Major Pierson did not tell what he was thinking about; but he was certainly astounded and badly set back when the naval officer intimated that the capture of the Bellevite might be undertaken that night.
"You can see for yourself that we must strike at once, or there may be nothing to strike at," replied Captain Carboneer.
"But we shall have no time to work up the case," suggested the major.
"The case is all worked up, and there is nothing more to work up," replied the captain, as he headed the boat for the steamer.
Major Pierson said no more, but he was as much dissatisfied with the promptness of the naval officer as though he had said it in so many words.

It would be difficult to imagine how he expected to manage his case with Miss Florry, since he could not enter the house without betraying his identity.

Perhaps he intended to lie in wait for her in the grounds of the estate, and trust that her interest in him would induce her to keep his secret.
"Is that you, Christy ?" called a voice from the steamer, as the Florence approached the Bellevite.
"Answer him, Corny," said Captain Carboneer, in a low voice.

"Say 'yes,' and ask who it is that speaks." "Yes," repeated Corny.

"Who are you ?" "Sampson," replied the man on board of the steamer.
"And who is with him," added the captain.
"Are you alone on board ?" demanded Corny, varying his speech a little from his instructions.
"No; Warping is on board, but he has gone to sleep in the pilot-house.
Do you want him ?" "No; but you wish to take a couple of friends on board to obtain the measure of a gun-carriage," continued Captain Carboneer.
"No; I don't want Warping; I only wanted to know if he was on board," repeated Corny.