If you hadn't unhorsed my big gun I should have been as polite to you about this time as you are to me.

The fact of it is, Captain Passford, you did not manage your ship just right." "Indeed?
In what respect ?" asked Christy.
"Well, you see, you knocked my big gun all to pieces, and then, instead of running down and boarding the Pedee, you stood off out of range of my side guns, and knocked the starch all out of us.

If you had only boarded us, I could have whipped you out of your boots, for I have got the greatest crowd of fighting dogs that was ever hitched up together." "Of course I was not aware of your views in regard to the manner in which I ought to have managed the affair on my own part, and therefore I could not handle my ship just as you desired," replied Christy.

"As it is, I am afraid you will have to start your navy over again." Mr.Fillbrook had by this time driven the "fighting dogs" forward, and taken full possession of the prize.

On examination, Christy found that, though the Pedee had been terribly battered in her upper works, she was not materially injured below the water line.