When he reached the boundary line of the estate, he discovered the sailboat with her bow on the beach, though her mainsail was still set.

A gentle breeze was blowing, with which the Florence could make good headway; but there seemed to be no one on board of her.

Corny watched her for some time, waiting for the appearance of Christy.

It was not an easy matter to climb the high fence which bounded the estate, and the planter's son could hail the boat, and be taken on board of her as soon as she got under way again.
But Christy did not appear, and it was getting darker and darker every minute.

Something must have attracted the attention of the skipper on shore, and he had doubtless landed.