A spot which commanded a full view of the schooner had been selected, the boat was turned upside down so as to afford a shelter, and the weary Unionists went to sleep, for they were not likely to be disturbed on this side of the creek. It was noon when they woke, and it looked as though something was going on at the vessel. About half a dozen negroes were to be seen on the deck-load of cotton; and a little later in the day, Colonel Passford and Lonley were observed talking together. But nothing was done that day, and the night came on. Christy was not satisfied with his information, and as soon as it was dark, the boat was launched, and the fugitives pulled over to the schooner. "Who's in dat boat?" shouted a negro, showing himself at the rail of the vessel. "I am," replied Christy, rather indefinitely. "Be you de new mate, sar?" demanded the man. "I am," answered Christy, at a venture. "We done wait free days for you, an' Massa Lonley be mighty glad to see you." "Where is Captain Lonley now?" asked the lieutenant. "Stoppin' wid Massa colonel. He done tole me to call him if de mate come. Dis nigger gwine to do dat," added the man. "Stop a little," added Christy, as he climbed on board of the vessel, followed by Flint. "How many men have you on board?" "Six men wid de cook." "Are these men sailors?" "Dey all done work aboard a vessel, but dey ain't much sailors." "All free niggers?" "No, sar; wish dey was." "Where are the rest of the men?" "In de fo'castle, sar. De capin specks de mate come to-night, an' I reckon we's gwine down de bay right off den." "Go and call the captain then," added Christy, as confidently as though he had stood on his own ground. The negro hastened away as fast as his legs would carry him, and in a few minutes Colonel Passford and Captain Lonley came on board. The latter seemed to be hung on wires, he was so active; and even before he saluted the new mate, he called all hands and directed them to hoist the mainsail. "I am glad to see you, Fetters," said the captain, extending his hand to him. "I expected you yesterday." "My business was such that I could not leave," replied Christy. It was very dark, and the captain did not recognize him. CHAPTER XXX THE PRIZE-MASTER OF THE JUDITH The weather had been clear all day, with quite a fresh breeze, and the same conditions prevailed after dark. Colonel Passford seemed to have a great deal to say to Captain Lonley, now that the time for sailing had come, and he occupied the attention of the latter so that neither of them could observe the new mate, if he were disposed to do so. As soon as Christy perceived the _role_ which circumstances had laid out for him, he put his hand into a slush-tub he found in the waist, and anointed his face with the filthy stuff. There was just color enough in the compound of grease and dirt to change his complexion, if it had been light enough to observe his physiognomy. Flint did the same thing.