On the night of Bob Sharp's return, which was the night last described in previous chapters, Sam went to the town, as we know, accompanied by Tom, who sailed the boat.

As soon as he was fairly out of sight Jake walked away toward Pensacola.

The distance was considerable, and the way a very difficult one, as the tide was too high for walking on the beach, so that it was nearly midnight when Jake knocked at a house on a side street.
"Who is there ?" asked a night-capped personage from an upper window.
"A friend," answered Jake.
"What do you want ?" said the night-capped head, rather gruffly.
"I want to see the Leftenant." "What do you want with me ?" "I want to talk with you." "Oh, go to the mischief! I'm in bed." "But I must see you to-night," said Jake.
"On business ?" "Yes, sir." "Important ?" "Yes." "Won't it keep till morning ?" "No, sir; I'm afraid not." "Very well.

I suppose I must see you then.

Push the door open and find your way up the stairs." Jake did as he was told to do, and presently found himself in the room where Lieutenant Coxetter had been sleeping.