d
little occasion to use the axes after the two steamers began to go
ahead. Backing the Islander had tightened up every piece of lumber that
had been forced in by the bow. The harder the boat pulled back, the
more firmly the joists were held in their places. It was no wonder to
me that the captain had not been able to shake off this unwieldy
burden.

My first thought, in having the steamers go ahead, was to prevent the
Islander from drawing out of the building while my men were in it, for
they might have been crushed by the swaying of the structure. When we
went ahead, we not only loosened the timbers and boards, so that they
could be removed from their positions, but we prevented the Islander
from coming out of her lodging-place until the hands were in a safe
part of the boat.

"There, sir, I think she is all clear now," said Washburn.

I could find nothing to impede the withdrawal of our consort's bow, and
I sent my hands back to the Sylvania, and directed the others to go
abaft the pilot-house of the Islander. I requested Captain Blastblow to
keep his craft going till I rang my gong. I returned to the pilot-house
of the Sylvania, and rang to stop her. The gong of the Islander
followed suit instantly. I waited a minute to notice the effect. I
expected the consort would draw out of her "chancery" at once; but she
did not. I told the mate to see that our hawsers were good for a hard
pull, and he soon reported them fast and strong.

"Now, back her, if you please, Captain Blastblow," I called to the
Islander.

At the same time I rang two bells. Both steamers began to back at the
same time. The Islander immediately went clear of the building, which
continued on its way down the river. No crash, or severe wrench, as I
had anticipated, attended the separation of the steamer and its burden.

"You are all right now, Captain Blastblow!" I shouted, rejoiced that he
had got rid of his incubus.

"Thank you, Captain Alick, for your assistance; and I think we will lie
up with you," answered the captain of the Islander.

We cast off the fasts, and the consort followed us up to the place
where we had moored before, and made fast to a tree just below us.
Presently the captain came up to pay us a visit. I inquired about his
prisoners first, and learned that they were under the care of Captain
Cayo in the fore-cabin.

"Our people seem to think you were looking for a night's lodging in
that floating building, Captain Blastblow