Christy had taken a course from the entrance of the sound, half way between the island and Town Point, west-southwest. He knew that the distance was about four miles; but he could not know, except by sounding, when he came to the island, and he had bargained with the army officer to be on the lookout for him. Captain Westover had heard the noise of the Teaser, and had hailed her, thus assuring the lieutenant that his calculation had been correct, and that he was in the vicinity of Fort Pickens.
"I had no idea that you would accomplish anything, lieutenant," said Captain Westover.
"I found everything laid out just as I should have wished it to be," replied Christy. "We had plenty of information that the steamer would run out the first favorable night; and nothing could have been more favorable for blockade running than this fog and darkness."
"But nothing has been seen of this steamer from the fort."
"Where was she fitted out, Dave?" asked Christy, turning to the steward.
"Up by Emanuel Point, sir, about a mile above the town," replied Dave.
"Then she has not shown herself in the lower bay."
The conversation was interrupted by the roll of a drum on the shore.
"There you are, lieutenant," said the captain with a smile. "When you are ready to go ahead, don't wait on my account, for I will go on board of the ship."
"But what is the drum for?" asked the lieutenant, who was in the dark in his turn.