COMING TO THE POINT Captain Folkner of the Teaser was evidently somewhat timid, and he had heard of the arrival of the Bellevite.

Just now the large ships-of-war which had been there were absent on their duty, though they were expected to return at any time.

There was liable to be some unpleasantness at any time between Fort Pickens and Fort Barrancas; but everything was quiet just now.
Flint had come on board of the Teaser with Christy, but none of the boat's crew had attended them.

The situation was very novel to the lieutenant, and he did not feel competent to arbitrate between the contending parties.

Besides, he was not willing to believe that he could be entirely impartial, for he had a personal and patriotic interest in the issue of the quarrel.
The seamen, under the leadership of Lonley, who appeared to be an officer, were the more powerful party, and the more to be dreaded.