Perhaps she is called the Perdido, which is not very far from Perdition, where I shall do my best to send her unless she surrenders within a reasonable time, or runs away from me," said Captain Passford lightly.

"Is your coffee quite right, Captain Dinsmore ?" "It is very good indeed, captain, thank you." "Perhaps it is too strong for you, like the United States Navy, and you would prefer it weaker," suggested Christy.
"It is quite right as it is, and, like the United States Navy of which you speak, it will be used up in a short time," replied the guest as pleasantly as the captain of the Bronx.
"That is yet to be settled," laughed Christy.
"Well, captain, the coffee is settled, and that is more than can be said of our navy, which will be as clear as this in due time." "I thought it best to inform you that we might be in action in the course of a couple of hours, and you were to notify me in case you wished to change your status on board," added Christy more seriously.
"I am much obliged to you, Captain Passford, for your courtesy and kindness, but I see no reason to change my position.

I will still confine myself to the cabin and ward room.

I cannot wish you success in the action in which you are about to engage, for it would break my heart to have the Arran, as you call her, captured," added the guest.
"I think you may fairly count upon such a result," replied Christy confidently.
"You must excuse me, Captain Passford, but I think you are reckoning without your host, and therein your youth makes its only manifestation," said the guest, shaking his head.

"I can only say that, when you are a prisoner on board of the Escambia, I shall do my best to have you as handsomely treated as I have been in your cabin." "Thank you, captain; I assure you I shall appreciate any courtesy and kindness extended to me.