that point. We
can tell better when we get there."

It was all dark on the river again in a few minutes, and the two boats
keeping close together proceeded steadily on, making very fair progress.

"Would it be of any advantage to make our way over to the Jersey shore
and cross again higher up the river, Dick?" asked Bob.

"I am not sure that it would, Bob," was the reply. "We will not do it
unless we have to, as we can probably make better time by keeping on as
we are."

The day had been sultry, but it was now cold and damp on the river,
being dark as well, a cold mist arising as they went on, which not only
made it more difficult to see their way but chilled them as well.
However, if they could not see the enemy, the latter could not see them,
so that there was an advantage on their side after all. They went as far
as Bloomingdale without seeing anything of the enemy or hearing any
alarm, and were in hope of going the rest of the way safely, when the
mist lifted for a few moments, and Dick saw the outlines of a ship
looming up before him out of the darkness. He quickly steered out of the
day and signalled to Bob to go closer inshore so as to avoid the ship.
Presently a light appeared on board, and then a voice called out in
sharp tones:

"Boat ahoy! What are you doing out there?"

"Looking out for the enemy!" answered Dick, that being just what he was
doing.

"Seen anything of them?"

"Yes, some little time ago. Seen any yourselves?"

"No, what are they up to? Sending out their confounded fireboats to
annoy us?"

"Oh, they'll do anything, I fancy," and the boats went on, the men on
the ships never imagining that they contained a number of the Liberty
Boys.

"Keep a good watch for them, and if you see any give us a signal."

"Aye, aye! we'll keep a strict watch for them."

"That's what we've been doing ever since we left New York," muttered
Ben, under his breath.

The ship was presently lost in the mist and darkness, and the boys went
on, not knowing when they might come upon another. They kept close
together, so as not to be separated, and drew as near to the shore as
was safe, the ships being mostly in midstream. Now and then the darkness
was so dense as to shut out everything, and once they ran upon a bar and
had to push themselves off with considerable exertion, being unable to
see anything. Getting off at last, they went on, but were at length
hailed by a boat out on the river and not far from t