"I have a couple of friends here who want to measure a gun-carriage to-night, for they have to leave in the morning." "Very well, young man; you understand yourself very well," said the captain, in tones of approval.
By this time Captain Carboneer had brought the boat alongside the accommodation steps, the lower part of which were hoisted up to prevent any water tramps from coming on board without permission.

But when Corny had delivered the last message, the steps were lowered, and the Florence made fast to them.

Corny was told to lead the way, and act as though he were Christy Passford, and owned the ship in his own right.
The planter's son went up the steps, and the other two followed him, though the naval officer had really ascertained all he wished to know.
There were only two ship-keepers on board, and they would be no obstacle in the way of the ship's company to which the captain had alluded.

But the leader of the enterprise had another object in view, though it was only secondary in its nature.

He was afraid to overburden the mind of Corny, and he said nothing more.
"Is everything all right on board, Sampson ?" asked Corny, as he stepped down upon the deck of the vessel.
"All right, Christy," replied the man.
"I am glad to hear it.