He did the work partly with his windlass worked by steam, and he had lifted the bow of the Teaser at least three feet out of water.
Captain Folkner expatiated with enthusiasm on his plan, and explained the details to the lieutenant.

Christy saw that he had considerable mechanical genius, but he certainly lacked a balance-wheel.

The officer had set him down as a timid man, but this conversation assured him that the captain was a brave man.

He was carried away with his idea, though it was plain that he had not examined the question in all its bearings.
"When I have lifted the steamer four feet, she can go through the sound, for I have taken a boat through that drew six feet.

With your men to help me, I shall get the casks down by midnight, and then all we have to do is to go ahead," continued the enthusiast.
"Precisely so; and the Teaser is a screw steamer," added Christy.
"Of course she is; you have known her for two months, Gilder." "When she has been lifted up four feet, she is to go ahead," repeated Christy, in the tone of a musing man.
"That is what I said; she is to go ahead." "But what is to drive her ahead?
Is she expected to go of herself ?" "Go of herself?
Of course not.