a fit condition to occupy."

Mr. Elmer had expected to have to build a house, and had
accordingly brought with him sashes, doors, blinds, the necessary
hardware, and in fact everything except lumber for that purpose.
This material was now being transferred from the schooner to the
lighter, and now it seemed almost a pity to have brought it; still
they were very glad to learn that they were likely to find a house
all ready to move into.

It wanted but two hours of sundown when the last of the Elmers'
goods were stowed in the lighter, and as there was nothing to
detain him any longer, "Captain Li" said he should take advantage
of the ebb tide that night to drop down the river and get started
for Pensacola. As rowing and poling the heavy lighter up the river
would at best prove but slow work, and as there was no hotel or
place for them to stay in St. Mark's, Mr. Elmer thought they too
had better make a start, and take advantage of the last of the
flood tide and what daylight still remained.

So good-byes were exchanged, and feeling very much as though they
were leaving home for the second time, the Elmers left the
comfortable cabin that had sheltered them for nearly a month.
Followed by Jan, they went on board their new craft, and the lines
were cast off. The crew of four strong colored men bent over the
long sweeps, and followed by a hearty cheer from the crew of the
schooner, the scow moved slowly up the river. In a few minutes a
bend hid St. Mark's and the tall masts of the Nancy Bell from
sight, and on either side of them appeared nothing but unbroken
forest.