"Before we do anything, I shall formally consult you, Mr.Passford, as I am advised to do." "I shall be happy to serve as a volunteer, and I will obey your orders without question, and as strictly as any officer on board." "That is handsome, considering the position in which you have been placed on board, Mr.Passford, and I appreciate the delicacy of your conduct." Christy remained on deck another hour, and at the end of that time a quartermaster came aft to report that the chase had changed her course farther to the eastward.

This proved to be the fact on examination by the officers on the quarter-deck, and as nearly as could be made out she was now headed to the south-east.
"But that will not take her to the Bahama Islands," suggested Christy.
"Certainly not; and she may not be bound to Nassau, as stated in those letters.

But it is useless to speculate on her destination, for we shall be in condition in the morning to form an opinion," replied the captain.
"I shall keep well astern of her till morning; and if there should be any change in her movements, I will have you called, Mr.Passford." Christy considered this a sage conclusion, and he turned in on the strength of it.

He was not disturbed during the remaining hours of the night.

He had taken more exercise than usual that day, and he slept soundly, as he was in the habit of doing.