The state of the tide, the necessities of the blockade-runners who hoped to escape that night under cover of the confusion caused by the attack, rendered it absolutely necessary that there should be no delay in the departure of the torpedo boat. The time had been set for seven o'clock, as late as practicable, in order to secure the advantage of settled darkness before the blow was delivered. The party on the wharf waited apprehensively a little longer, conversing in low tones as the moments ran away, and there was great anxiety as to the whereabouts of the missing officer. Seven o'clock struck from the ancient church steeple hard by; still he did not appear. "General," said Lacy, a few moments later, "if I might suggest, sir--" "Go on. What is it?" "It might be well to send for him." "Never!" said the general, shortly; "it is a soldier's duty to be at the place appointed him at the specified time. I shall not send for him. If he has forgotten himself, his duty, for any cause, he shall suffer the consequences." Lacy was in despair. He could not understand the situation. He had not the slightest doubt of Sempland's courage. He knew his friend's rigid idea of soldierly duty or honor. Where had he gone? If there had been any way, he would have despatched men to hunt for him in every direction, but the general's prohibition was positive. And for some reason which he could not explain he refrained from saying anything about Sempland's visit to Fanny Glen, merely advising the general, in response to an inquiry, that he had left him to go to his quarters to write a letter. Five minutes more dragged along. "General Beauregard," said Lacy at last, "with your permission I will seek him myself." "No," said the general, sternly, "we can wait no longer. I need you for something else." "You mean--?" "I mean that I shall carry out the original plan. Mr. Sempland has forfeited any consideration whatever at our hands." "Then I am to--?" Lacy pointed toward the _David_. "Unless you wish to back out." "No one has ever used these words to me, sir," answered Lacy, proudly. "I am as ready, as anxious, to go as I ever was. But Sempland--sir, I would stake my life on his fidelity." "It may be so. I can wait no longer. Will you go, or shall I give up the expedition?" "Rather than that, sir," said one of his staff officers, "if Major Lacy hesitates, let me go." "Enough!" said Lacy. "Will you explain to Sempland how it came about? Good-by." CHAPTER VII THE HOUR AND THE MAN Lacy tore off his coat and vest, and threw them on the wharf, saluted the general and stepped into the boat. Some one in the group lifted a lantern. The flickering light fell on the pale faces of the determined men.