CHAPTER XXIX.
THE NEW COMMANDER OF THE VIXEN "Have I done anything to offend the flag-officer, or has he no confidence in me ?" asked Christy, who heard in utter surprise that he was ordered to New York in command of the Vixen.
"Certainly not, Mr.Passford," replied Captain Blowitt, with a deprecatory smile which was almost enough to satisfy the young officer.
"What could have put such an idea as that into your head ?" "It looked to me just as though I was sent away simply as a prize-master because my services were not needed down here where there is fighting, and is likely to be a great deal more of it," added Christy, not yet quite satisfied.

"Perhaps I am banished for the crime of audacity." "That is a little too bad, Christy," said the commander, shaking his head.

"I promised not to use that word again, and you ought not to twit me for it, for it was only a pleasantry on my part." "It was the farthest thing in the world from my mind to twit you for the word; I was only afraid that they considered me an imprudent officer on board of the flagship.

I beg your pardon, Captain Blowitt, and I will never again remind you of the conversation we had on the subject of audacity," answered Christy, rising from his chair and taking the commander by the hand.
"It is all right, Christy, my dear fellow," replied the captain, coming down from the dignified manner of the navy.

"I think we understand each other perfectly, and I don't wish to part with the shadow of a shadow between us.