No guns were to be seen, and the watch of not more than half a dozen men were on the forecastle; and perhaps this was the entire force of the sailing department.
"What does all this mean ?" demanded a man coming from the after part of the vessel, in a voice which Christy recognized as soon as he had heard half of the sentence.
"Good morning, Captain Lonley," said Christy, in the pleasantest of tones.

"You are up early, my friend, but I think we are a little ahead of you on this occasion." "Who are you, sir ?" demanded Lonley; and Christy had at once jumped to the conclusion that he was the captain of the steamer.

"I have heard your voice before, but I cannot place you, sir." "Fortunately for me, it is not necessary that you should place me this time," replied Christy.

"It is equally fortunate that I am not compelled to place you again, as I felt obliged to do, on board of the Judith in Mobile Bay." "Passford!" exclaimed Captain Lonley, stepping back a pace in his astonishment.
"Passford, late of the Bellevite, and now executive officer of the United States steamer Bronx, formerly the Teaser, privateer," answered Christy, in his usual cheerful tones.

"May I inquire the name of this steamer ?" "This steamer is the Havana," replied Captain Lonley.