"We discovered that the steamer had left the wharf last night, and you sent me to investigate when you started off in that wagon."
"That's so; and Pecklar reported to me early this morning that the steamer had left the wharf, and was standing off and on in the bay."
"I went ashore in the evening, leaving Pecklar to watch the steamer. I don't know any thing about his movements."
"He reported to me this morning about daylight. It is all right as far as he is concerned. What have you done?"
"I landed at the wharf where the Bellevite had been moored, about eleven o'clock, I should say, for I could not see my watch. I went up to Colonel Passford's house, and found it all in commotion."
"What was the matter?"
"Colonel Passford was not there: he had gone off to procure assistance."
"Assistance for what?" demanded the major. "You are sleepy, Dallberg, and you are mixing your story."
"I am sleepy and exhausted, but I will try to do better. I saw Mrs. Passford. She told me that her brother-in-law, Captain Horatio Passford, had come to the house that day, with his son; and you are aware, I believe, that his daughter, Miss Florence, has been there all winter."
"I know all about that. Go ahead, Dallberg."