Of course the conversation had to be written, and the captain placed the scullion opposite himself at the table.
"I learn from Mr.Lillyworth that you are a good writer, and that you are well educated," Christy wrote on a piece of paper, passing it to the deaf mute.
Mulgrum read the sentence, and nodded his head with something like a smile.

If Christy was a judge of his expression, he was certainly pleased, evidently to find that his confederate's plan was working well.
"I have a letter of which I desire several copies.

Can I trust you to make these copies ?" Christy wrote.
The man read and nodded his head eagerly.
"Will you promise on your honor as a man that you will not reveal what you write to any person whatever ?" Christy proceeded.

Mulgrum read, and nodded his head earnestly several times.
The commander procured paper and other writing materials for him, and placed them before him.

Then he seated himself again opposite the copyist, and fixed his gaze upon him; unfolding the letter, of which he had made a fair copy himself, he placed it under the eyes of the deaf mute.