I think you have been already posted, Mr.
Baskirk, in regard to the anomalous state of affairs on board of the Bronx," added the captain.
"Not fully, Captain Passford; but Mr.Flint has told me something about the situation," replied the third lieutenant.
"It may not be necessary, gentlemen, that I should say it, but not a word of what passes in my cabin is to be repeated in any other part of the ship; not even in the ward room when you believe you are entirely alone," said the captain, very earnestly and impressively.

"If the doors and keyholes do not have ears, there may be ears behind them, as some of us have learned to our entire satisfaction." "Not a word from me, Captain Passford," added Baskirk.
"And not one from me," repeated Flint.
"Unquestionably the curiosity of Mr.Lillyworth and his confederate are and will continue to be excited to the highest pitch," continued Christy.

"I shall have occasion to change the course of the ship, and head her more to the eastward.

Of course the second lieutenant will observe this, and will understand that I am not following the orders reported to him by Mulgrum.

You are my only confidants on board, and it will be necessary for you to refer Mr.Lillyworth to me when he asks for further information." "Perfectly understood," replied Flint, who was now in most excellent humor.
"Now, gentlemen, I will leave you in my cabin that Mr.Baskirk may be more fully instructed in regard to the matters which have passed between Mr.Flint and myself.