My father told me that several vessels had been sent to the South short of officers, and we are no worse off than some others, though what you say makes us all right." "I can find three officers on board who are as competent as I am, though that is not saying much," added Flint.
"I can ask no better officers, then.

But to return to this letter.
I have spent a considerable part of my time at Bonnydale in talking with my father.

He is in the confidence of the naval department." "He ought to be, for he gave to the navy one of its best steamers, to say the least." "I don't want to brag of my father," suggested Christy, laughing; "I only wanted to show that he is posted.

Coming to the point at once, putting this and that together of what I learned on shore, and of what I have discovered on board of the Bronx, I am inclined to believe that Pawcett and Hungerford have 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.