The entrance to the bay has not been regularly blockaded, for there has been little occasion to do so thus far." Mr.Pennant had learned all he wanted to know, and from the parade he could see even in the darkness that only four guns were mounted on the works.

He began to feel in a hurry to carry out the remainder of the programme assigned to him.

He took the hand of the Confederate officer when he reached the point where Uncle Job was waiting for him, bade him good-morning, and left the fort.
"How's de sick man, Massa Gumboat ?" asked the old negro, chuckling as though he appreciated the stroke of strategy made by his companion.
"He is better; in fact, he was about well when I left him," replied the practitioner.

"But I have no more time to waste," added he, as he quickened his pace, moving in the direction of the shore.
The day was beginning to break in the east, and he was afraid the commander of the Bronx would become uneasy in regard to him.

The quarters of the soldiers were passed, though they were not in use, and the shore reached.