"No, you won't!" answered Somers, indignantly. "Here it is one o'clock in the morning. I ought to have been over the bar by this time."
"I can't help it, Captain Pillgrim; my orders are imperative," pleaded the picket officer.
"Well, if you can't help it, I can. I may not have such another night as this for a month."
"I shall not detain you half an hour. The Tallapoosa has steam up, and is only waiting for her commander and the balance of her crew."
"How many men has she on board?" asked Somers, somewhat startled.
"About forty, besides the firemen."
"I have the balance. It is all right."
"Pardon me, if I persist. I must see your papers."
"I have no pass; but I will show you my commission and my orders from the secretary of the navy."
"Those will answer."