"Excellent, Sir Louis!" exclaimed the commander. "You have written out a very complete description of the craft. Now have you inscribed in your diary whether or not it is practicable to hoist the Salihé upon the promenade deck of the Guardian-Mother?"
"I don't find any opinion expressed on the pages of my diary on that subject, sir," replied Louis, as he put the book in his pocket. "But I should say that it was quite practicable, Captain Ringgold, for I have read that many American men-of-war carry steam-launches."
"But ships of six hundred tons don't carry steam-launches forty feet long; or they did not when I was in the navy," added the commander.
Mr. Boulong and Mr. Shafter, the chief engineer, were sent for, and they appeared at once. The question was put to them. They had their doubts about carrying a steam-launch of the size of the one alongside on the promenade deck; but they considered it possible. She might be blocked up in the middle of the space abaft the smoke-stack, and well secured. The steamer could carry her well enough, though she was a rather large pattern.
While they were talking about the matter, Captain Chickworth came on deck, but he did not join the party, and seated himself out of hearing of what they said. The commander thanked his two officers, bowed to them, and they retired, touching their caps to the captain, for everything on board was done as politely as in a man-of-war, and more so than is sometimes the case.
The commander seated himself in an arm-chair, of which a supply was kept under the awning in pleasant weather, and invited Louis to do the same. Scott walked over and entered into conversation with the owner. It was evident that Captain Ringgold had had some conversation with Chickworth in regard to the subject he appeared to be considering, as indicated by what he had said.
"Sir Louis, you can always see through a millstone when there is a hole through it, and sometimes you can see and read things which are not visible to the naked eye," the commander began. "You can see what I have in my mind."
"With the naked eye, I can," replied Louis. "And the idea is an excellent one, as are all the ideas of the captain of the Guardian-Mother."
"Blarney! But we will be serious now. I have been talking with Chickworth; and I told him, what Judge Salazar informed me, that the customs officers are keeping watch of his steamer. He was startled, and unbosomed himself to me when he found I was not inclined to injure him; but I roundly condemned his permitting smugglers to have the use of the Salihé. He replied that he could not make a living with the boat unless he did so."
"I should think there would be honest visitors enough at the Rock to keep the craft well employed," suggested Louis.