CHAPTER I.
THE MISSION TO MOBILE POINT "I almost wish you were the second or the third lieutenant of the Bellevite, instead of the executive officer, Christy," said Captain Breaker, the commander of the steamer, as they were seated together one day on the quarter-deck.
"Do I fail in the discharge of my duty in my present position, Captain ?" asked Christy, very much astonished, not to say startled, at the remark of the commander.
"Not in the slightest degree, my dear boy!" returned Captain Breaker with very decided emphasis.

"You have served in your present capacity for four months; and if you were fifty years old, and had twenty years of naval experience behind you, it would be hardly possible for you to be more correct and dignified in the performance of the details of your office." "I thank you, Captain, for the partial view you take of what I have done," added Christy, taking off his cap and bowing to his superior.
"Well, you ought to be a good officer in any situation, my dear fellow," continued the commander.

"I doubt if there is another officer in the navy who has enjoyed the advantages you have had in preparing himself for the duties of his profession.

You were brought up, so to say, on board of the Bellevite.

You were a good scholar in the first place.
Without including myself, you have had excellent teachers in every department of science and philosophy, among whom your father was one of the wisest.