Two of his boats were, as was afterwards
discovered, on the look-out during the night, and an understanding had
been come to with the master of the Yankee vessel lying in the harbour
to signal the Alabama's departure.
By dusk, Captain Semmes' preparations were completed; the funds, which
the Martinique merchants had allowed to slip through their
too-widely-opened fingers, were safely despatched on their way to
Liverpool; the necessary supplies were on board; and, with decks cleared
for action, all lights carefully extinguished, and all hands at
quarters, the Alabama stole quietly from her anchorage, and steamed
cautiously across the harbour on her way to the open sea.
It was a period of intense anxiety as the Alabama slipped silently
through the tranquil water of the harbour, each moment bringing her
nearer to the powerful enemy, who, when dusk had shut him from their
view, had been planted in the very centre of the entrance, eagerly
looking out for the expected prize. Presently it was found that her
movements were, at all events, known to the spies of the enemy, and a
succession of signals from the Yankee vessel they had left at anchor
were evidently intended to warn the San Jacinto of the attempted escape.
Momentarily now was expected the flash of the enemy's gun, and the
hoarse roar of his shot, and each crew stood by its loaded gun ready
with a prompt reply. Not a word was uttered on the crowded deck, and so
deep was the silence, that the low throbbing of the Alabama's propeller,
as it revolved slowly in the water, seemed to strike on the ear with a
noise like thunder.
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