"The Violet, New Orleans to New York," came from the vessel hailed.
"Did you see a small steamer about the size of this one?" asked Washburn.
"We passed one about three hours ago. She looked enough like you to be the same vessel."
"Thanks," shouted Washburn, as he rang the bell to go ahead.
I looked at my watch, and found it wanted but a few minutes of twelve, and I went into the pilot-house.
CHAPTER XI.
DIFFICULT NAVIGATION.
"Three hours ago, which means that the Islander is about thirty miles ahead of us," said Washburn, when I went into the pilot-house.
"She must have put in somewhere, and it was not at Mosquito Inlet," I replied. "I don't quite understand it."