, glittering splinters filling the air and gleaming in the starlight "He has got our mark, and will know us next time." growled one old salt who had watched the ef- feet of the shot. The batteries now tried their hand at the fun. and had only been de- tered from anearly participation in the nights sp st by doubt of as to who was who.
 Once friend was determined from foe, these rebs made it exceedingly warm for the Blue Blazes. They had caught us nicely within range, and it was fun for them, but we failed to see where the laugh came in. Shot, shell and shrapnel dropped around us wiIh reckless prodigality, to say nothing Of an entire disre- gard for life and limb. We were not long delayed in getting our masts ranging in one, while the manner in which our wheels revolv- ed soon placed respectable distance between us and our foes. The cause of all the disturb ance had in the mean time rounded to, dis playing her full dimensions in the dim light. that made every mans mouth water on board the Blue Blazes as he gazed. The fire from the batteries had ceased, while the clear, sweet notes of bugle, rising and falling on the calm, still air, reached our ears with plaintiye cadence. It proceeded from a saucy steamer, and we recognized it as Dixie" It was the last straw to break the cameps back, serving to send my commander below in towering rage. Perhans the engine room de partment was not reserved for a precious overhauling that morning But no taint of disloyalty, treason or treachery could be as- cribed to that branch of the ships company. Something connected with the safety-valve had given away at the wrong moment, with the result already related. The captain of the audacious steamer, who had so successfully run through the fleet. was nc new hand at the game. It constituted his sixth trip, his repu ta.ion for coolness, daring and disregard of danger being firmly established throughout the entire blockade. His steamer was we'll known as the fastest one in the trade; and the exploits of the Phantom and Black Jack her commander, formed the material for many an exciting yarn reeled off in the dog watch Four weeks after the above incident our con- mander received orders from the admiral to report at fortress Monroe for the purpose of conveying some important and pressing pa- pers of state to our agents located at Nassau The Blue Blazes had been selected on account of her superior speed, and when the nature of the cruise leaked out it was hailed with joy by all hands as welcome break in our dull mOnotonous existence.
 We were at anchor off the bustling, busy town of Nassau, surrounded on all sides by the rakish steamers which were coining money out of Uncle Sam's misfortunes The Phan- tom arrived, sheering close alongside as she ran up to her anchorage, causing our con- mander to grit his teeth as he walked up and down the sacred limits of the quarter deck. Suddenly wheeling, he beckoned the writer to follow him into the cabin, where for three hours he talked earnestly, to which an atten- tive ear was lent. Four days after that the Blue Blazes weighed anchor, with orders to return to her station of Cape Fear, while I with the surgeons certificate certifying to my delicate health, remained behind to inhale the soft, balmy breezes, for which the island of New Providence is noted. The headquarters of the blockaders, where they usually congre- gated to compare notes and exchange news, was ship chandler's kept by bluff, full bloOded John Bull, who was rank secession ist.
 A young man, attired in rather shabby suit of longshore togs, joined the throng lounging about the doors one. sunny after noon, and in timid, shy manner, accosted one of the short thick set individuals, attlred h pilot cloth, possessing an unmistakable stamp of the true salt
 You want to see the captain of the Phan- tom, eh? And what the dickens can be your business with Black Jack, my hearty ?"
 prefer to tell that to him in person, if you please, sir"
 5''You do eh p and the sharp, penetrating gray eyes fastened upon the young man, and took in all his dimensions at once. Well, spin your yarn, for my time is short, and have no leisure to waste. am the master of the Phantom at your service. Step this way 1; we'll be bit more prlvate."
 ''I understand you will soon sail for Will. mington.
 -e 'Do you ?" and again the keen eye seemed to penetrate to the very soul of the shabby stranger.
 ''Yes, sir, and am anxious to reach my native land. I am South Carolinian, a na- tive of Charleston. My parents are we'll Known there. 1 was wild, and foolishly ran away. have tested the bangs of poverty and"
 ''No shot in the locker, eh? How much do you wans?" and the blockade-runner hauled out handful or guiu, with the well-known generosity of his class. The young man flushed, stammered and hesitated:
 'l do not want that, captain Many, many thanks audhot In immediate want But am anxious ts regain the soil of my native state. 4 have had some experience on the sea could make myself useful, and will request"
 ''Poor and proud, like all the pesky south- erners" muttered the seaman. ..How do l know you are not Yankee spy? The town is full of them"
 Would be likely te place my head in the stronghold-?"
 Possibly not, with Black Jack, for have way of dealing cut quick justice to those I suspect of trsason," and he tapped the butt of a revolver in his inner coat pocket in most significant manner. "How did you come ueio uc II quiFeu aOfuptly.
 "OB the British mail steamer"
 Hump, very satisfactory that. Give me your hand and look me in the eye. An, ah l a solitaire diamond, eh! Do sailors and prod. igal sons usually wear and appendage of that kind ? Speak" and deep frown darkened the seaman's ruddy countenance.
 Tt was my mothers gift, sir, and I have preserved it through. all my folly and mis- cry, ne responded simply yet feelingly, as he glittering eyes.
 Il, too, had mother once, he muttered. Then, looking suddenly up, he added You can go, but all of my men are picked and true. You can mess with the petty officers. Don't you meddle with any duty. My eye will be on you. Depend upon that, and when we reach Wilmington I shall turn you over to the military authorities for them to test the truth of your statement. Do you accept my terms ?"
 "Ony too gladly and thankfully. my dear sir" e71- - VI
 ssThen he on hnard at ,,,,ao, r,h: