CHAPTER XXVI.
A VISIT TO TAMPA BAY As soon as Mr.Gilfleur had been welcomed back to the Chateaugay the commander gave the order to the officer of the deck to have the Bahama boat hoisted to the deck, and disposed of as before.
"I beg your pardon, Captain Chantor; but be so kind as to allow the boat to remain alongside, for I must return to Nassau," interposed the detective.
"Return to Nassau!" exclaimed the captain.
"Yes, sir; it is really necessary that I should do so, for you see that I have come back without Mr.Passford," replied the Frenchman.

"He was attacked by a cowardly ruffian in front of a saloon in the town, and I lost sight of him after that.

I have been terribly distressed about him, for the ruffian threatened to kill him, and I fear he has executed his threat." "Don't distress yourself for another instant, Mr.Gilfleur, for Mr.
Passford is on board of the ship at this moment, and doubtless asleep in his stateroom," said the captain, cutting short the narrative of the detective.
"On board of the ship!" exclaimed the Frenchman, retreating a few paces in his great surprise.

"Impossible! Quite impossible! I found our boat just where we had left it at the back side of the island." "But what I say is entirely true; and Mr.Passford wished me to have him called when you came on board," added the commander, as he sent a quartermaster to summon Christy to the captain's cabin.
"I don't understand how Mr.Passford can be on board of the ship," continued the bewildered Frenchman.

"Ah, he might have hired a boat like the Eleuthera to bring him off." "He might have done so, but he did not," replied Captain Chantor, as he directed the officer of the deck to go ahead, making the course east, as soon as he had secured the detective's boat.