"A boat from the fort, sir," reported a messenger, who had been sent aft by the second officer on the forecastle.
"That looks like an inquiry into our business here," added the owner.
"Now we are all right," said the commander, who was watching the position of the vessel very carefully. "I must go to the wheel, and look out for the course myself."
Again the Bellevite went ahead; and she soon reached a point half way between the two forts, and her speed was reduced to not more than three knots. But the tug was approaching, and the worst part of the channel was still to be attempted. The two men in the chains reported the depth as rapidly as they could heave the lead, and it was soon evident that the steamer could not pass the extensive bar to the westward of the ship-channel.
"Steamer ahoy!" shouted the captain of the tug, as he stopped his screw within hailing-distance of the Bellevite.
"Reply to that hail, Mr. Percy," said the commander to the young gentleman in uniform. "You must do all the talking."
"I shall be very happy to do it, and I think I can do it to your satisfaction," replied Percy confidently.
"Jump up on the rail nearest to the tug, where you can see and hear."
"I am not much of a sailor, Captain Breaker, and I don't pretend to be one," added Percy. "What shall I say to the captain of that boat?"
"On board of the tug!" shouted the agent of his father, after the commander had instructed him in regard to his speech.