I understand that you sailed from New York rather short-handed abaft the mainmast." "Yes, sir, we did; but fortunately we had most excellent material of which to make officers, and we made them," replied Christy.
"I should like to know something about them; I mean apart from Captain Blowitt and yourself, for you have already made your record, and yours, Mr.Passford, is rather a dazzling reputation for one so young." "I am willing to apologize for it, sir," replied Christy, blushing like a maiden, as he was in duty bound to do, for he could not control the crimson that rose to his browned cheeks.
"Quite unnecessary," replied Captain McKeon, smiling.

"As long as you do your duty nobody will be jealous of you, and you will be a fit officer for all our young men to emulate.

You were the acting commander on the voyage of the Bronx from New York.

Your executive officer is the present second lieutenant.

Is he qualified for the peculiar duty before you ?" "No one could be more so, sir," replied Christy with proper enthusiasm.
"I can fully indorse this opinion of Mr.Passford," added Captain Blowitt.