She was not inclined to be overhauled by a gunboat, and she had attempted to dodge the Chateaugay.

Besides, if she were bound to Wilmington, as her clearance stated, she would turn to the south-west two or three points by this time.

The young officer seated himself in his room, and figured on the situation.

If the steamer were making an honest voyage she would not be more than twenty miles off Absecum light at this time, and ought to be within ten of the coast.
At two bells Christy was still in his chair, and when he heard the bells he decided to go on deck again, for he felt that the time would soon come to settle every doubt in regard to the character of the Ionian.

He found the commander still at his post, and he looked out for the chase.
It was not more than a mile distant, and hardly to be seen in the gloom of a dark night.
"On deck again, Mr.Passford ?" said Captain Chantor.
"Yes, sir; I am too much interested in this affair to sleep; besides, I feel as though I had slept at home enough to last me six months," replied the passenger.