"Not yet, Corny," said the naval officer, as he sprang lightly to the deck of the sailboat. "Let us see where we are before we do anything." Captain Carboneer seated himself on one of the cushioned seats in the standing-room, and looked about him. A steamer towing a multitude of canal boats was approaching, and he waited for it to pass. Then no steamer or other craft was to be seen on the river. "So far as I have been able to discover, there are only two men on board of the Bellevite, and I think we have not a moment to lose," said the naval officer, when he saw that the river was clear of everything that might interfere with his plans. "But we must go on board of her, and make sure of everything before we commit ourselves." "As you said, Captain Carboneer, I am no sailor; and you don't think of taking the steamer out of the river alone?" added Mulgate. "I have not come here on a fool's errand, Major Pierson," replied the captain. "We are alone now, and we may call things by their right names." "But I don't care to have my name used in this vicinity," interposed this gentleman, when addressed by his own name. "Your wish in this respect shall be respected, Mr. Mulgate. I was about to say that I had a ship's company all ready to take possession of this craft, to handle her at sea, and even to fight a battle if necessary." "But where are your ship's company?" asked Mulgate, as he wished still to be called. "I will produce them at the right time. Now you may shove her off, Corny," added the captain, as he took the wheel. CHAPTER IV CORNY PASSFORD PLAYS ANOTHER PART Captain Carboneer brought the Florence about, and headed her across the river. The Bellevite was moored a short distance from the estate down the stream. "I have been up here before to-day," said the naval officer, as the boat moved away from the shore, assuring him that no one could be near enough to hear what he said. "We only reached New York yesterday, and I don't see how you can have picked up a ship's company in that time," replied Mulgate. "I sent the men before I came myself. I have stationed them in various places on the river, where I can get them when I want them; and I shall want them before the sun rises to-morrow morning," replied the captain. "To-night!" exclaimed Mulgate, who seemed to be astounded at the revelation. "Yes, to-night; in a few hours from now. I have obtained all the information I could in regard to the steamer, and what we do must be done at once. The Bellevite, as they call her now, has not yet been handed over to the government, though she has been accepted. They are waiting for something, though I don't know what, and she may be sent to the navy yard to-morrow; and then it will be too late for us to do anything." "But to-night--that is rather hurried," added Mulgate, musing.