"But I shall offer to do this only on my return from a trip I feel obliged to make in her.
I shall also offer my own services in any capacity in which I can be useful; though, as I am not a naval officer like yourself, I cannot expect a prominent position." "Your ability fits you for almost any position; and, after a little study of merely routine matters, you will be competent for almost any command," added Captain Breaker.
"I do not expect that, and I am willing to do my duty in a humble position," said the owner.

"All that I am and all that I have shall be for my country's use." "I knew very well where we should find you if the troubles ended in a war." "My present enterprise will be rather irregular, as I have already said; but the delay it would cause alone prevents me from giving the vessel to the Government at once." "As a man-of-war, the Bellevite could not be used for the purpose you have in mind.

The plan you have chosen is the only practicable one." "Very well, Breaker.

You had better pass the word through the ship's company that the Bellevite will sail in an hour or two,--as soon as I can finish my business; and if officer or seaman wishes to leave the vessel, let him do so," added the owner, as he moved towards the companionway.
"Not one of them will leave her under any circumstances," replied the commander, as he went forward.
The word was passed, as suggested by the owner, and the result was to set the greater part of the officers and men to writing letters for their friends, to be sent on shore by the tug; but the captain warned them not to say a word in regard to the destination of the steamer.
In another hour Captain Passford had completed his letters and papers, including letters to the Secretary of the Navy, a power of attorney to his wife which placed his entire fortune at her command, and other documents which the hurried movements of the writer rendered necessary.
The owner and his son bade adieu to the wife and mother in the cabin; and it is not necessary to penetrate the sacred privacy of such an occasion, for it was a tender, sad, and trying ordeal to all of them.
All the letters were gathered together and committed to the care of the lady as she went over the side to leave the floating home in which she had lived for several months, for the family did not often desert their palatial cabin for the poorer accommodations of a hotel on shore.
The pilot departed in the tug, and he was no wiser than when he came on board in regard to the intentions of the owner of the steam-yacht.

There was an abundant supply of coal and provisions on board, for the vessel was hardly three days from Bermuda when she came up with Sandy Hook; and the commander gave the order to weigh anchor as soon as the tug cast off her fasts.
"I suppose we are bound somewhere, Captain Passford," said Captain Breaker, as soon as the vessel was fully under way.