The negroes were employed in transferring the deckload of the Havana to the holds of the schooners, which were not quite full.
The engineer of the Bellevite was to return to her in the Bronx, and he shook hands at parting with Christy, giving him a letter to Miss Florry Passford; and even her brother could not help seeing that he was greatly interested in her.

Three rousing cheers went up from the Bronx as the screw of the Vixen began to turn, and she started on her voyage.
The new commander, though he was very sleepy, gave his first moments to an examination of the vessel.

The carpenter and his gang were still engaged in repairing the damage done to her in the engagement with the Bellevite.

She was about the size of the two steamers captured by the Bronx, and coming out of the small steamer, she seemed quite large.
She carried a midship gun of heavy calibre, and four broadside pieces.
She had a crew of sixty men, besides those employed in the engineer's department, selected from the fleet, for the mission of the steamer was regarded as a very important one.
"Your machine looks well, Mr.Caulbolt," said Christy, as he went to the engine room in making his round with the executive officer.
"I fancy it is as good as can be built on the other side of the water," replied the chief engineer.
"Do you know anything in regard to the speed of the Vixen, for that may be a very important matter with us ?" asked the commander.
"I do not know very much yet, sir, but I think she is a fast steamer.
Mr.Vapoor told me that the Bellevite made twenty-two knots in chasing her, and that no other vessel in the navy could have overhauled her.
He gave me the figures," added Mr.Caulbolt, taking a paper from his pocket.

"I think she is good for eighteen knots when driven hard." "I dare say that will do," replied Christy, finishing his examination and retiring to his cabin.
He found Mr.Pembroke and his daughter there.