The boat was laid alongside, and by the light of a lantern the officer glanced at Somers's commission and orders. He pronounced them all right, and the expedition was permitted to proceed.
CHAPTER XXI.
THE BEN LOMOND.
"That's a bold step, Mr. Somers," said Tom Longstone, as the whale-boat dashed on towards the intended prize.
"If it were less bold, it would be more dangerous," replied Somers, easily; for he entered so fully into the spirit of the affair, that he felt quite at home, and was hardly disturbed by a doubt of final success.
"Where is Mr. Pillgrim now?" asked the boatswain.
"I haven't the least idea; but I think he cannot be far off."
"You left him at Fortress Monroe?"
"Yes; he had started for the South then, to take command, I suppose, of this vessel. The traitor's plan was to come down on the Chatauqua, and then bring out this vessel perhaps, on the pretence of capturing her. At any rate, he was going to use his official position in the navy to help him get the Tallapoosa out of the bay, and past the blockading squadron. If not, he would not have gone in her, and thus wasted so much of his valuable time. I wish I knew where he is now."