After dinner, a matter of business came up, and it soon appeared that Captain Cascabel had given the admiral all the particulars relating to the Ben Lomond, including the letter in cipher, which Somers had interpreted. The conversation took place in private, with only the three persons present who were most intimately concerned. The letter was exhibited, and its solution explained. "Mr. Somers, what is your plan? I am informed that you have one," said the admiral. "I have one, sir, but I hardly hope it will merit your approbation," replied the third lieutenant of the Chatauqua. "We will hear it, if you please. By the way, our picket boats report that a steamer came down the bay this morning, and moored inside the Middle Ground. It may be the one mentioned in your letter--the Tallapoosa." "Probably it is, sir. She can now only be waiting the arrival of Lieutenant Pillgrim, who is to command her." "We must capture that man. State your plan, Mr. Somers." The young officer, with no little trepidation, related the particulars of the method he had considered for the capture of the Ben Lomond. "Very daring and impudent, Mr. Somers," said the admiral, as he glanced with a meaning smile at Captain Cascabel. "Mr. Somers's _forte_ is daring and impudence. But his scheme, besides being based on mere theory, is absolutely fool-hardy," added the captain, throwing a whole bucket of cold water on the young officer's prospects. "I do not wholly agree with you, captain. By the report of the picket boats, there is certainly a sea-going steamer in the bay. That, in a measure, confirms Mr. Somers's theory. Now, if the vessel is there, the young man may bring her out if he has the ability to do so." "What force do you require, Mr. Somers?" "The first cutter of the Chatauqua, and twenty-four men." "You shall have them, Mr. Somers," said the admiral. "Instead of the first cutter, I suggest a whale-boat, which will not be much more than half as heavy." "That would be better, sir," replied Somers, hardly able to conceal the joy and exultation he felt at the prospect of being permitted to carry out his plan. "Captain, you will permit Mr. Somers to pick his men, and afford him every facility for the execution of his purpose." "I will, with pleasure, sir." "When do you wish to begin, Mr. Somers?" asked the admiral. "To-night, sir." "Very well. The monitors haven't arrived, captain, and it may be a fortnight before we make the attack on the forts. The steamer may run out in a fog or storm before that time, and I think we do well to prevent another Tuscaloosa from preying on the commerce of the country." "Undoubtedly, sir, if we can." "Mr. Somers's scheme may possibly succeed, though I do not think his chances of cutting out the steamer are very encouraging." "I am afraid not, admiral," answered Captain Cascabel, incredulously.