Why should I add three hundred miles to my voyage when there is no reason for it ?" "I am not much acquainted down here." "I shall go through the North-west, or Providence Channel." Captain Flanger did not know that the steamer Chateaugay was cruising somewhere in the vicinity of the Bahamas; but his prisoner did know it, and the information given him was not pleasant or satisfactory.

Captain Chantor had told him that he intended to stand off and to the eastward of Great Abaco, and he had been cherishing a hope that he would fall in with the Snapper, though he might not find evidence enough on board of her to warrant her capture.
If he fell in with the steamer, he would be likely to examine her; and that would lead to the release of the involuntary passenger.

But if the Snapper went through the Providence Channel, the Chateaugay would not be likely to fall in with her.

It looked to the unfortunate officer as though he was booked for a rebel prison.

He could see no hope of escape, though he was duly grateful for the change which had come over his vicious persecutor.