"It is plain enough that they have had their heads together." "Certainly they have; but Mr.Lillyworth may not be any better satisfied with his information than you are, Mr.Flint," replied the captain, with an expressive smile, though he felt that his fellow officer had been tantalized long enough by the circumstances.

"I have read and studied my orders very attentively.

They direct me to proceed with all reasonable despatch to the Gulf of Mexico, and report to the flag officer of the Eastern Gulf Squadron, or his representative." "'But information has been received,'" continued Christy, reading what he had not read before, "'that two steamers, probably fitted out for service in the Confederate navy, are approaching the coast of the Southern States, and it is very important that they should be intercepted.

Both of these vessels are reported to have small crews, but they are said to be fast.

The department regrets that it has not a suitable steamer available to send in search of these two vessels; but relying upon your well-known patriotism and the excellent record you have already made, you are instructed to intercept them, even if you are delayed a week or more by any hopeful circumstances.' That is the material portion of my orders," added Christy, as he read the last sentence.