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 series of water-jets; then, with another burst, it rebounded to a certain height, passed over the "Dolphin," grazing the mizen-yards on the starboard side, fell at thirty fathoms beyond, and was buried in the waves.

"By Jove!" exclaimed James Playfair, "we must get along; another slap like that is not to be waited for."

"Oh!" exclaimed Mr. Mathew, "they will take some time to reload such pieces."

"Upon my honour, it is an interesting sight," said Crockston, who, with arms crossed, stood perfectly at his ease looking at the scene, "and to say they are friends who send such brandy-balls!" "Ah! that's you," cried James Playfair, scanning the American from head to foot.

"It is me, Captain," replied the American, undisturbed. "I have come to see how these brave Federals fire; not badly, in truth, not badly."

The Captain was going to answer Crockston sharply, but at this moment a second shot struck the sea on the starboard side. "Good," cried James Playfair, "we have already gained two cables on this 'Iroquois.' Your friends sail like a buoy; do you hear, Master Crockston?" "I will not say they don't," replied the American, "and for the first time in my life it does not fail to please me."