The first lieutenant then called Mr.
Walters, a midshipman, and directed him to give his compliments to Mr.
Vapoor, and ask him if he could spare the third assistant engineer for special duty for a couple of hours, more or less.
The messenger returned with the reply that the chief engineer would be happy to detail Mr.Graines for special duty at once.

In five minutes more the assistant engineer appeared upon the quarter-deck in uniform, and touched his cap to the executive officer.
"I am directed to report to you, Mr.Passford, for special duty," added Graines.
"I wish you to assume this duty, Mr.Graines, as a volunteer, if at all," replied Christy.

"All the officers on deck are required at their stations, and the commander has authorized what I call a flanking movement, which I purpose to send out under your orders." "I am very much obliged to you, Mr.Passford, for the honor you do me in selecting me for this duty; and I accept the position with pleasure," answered the engineer, touching his cap again.
"But this is a fighting position, Mr.Graines," added Christy with a smile.
"So much the better, sir; and if my education permitted, I should prefer to be in the thickest of the fight rather than shut up in the engine room," returned the engineer; and this was just the estimate the lieutenant had made of him.
He had been well educated; but he had learned the trade of a machinist, and the want of any naval training rather than his own inclination had driven him into the engine room.

But he had been three years at sea as a sailor, and came home as second mate of an Indiaman.
Christy explained to him very fully the plan he had suggested, and Graines readily grasped the idea.

He provided himself with a cutlass and revolver, and became very enthusiastic in the discharge of his special duty.