A boat came off from the inner side of the fort, and Christy ordered Flint to bring her to.
The permit to pass the forts was in due form, and signed by the proper officials.

The officer in the boat examined it carefully by the light of a lantern, and declared that he was satisfied with it.

Then he asked some questions, which the acting commander of the Judith answered.

The toughest inquiry he made was as to how he expected to get through the blockaders in a clear night like that.

Christy assured him that he had a plan which he was confident would carry him through without difficulty.
The schooner filled away again, and passed through the main channel; and in another hour she was in the midst of the Union fleet.