"I am glad to see you, Fetters," said the captain, extending his hand to him. "I expected you yesterday."
"My business was such that I could not leave," replied Christy.
It was very dark, and the captain did not recognize him.
[CHAPTER XXX]
THE PRIZE-MASTER OF THE JUDITH
The weather had been clear all day, with quite a fresh breeze, and the same conditions prevailed after dark. Colonel Passford seemed to have a great deal to say to Captain Lonley, now that the time for sailing had come, and he occupied the attention of the latter so that neither of them could observe the new mate, if he were disposed to do so. As soon as Christy perceived the rôle which circumstances had laid out for him, he put his hand into a slush-tub he found in the waist, and anointed his face with the filthy stuff. There was just color enough in the compound of grease and dirt to change his complexion, if it had been light enough to observe his physiognomy. Flint did the same thing.
"You will have to take your chances when you come to the entrance of the bay," said Colonel Passford, nervously. "This cargo is worth a fortune, and we are in sore need of the supplies which its value will purchase for us."
"I think I understand the matter perfectly, colonel," replied Lonley, who did not seem to take kindly to any advice from a landsman.
"Do not take any unnecessary risks, Captain Lonley, for more than the value of the cotton is at stake," continued the planter.
"I have a plan of my own which I am confident will take me through the blockade all right," added the captain.