"Land Ho!" came his cry down the companion-way. "Land on the starboard bow. All hands on deck!"
"Sure enough!" cried the lads. "There's a light, too!"
"I'll wager that's Pascagoula," Tom said. "Pretty near time we were there by the way the Fortuna went through the water when the schooner was chasing us. I wonder where we can tie up!"
"Let's shove her along and try to get in before dark," was Jack's suggestion to which the others readily assented.
As the Fortuna entered the harbor the boys kept a sharp lookout for a promising berth for the night. Not until they were well past the bridge over which the Louisville & Nashville Railroad crosses the river did they find a place that looked suitable.
"Let's not tie up to a dock," suggested Harry. "Let's anchor."
This seemed the most feasible solution and was acted upon.
A position was chosen apart from the busy docks and well over toward an unoccupied section of shore. A goodly length of cable was paid out and a stopper put in place. The boys then prepared for retiring without further attempt at getting acquainted with the town or its inhabitants, leaving that for the morrow.
Leaving the doors between the cabins opened for ventilation and convenience in visiting after they were in their bunks the boys soon disposed themselves and prepared to pass a restful night.
"Wouldn't it be better to set a watch?" asked Arnold.