"What might that be ?" "It is a steamer without any doubt coming around the point, and she will be in sight in a moment or two," replied Mr.Amblen.

"It may be a river steamer that has brought a load of cotton down the Suwanee, and is going out on this tide." "Then we may need those guns we have left on the key," suggested Christy.
"If she is a river steamer, there is not much of a force on board of her," replied the pilot.
"We might return to the island, and use the two guns with carriages there." "If she is a river steamer, we shall not need great guns to capture her." Christy had ordered the men to cease rowing, and the two cutters lay motionless on the full sea, for the tide was at its height by this time.
Even in the darkness they could make out whether the approaching vessel was a river or a sea steamer as soon as she could be seen.
"Whatever she is, we must capture her," said Christy, very decidedly.
"If she is a river steamer, she will be of no use to the government," added Mr.Amblen.
"Of none at all." replied Christy.

"In that case I shall burn her, for it would not be safe to send good men in such a craft to a port where she could be condemned.

The next question is, shall we take her here, or nearer to the shore." "The farther from the shore the better, I should say, Mr.Passford.
After she passes the Seahorse Key, she will be in deep water for a vessel coming out of that port; and until she gets to the Key, she will move very slowly, and we can board her better than when she is going at full speed," said Mr.Amblen.
"You are doubtless quite right, Mr.Amblen, and I shall adopt your suggestion," replied Christy.

"There she comes, and she is no river steamer." She had not the two tall funnels carried by river steamers, and that point was enough to settle her character.