It was eleven o'clock when we crossed the wooden foot-bridge of the station and emerged upon the street.
"We'll go to the prison at once," said my uncle. "Perhaps it isn't 'visiting day,' as they call it, but I reckon I can fix it. Sailors on shore have special privileges," he added with a laugh.
"Which way is it?" asked Kate.
"I don't know. We'll take a carriage and trust to the driver."
He called a coach, and soon we were rolling off.
Finally the coach stopped, and the driver sprang from his box.
"Here you are, sir," he said, as he opened the door.
I looked up at the big stone buildings before us. My father was behind those walls. I glanced at Kate. The poor girl was in tears.
"You had better stay on board here till I go in and take soundings," said Captain Enos. "I won't be gone long."
Jumping to the pavement, he walked up to the big open door and entered.