“The Union forces were pretty uneasy when they heard what hed happened off Hampton Roads, but they were all pinnin’ their faith to a little new ironclad just built on Long Island and already speedin’ south ter meet the Merrimac.  My old dad, servin’ on the Roanoke, was lucky enough to see both them craft:—–­the big, clumsy Merrimac, all covered with railroad iron and smeared with grease, and the nifty little Monitor, that they said looked like ‘a cheese box on a raft’!

“Wal’, ’course you boys hev all read about what happened when the little fellow steamed out ter meet the big fellow, the day after the frigates were destroyed.

“Fer four hours, Dad said, the two ironclads jest pestered each other with hot fire, but the shot and shell slid off them like water from a duck’s back.  The little Monitor darted around the big Merrimac like a bee buzzin’ round a boy that had plagued it.

“Thar wa’n’t no great harm done—–­except that Lieutenant Worden, who was in command of the Monitor, got hurt by the bits of a shell that drove into his face—–­but the little ironclad hed proved two things.  Fust, that she could hold her own; and next that the day of wooden vessels in naval warfare was over.

“As you boys know, warships now-a-days are all ironclad.  Folks hey called ’em ‘indestructible,’ but I guess thar ain’t no sech word allowable any more.  Between the new explosives and the airships—–­wal’, they say we ain’t heard the last word yet, by a long shot!”

The old captain rose as he spoke, shaking his head thoughtfully and gazing out over the sea and into the sky.

“Wal’, boys, off to yer bunks now!  We’ll hev a fairly calm night, but thar’ll be wet decks to-morrow!”

CHAPTER XII

A SURPRISING ADVENTURE

The captain’s prophecy was literally fulfilled, and the boys had no opportunity for fairweather games the next day.  Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain’s skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.

Dave retired as usual in rough weather into sullen silence, coming on deck most reluctantly only when his services were demanded by the captain.

Late in the day, the storm increased to a gale of some little violence, and the captain decided to make for the nearest harbor.  He had hoped to reach the home haven that night, but his policy was to meet disappointment rather than to run risks.

“Mebbe I hev a surprise up my sleeve fer you boys,” Captain Lem said, his eyes twinkling as he saw their long faces on hearing the news of delay.  “Wouldn’t mind addin’ a little excitement ter the end of the trip, would ye?”

“We’re aching for it,” returned Billy promptly.  “This has been an awfully long day, you know, captain.”