Sylvia had now forgotten all her weariness, and she was no longer afraid.  She was sure that in a little while she would be safely at the fort, and then, she resolved, she would at once tell Mrs. Carleton that Mr. Doane had the letter and ask permission to tell her mother of her part in the secret message.

The boat was already half afloat, and it was an easy matter to pull up the big stone attached to a strong rope which served as an anchor, and then to push off from shore.

“You watch, Estralla, and if any other boat comes near shout at the top of your voice,” said Sylvia as she dipped the oars into the dark water and pulled off from shore.

“My lan’, Missy!  Bar’s dat light agin,” called the half-frightened darky, “an’ we’s right in it dis time!”

An instant later a call came from the guardboat.  “Boat ahoy!  Where bound?” and before Sylvia could ship her oars or answer the call she found herself looking straight into the blinding light, and felt the little boat rising on the crest of the wave made by the steamer.

“We’s gwine to be drownded, Missy!” shouted Estralla, and before Sylvia could say a word the frightened little darky had sprung up and lurched forward across Sylvia’s knees.

The boat tipped and the water rushed over one side, but Sylvia, clutching the oars steadily, and remembering her father’s frequent warnings, sat perfectly still and the little craft righted itself.

“You nearly upset us; keep still where you are.  Don’t move!” said Sylvia angrily.  The light had flashed in another direction now, and the guard-boat had moved on, thinking the boat contained two young darkies bound for Sullivan’s Island after a visit to Charleston.

Sylvia could feel the water about her feet and ankles.  She wished that she had called for help, for she realized now that they might be run into and sunk by some passing craft.  Beside that the wind and tide were now carrying them swiftly along toward the open sea.  Then, suddenly, Sylvia dropped her oars and screamed at the top of her voice.  Estralla shouted loudly.  Their boat had run directly against the wall of Fort Sumter.  In an instant there were lights flashing over the parapet.  There was the sound of voices, a call, and then the little craft was held firmly against the barricade and a gruff voice called: 

“Stop your noise, and we’ll have you safe in a jiffy.”

But it seemed a long time to the frightened children before a tall soldier swung over into the boat and lifted Sylvia and then Estralla up to the outstretched hands which grasped them so firmly.

“What on earth were you out in that boat for?” questioned an elderly gruff-voiced officer, when Sylvia and Estralla, thoroughly drenched and wondering what new misfortune was in store for them, followed him into a bare little cell-like room where the lamplight made them blink and shield their eyes for a moment.