It suggested a blockade runner, a battery, or a house near the shore where he did not expect to find one.
The captain went on the bridge; but he could not see the light.

He descended to the deck, and then mounted the fore-rigging.

The lookout saw him, and said he could not see the light any longer; it had been in sight a couple of minutes, and then had disappeared.

It was useless to look for it if gone, and Christy returned to the bridge, where Mr.
Pennant was attentively studying the compass.
"In what direction is the head of the steamer pointed, Mr.Pennant ?" he asked as he joined the lieutenant.
"Exactly north-east, sir," replied Mr.Pennant.
"Then the report of the light on the starboard bow places it directly to the eastward of us," added Christy.

"That is about where the entrance to St.Andrew's Bay ought to be, if my calculations were correct.