The boat crossed the bar, and the passenger took his seat by the side of the boatman. David directed his boat towards the larger steamers outside, which were loading with cotton from several small craft. They were, doubtless, to convey it to England. Christy felt no interest in these, for the voyages of the blockade-runners ended when they reached the port of Nassau.
"Shall I sail you over to the sea-gardens now, sir?" asked David, when his passenger intimated that he had seen enough of the vessels outside the bar.
"Yes; anywhere you please, David. I don't care about going on shore before dark," replied Christy.
The passenger was greatly interested in the sea-gardens, and for more than an hour he gazed through the clear water at the sea-plants on the bottom, and at the many-colored fishes that were swimming about in the midst of them. He was desirous of using up the time until he could have the covert of the friendly darkness. He looked at his watch, and found it was nearly five o'clock.
"What time is it high tide, David?" he asked.
"Five o'clock, sir."
"Are there any steamers to sail to-day? I suppose they can go over the bar only at full sea."
"Only small vessels can go over at any other time. The Snapper was to sail at high tide."
"Then I think we will run down by the light, and see her come out of the harbor," added Christy.
"I don't believe she will come out this afternoon, sir," said David.