Then he visited the engine-room, and learned from Sampson that he had a full head of steam.

This careful inspection completed, he ordered the quartermaster to cast off the fast at the buoy.
Taking his place in the pilot-house with Beeks, he rang the bell to go ahead.

The Teaser started on quite a different voyage from what she had been intended for.

Christy had studied up his courses and distances, and had imprinted the chart of the lower part of the bay on his brain.

For the first part of the run, there was no obstacle, and no difficulty in regard to the course.
The fog and the darkness were so dense that not a thing could be seen in any direction; but he rang for full speed as soon as the Teaser was under way.