little water, I shall be able to go where the Federalists will not be able to follow."

"The fact is," said Uncle Vincent, "Charlestown is overwhelmed with cotton; they are even burning it to get rid of it."

"Yes," replied James; "besides, the town is almost invested, Beauregard is running short of provisions, and he will pay me a golden price for my cargo!"

"Well, nephew! and when will you start?"

"In six months; I must have the long winter nights to aid me."

"It shall be as you wish, nephew."

"It is settled, then, uncle?"

"Settled!"

"Shall it be kept quiet?"

"Yes; better so."

And this is how it was that five months later the steamer "Dolphin" was launched from the Kelvin Dock timber-yards, and no one knew her real destination.