In another hour they were within hailing distance.
"That is not the Dornoch," said Christy decidedly.
"No; she is much larger than the Dornoch," added Mr.Gilfleur.
"I am disappointed," replied the captain.
The steamer showed the British flag, and went on her way to the south-west.

The Chateaugay continued on her course without change till eight bells in the afternoon watch, when a heavier volume of smoke was descried in the north-east.

No change was made in the course, and at the beginning of the second dog watch the craft from which the smoke issued could be seen with the naked eye.

She was headed to the south-west, and it was evident that her course would carry her to the westward of the Chateaugay.

The darkness soon settled down upon the ocean, and the port light of the stranger showed itself over the starboard quarter of the ship, proving that it crossed the wake of the other.
The action, if the steamer proved to be the Dornoch, must be deferred till the next morning.