"The old quarters of the mechanics and laborers used to be on the Gulf shore, but they moved them up north of the fort, on the Grand Pass.

About a mile east of the fort there is a big plantation." "That is all for the present, Mike," added Christy.
The contraband touched his cap, for he had been rigged out in a new suit of seaman's clothes.

The commander retired to his cabin, and again devoted himself to the study of the chart of the locality.

His first purpose must be to obtain accurate information in regard to the strength of the fort, and the position of the steamer, if there were such a craft in the bay.

He decided to approach the entrance by the East Channel, though it would not be possible for the Bronx to reach the Grand Pass from that direction, for there were hardly more than six feet of water at low tide; and the rise and fall was less than a foot and a half.
He had decided upon his method of operations, and then wished again that he was not in command of the steamer; for the expedition he intended to send out was one he would have been glad to command in person, instead of remaining inactive on board of the Bronx.