CHAPTER IX.
A VOLUNTEER CAPTAIN'S CLERK Mr.Flint was really amused at the plan of the commander of the Bronx, as indicated in the letter he had just read, and he was not laughing out of mere compliment to his superior officer, as some subordinates 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 the most difficult and trying ordeals of his life.

He had been the young leader's second in command in the capture of the Teaser, whose cabin they now occupied, and they had been prisoners together.

He had been amazed at his young companion's audacity, but he had always justified his action in the end.

They had become excellent friends as well as associates in the navy, and there was a hearty sympathy between them.
Christy laughed almost in spite of himself, for he had been giving very serious attention to the situation on board of the Bronx.