Then he read what he had written, as follows: "'The Scotian and the Arran are armed; there are some Confederate officers on board, but their ship's companies are small.' Is that it, father ?" "That is the substance of it," replied Captain Passford, as he restored the key of the cipher to his pocket-book, and rose from his seat.

"Now you know all that can be known on this side of the Atlantic in regard to the two steamers.

The important information is that they are armed, and even with small crews they may be able to sink the Bronx, if you should happen to fall in with them, or if your orders required you to be on the lookout for them.

There is a knock at the door." Christy opened the door, and found a naval officer waiting to see him.
He handed him a formidable looking envelope, with a great seal upon it.
The young commander looked at its address, and saw that it came from the Navy Department.

With it was a letter, which he opened.