her as a prize, it will be no fault of
mine whatever, and I tell you now I shall not lay it on my conscience."

"Wright, to what part are you bound?"

"Ah! that is more than I can tell you. The winds must decide it. I can't
try the Carolinas again this trip; they are watching for me too closely
there. New Orleans is rather a longer run than I care to make, and I shall
keep my eyes on Apalachicola and Mobile."

"What object have you in starting to-night, particularly in the face of a
gale?"

Again the captain's eyes swept round the room, to guard against any doors
that might be ajar.

"As I told you before, I am watched here. The Federals have a distinguished
regard for me, and I have to elude suspicion, as well as run well, when I
do get out. Two hours ago a Federal armed steamer which has been coaling
here, weighed anchor, and has probably left the harbour, to cruise between
this place and Key West. As they passed, one of the crew yelled out to me
that they would wait outside, and catch me certainly this time; that I had
made my last jaunt to Dixie, etc. I have carefully put out the impression
that I need some repairs, which cannot be finished this week; and have told
one or two confidentially that I could not leave until the arrival of a
certain cargo from Nassau which is due to-morrow. That Puritanical craft
which started off at noon does not expect me for several days, and to-night
I shall rub my fingers and sail out right in her wake. Ha! ha! how they
will howl! What gnashing of teeth there will be, when they hear of me in a
Confederate port! And now about your baggage. Have everything ready; I
will show Willis the right wharf, and at dark he must bring the trunks
down; I will be on the watch, and send a boat ashore. About sunset you and
Miss Grey can come aboard, as if for a mere visit. I must go and make what
little preparation I can for your comfort."

Nothing occurred to frustrate the plan; Eric and Electra were cordially
received, and at dusk Willis and the baggage arrived punctually. The
schooner was lying some distance from the wharf, all sails down, and
apparently contemplating no movement. With darkness came a brisk,
stiffening wind, and clouds shutting out even dim starlight. At ten
o'clock, all things being in readiness, the captain went on deck; very soon
after the glimmering lights of the city, then the frowning walls of Moro,
were left behind, and the _Dixie_ took her way silently and swiftly
se