Then he discovered that the trio were in the act of descending the accommodation steps.

Mounting the rail he saw them embark in the Florence, and sail down the river.

Dismounting from the rail, he hastened to the engine-room, where he found Sampson getting the engine ready to be put in motion.
"Ah, Christy, I thought you had gone," said the oiler.
"Who were those two men who were on board ?" asked Christy, not a little excited.
"They were two gentlemen you brought on board, Christy," replied Sampson, innocently enough.
"That I brought on board!" exclaimed the skipper of the Florence.
"Yes, sir: and I thought you had gone ashore with them," added the oiler.
"I brought no men on board, Sampson! What are you talking about ?" demanded Christy impatiently.
"Didn't you bring two gentlemen on board, and didn't one of them want to measure the carriage of the big gun ?" "No! I did not! I have not seen you before now this evening," protested Christy.
"Then I have lost my senses.

Didn't you tell me to get up steam, because the steamer would be moved to the navy yard before daylight in the morning ?" demanded Sampson, bewildered by the denial of the young man.
"I see now," added Christy.

"You mistook Corny for me." Sampson gave him all the details of the visit of the strangers..