"I can go to the Bermudas, obtain the information you want, and return to the Chateaugay," replied Mr. Gilfleur rather impatiently. "That would be a risky cruise for you, my friend," suggested Captain Chantor, shaking his head in a deprecatory manner. "I don't think so. I have been outside the reefs many times when the wind blew a gale, and I felt as safe in my boat as I do on board of this ship," said the detective earnestly. "How would you manage the matter?" asked the commander, beginning to be interested in the project. "You shall run to the south of the islands, or rather to the south-west, in the night, with all your lights put out, and let me embark there in my boat. You will give me a compass, and I have a sail in the boat. I shall steer to the north-east, and I shall soon see Gibbs Hill light. By that I can make the point on the coast I wish to reach, which is Hogfish Cut. I have been through it twenty times. Once inside the reefs I shall have no difficulty in reaching Hamilton harbor. Then I will take a carriage to St. George's. If I find the Dornoch in the harbor, I will come out the same way I went in, and you will pick me up." "That looks more practicable than I supposed it could be," added Captain Chantor. "While I am absent you will be attending to your duty as commander of the Chateaugay, for you will still be on the lookout for your prize," continued the versatile Frenchman. "You can run up twenty or thirty miles to the northward, on the east side of the islands, where all large vessels have to go in." "How long will it take you to carry out this enterprise, Mr. Gilfleur?" "Not more than two days; perhaps less time. Do you consent?" "I will consider it, and give you an answer to-morrow morning," replied Captain Chantor. "Won't you take me with you, Mr. Gilfleur?" asked Christy, who was much pleased with the idea of such an excursion. "I should be very happy to have your company, Mr. Passford," replied the detective very promptly, and with a smile on his face which revealed his own satisfaction. "Are you in earnest, Lieutenant Passford?" demanded the commander, looking with astonishment at his passenger. "Of course I am: I see no difficulty in the enterprise," replied Christy. "I have had a good deal of experience in sailboats myself, and I do not believe I should be an encumbrance to Mr. Gilfleur; and I may be of some service to him." "You would be of very great service to me, for you know all about ships, and I do not," the detective added. "Just as you please, Mr. Passford. You are not under my orders, for you are not attached to the ship," said the captain.