"That is just what I wish, for I don't care to have any one on board of the Vampire see more than one person at this point," replied Christy, still gazing through the gloom at the approaching steamer.
"Excuse me, Christy; but what are you going to do? I prefer to be within supporting distance of you."
"I don't think I shall need any support. I am going to hail the Vampire, and ask if Captain Carboneer is on board," replied the midshipman, quietly.
"You are going to hail her!" exclaimed Mr. Watts. "Are you mad, Christy? I should say that you were."
"You shall be your own judge on that point."
"But the moment you use the name of Captain Carboneer, they will take the alarm, and the next thing will be a bullet through your head."
"I will take the risk of that," answered Christy. "But you need not go far from the river on this dark night. There is a clump of bushes this side of the road, and you may get behind it."
The steward was not at all satisfied with the situation, but he complied with the request of the midshipman, and concealed himself behind the bushes. Christy took a position on the very verge of the water. The progress of the Vampire was made at the expense of a hideous noise, and she was a craft not at all adapted to the purpose of the conspirators. The middy watched her with the most intense interest as she approached the point where he was stationed. There was no light to be seen on board, and there appeared to be no men on her lower deck; but she had a cabin and other rooms, in which a force as large as that of the captain could be concealed.
"Steamer, ahoy!" shouted Christy, as soon as the Vampire was abreast of the spot he occupied.
No answer came to this hail, and the midshipman repeated it, louder than before.