THE NEGRO VILLAGE ON THE ISLE GRANDE TERRE The commander of the Bronx had explained his plan to the first lieutenant.

There was nothing especially perilous in the expedition to be sent out; and it was the policy of Christy to keep the steamer out of sight of the fort, and of those in the immediate vicinity of it.

After the Bronx had been on her course about two hours, and four bells had just struck, the leadsman reported two fathoms.

A little later eleven feet was the depth.
"Quartermaster, strike one bell," said Christy.
"One bell, sir," repeated the petty officer at the wheel.
"Ten feet!" shouted the man at the lead.
"Strike three bells," added the commander; and the steamer began to back her screw.
As soon as the Bronx had lost her headway, the screw was stopped, and a drift lead was dropped into the water.

A sharp lookout had been kept, and some flickering lights had been reported.