A Little Traitor to the South / A War Time Comedy with a Tragic Interlude

long and of a cigar shape, her greatest diameter being a little less than six feet. She was propelled by a hand engine worked by members of her crew, and could be submerged at

ively forbidden that she should be used as a submarine any longer on account of her disastrous behavior, and on this occasion she was provided with a long spar sticking out from her nose, on the end of which was one hun

ove the water. In that condition, and especially at night, she looked like a plank floating on the surface. By hard and conscientious labor her five man-power engine could shove her along at about a speed of four knots. Alth

ilar boats. If she were discovered, one shot striking the boat as she approached, even a rifle shot, would suffice to sink her. No one knew wha

pected 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

ation 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

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 ow

re 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 li

few moments later, "if

. What

e well to s

ce appointed him at the specified time. I shall not send for him. If he has

one? If there had been any way, he would have despatched men to hunt for him in every direction, but the general's prohibition was positive. And for some reason which he could not explain

es more dr

cy at last, "with your permis

ly, "we can wait no longer. I

mea

inal plan. Mr. Sempland has forfeited a

I am

ed toward

u wish to

y, proudly. "I am as ready, as anxious, to go as I ever was

longer. Will you go, or sha

ne of his staff officers, "if M

you explain to Sempland h