“We know. They’re not close enough!” came the reply in a slow, drawling voice that carried across the weeds and sand. “We might hit the runner!”
Marie understood. They did see it after all. These men knew what they were doing. Why waste shells. Or worse, sink the runner. Marie ran back to the buggy. The two women continued to sit and watch the incredible chase, flinching at every Federal shell raining down on the runner. The volley of firepower became intense. Then the ship came within a mile of the fort’s walls. Three of the fort’s guns erupted in blasts that reverberated over the water and beach, a devastating explosion of sound, accompanied by fierce yellow-orange flames. The ground shook beneath the carriage, startling the women and Mae’s horse. Huge puffs of smoke quickly blanketed t
