Then he hastened to the engine, examined it, and satisfied himself that it was in good condition for the office which was soon to be required of it.

He gave Sampson particular directions for his duty, and then went down the accommodation steps with the midshipman.
"What are you going to do next, Christy ?" asked Paul, for the young naval officer had been too busy with his preparations to develop his plan in full.
"We will go ashore first, and I will take the Florence to the boat-house," replied Christy.

"The next thing to be done is to make a reconnoissance down the river." "Why not go down in the Florence ?" suggested Paul.
"Because that would be too simple and innocent altogether," replied the middy; and perhaps he felt some of the dignity of his new rank.

"I think we had better see without being seen, especially as Captain Carboneer has seen and sailed the sloop.

I have no doubt he has a sharp, nautical eye, and that he will recognize her.