The commander was distinctly forbidden to engage the enemy if such an encounter could be avoided "with honor." The first lieutenant knew that a combat could be easily avoided simply by not following up any suspicious craft, unless a fully manned and armed Confederate cruiser presented herself, and then it might be honorable to run away from her.

There was no mistaking the meaning of the orders, and there was no chance to strain a point, and fall upon one or both of the expected steamers.
The captain was strictly enjoined from meddling with them, even if they came in his way.

If they chased the Bronx, she would be justified in defending herself under the orders; and that was the most she could do.
Flint was terribly disappointed, and he regarded the commander with the deepest interest to learn what interpretation he would give to the orders, though there seemed to him to be no room even to take advantage of any fortunate circumstance.
The appearance of the commander did not throw any new light upon the contents of the document.

After he had finished the reading of the paper, Christy sat in his chair, apparently still looking it over, as though he did not fully comprehend its meaning.

But he made no sign and indulged in no remark of any kind, and in a few moments folded the order and put it back into his pocket.