"Very daring and impudent, Mr. Somers," said the admiral, as he glanced with a meaning smile at Captain Cascabel.
"Mr. Somers's _forte_ is daring and impudence. But his scheme, besides being based on mere theory, is absolutely fool-hardy," added the captain, throwing a whole bucket of cold water on the young officer's prospects.
"I do not wholly agree with you, captain. By the report of the picket boats, there is certainly a sea-going steamer in the bay. That, in a measure, confirms Mr. Somers's theory. Now, if the vessel is there, the young man may bring her out if he has the ability to do so."
"The first cutter of the Chatauqua, and twenty-four men."
"You shall have them, Mr. Somers," said the admiral. "Instead of the first cutter, I suggest a whale-boat, which will not be much more than half as heavy."
"That would be better, sir," replied Somers, hardly able to conceal the joy and exultation he felt at the prospect of being permitted to carry out his plan.
"Captain, you will permit Mr. Somers to pick his men, and afford him every facility for the execution of his purpose."
"When do you wish to begin, Mr. Somers?" asked the admiral.
"Very well. The monitors haven't arrived, captain, and it may be a fortnight before we make the attack on the forts. The steamer may run out in a fog or storm before that time, and I think we do well to prevent another Tuscaloosa from preying on the commerce of the country."
"Mr. Somers's scheme may possibly succeed, though I do not think his chances of cutting out the steamer are very encouraging."
"I am afraid not, admiral," answered Captain Cascabel, incredulously.
"Mr. Somers, your reputation would be seriously damaged by the failure of your enterprise. Your officers would be more unwilling to trust you than they are now if you should meet with a disaster."
"I could not complain. I do not intend to meet with any disaster. If I do nothing better, I shall bring my men back with me."
The admiral laughed, and seemed to be pleased with this confidence, while Captain Cascabel shook his head.
"Mr. Somers, the risk is very great. You and your men may be prisoners in Fort Morgan within twenty-four hours. A failure would damage, if not ruin you. Are you still ready to undertake the work?" asked the admiral.