On The Blockade

ubordinates feel obliged to do even when they feel more like weeping. Perhaps no one knew Christy Passford so well as his executive officer, not even his own father, for Flint had been with him in

ustified his action in the end. They had become excellent friends as well

m doubtless men of great experience in their profession, more mature in years than their opponent on this chess-board of fate, and they had come on board of the steamer to accomplish some important purpose. The game at which they were engaged

s letter," said Flint,

confederate something to think about," replied Christy; and he could hardly help chuckling when he thought of th

w this fiction, Captain Passfo

they are looking for a ship in which they intend to ravage the commerce of the United States," replied Christy; and the q

esent circumstances, I am very confident. They kno

w," added Christy, as he put his hand on his forehead, and leaned over the table, as though his min

regard to this vessel?" demanded Flint,

" answered Christy, dropping his hand, a

re is any doubt i

perspiration from his brow, for the terrible possibility that any considerable portio

turn against him on his own deck. This was possible, but he could hardly believe it was probable. Dave had reported very faithfully to him all the details of the conversation between the Confederates

sked Christy suddenly, as though a solution of the difficult

ay not be able to pass the technical examination of the naval officers," replied the first lieutenant promptly. "I can trust every one of

is

to do the best I could to advance him. He is not a graduate of a college, but he

oth

ood for him, and spoiled his immediate future. He has made two foreign voyages, and he is a good seaman. He came home second mate of an Ind

y m

e positions. He is a young fellow, and the son of a rich man in Portlan

ection," added Chr

sail a forty-footer in a race and win the first prize. The other men I happen to think of just now have been sailors on board o

tant positions, if my orders do not fetter me too closely," said Christy. "As the matter stands just now, Mr. Flint, it wou

etent for this duty, for they are navigato

old me that several vessels had been sent to the South short of officers, and

ho are as competent as I am, though t

I have spent a considerable part of my time at Bonnydale in talki

to the navy one of its best

e their mission on board of this steamer in connection with the Scotian and the Arran. I will not stop now to explain why I have this idea, for I shall obtain more evidence as we proceed. At any rate, I thought I would put the ghost of a stumbling-block in the path of these conspirators; and this is the

hing for my men to do at once; but you did not explain what this duty was,

own way. I want to know who are loyal men and who are not. There are at least six men, according to the report of Dave, who are followers of Pawcett and Hungerford. We don't know who they are; but d

ind out all you want to know

soon as possible," r

eight this morning, and one of the quartermast

warrant officers as well as he could. He looked at this man with vastly more interest than before he had listened to Dave's report. It was easy to see that he was not an ordin

is morning meal at a later hour, and when he had finished it, he sent for Pink Mulgrum. Of course t

iter, and that you are well educated," Christy wrot

smile. If Christy was a judge of his expression, he was certainly ple

several copies. Can I trust you t

and nodded hi

veal what you write to any person whatever?" Christy proceede

aze upon him; unfolding the letter, of which he had made a fair copy himself, he placed it under the eyes of the deaf mute. Mulgrum had retained his smile till