The vessels were delivered over to the authorities, and the young commander obtained leave of absence to visit his mother and sister at Bonnydale, for his father came on board of the Vixen as soon as he heard the news of her arrival in command of his son.
Captain Passford, Senior, was conducted to the cabin of Captain Passford, Junior, and the meeting of father and son was very affectionate and very demonstrative.

Mr.Pembroke and his daughter were presented to the commander's father, and after they had talked over the incidents of the return voyage, the former owner of the Bellevite suspected that relations were altogether pleasant between Christy and Bertha.
He was greatly pleased with the young lady, and whatever else he thought, he could not very well help indorsing his son's good taste.

In the course of the subsequent conversation it appeared that Mr.Pembroke owned a small house at Newburgh, but that the occupant of it had a three-years' lease of the premises.

Captain Passford immediately extended an invitation to the invalid and his daughter to visit Bonnydale, which became so pressing that it was finally accepted.

In the afternoon the entire party took the train for the home of the captain.
Christy's welcome was as hearty as though he had come home a commodore.
The visitors were received with a sincere greeting, and Bertha and Florry were soon fast friends.