"But when did the Bellevite leave the wharf?" asked the major, evidently very much puzzled at what he regarded as the singular conduct of the owner of the steamer.
"I don't know, sir. It was after ten o'clock in the evening when we first saw her out in the bay."
"Was she at anchor?"
"I think not. I was ordered not to go very near her, and I could not tell."
"Do you know whether or not Captain Passford is on board of her?"
"Of course I do not. In fact, I know nothing at all about her, except that she has left the wharf and come out into the bay. I think I heard her screw in motion, though I am not sure; and that makes me think that she is not at anchor. Mr. Dallberg thought he ought to go on shore, visit Colonel Passford, and obtain further information if he could."
The major ordered the captain to embark the party at once.
[CHAPTER XVIII]
THE MORNING TRIP OF THE LEOPARD
If Major Pierson had had any curiosity at all in regard to the person captured by the soldiers with his brother, he appeared to have forgotten all about him. He took no notice of him after he left his bed of hay, but then he was evidently very much disturbed by the fact that the Bellevite had left the wharf.