lose upon us. We
made fast to a tree, and sent Hop Tossford ashore to watch at the bend
for the approach of the other steamer.

As the water was deep enough for the Islander in whatever part of it
she went, I thought she would come within a few yards of our position,
as that would lead her up stream by the shortest way. Our passengers
had spent their time in the usual manner on the voyage, and one day at
sea was very like any other day when the weather was fine. We had
passed out of the fog before midnight, and the two days on the Gulf had
been as pleasant as possible. Some of them landed on the high bank of
the river where we had made fast; but we required them to keep within
call.

In the pilot-house we had voted that it was not best to say anything
about Cornwood's relations with Nick, and none of the passengers even
knew that Nick was on board of the Islander. We simply told them that
we had lost the other steamer in the fog, and we were afraid we should
miss the Islander in New Orleans if we delayed to look for her in the
fog.

The pilot took the spare berth in the fore cabin, and made himself
entirely at home on the steamer, as I desired he should. We had
arranged our plan for the capture of the Islander when she came up the
river; and none of us had any doubts in regard to her coming. Captain
Cayo was to have the duty of taking possession of the person of
Cornwood, and Buck Lingley was to do the same kindness to Nick. Colonel
Shepard was to be close at hand to deal with Captain Blastblow, if he
objected to the proceedings.

All the forenoon passed away without a sight of the Islander. We dined,
and began to inquire if there was any way by which the Islander could
get to New Orleans without passing the point where we had taken
position. We could find none she was likely to take. We were beginning
to believe our well-laid plan had miscarried, when Ben Bowman, who was
on the lookout for the prize, hastened on board with the intelligence
that the Islander was within four miles of us.

We had covered our topmasts with green branches to prevent the people
on the Islander from suspecting our presence before she turned the
bend. A little point covered with trees a short distance below us
concealed the hull of the Sylvania, and I was satisfied that she could
not be seen by Cornwood before it would be too late to keep out of our
way.

"All hands on deck," I said to Washburn, as soon as Ben Bowman had
announced the