But no sound came from the shore just then, and the officers were in a state of uncertainty in regard to the situation which allowed them to do nothing.
They waited for half an hour, when the leadsman reported that the water was shoaling, which indicated that the Teaser was drifting towards the island.
"On board the Teaser!" shouted Lonley, so distinctly that he could hardly have been more than three hundred feet from the steamer.
"On shore," replied Christy, prompted by Mr.Blowitt.
"I am waiting for Gilder! Why don't he come on shore ?" shouted Lonley, his impatience apparent in his tones.
"Where are all the men ?" demanded Christy, as requested by the second lieutenant.
"They have gone a mile to the eastward where they left their bags." "We will run down in the steamer for them," added Mr.Blowitt, talking through Christy.
"Don't do that!" protested the speaker on shore.

"There is a Yankee steamer off in that direction.

We heard her steam an hour ago." "All right!" replied Christy.
"That settles the matter in my mind," said Mr.Blowitt.

"They are trying to play what they call a Yankee trick upon us.

When we send our boats to the eastward, we shall send them into a trap.