"More than once, even before we entered upon this terrible war, I have told your father how happy he ought to be in having such a son as you are." "Come, come, Captain Breaker, you are praising me!" exclaimed Christy impatiently.
"I am speaking only the simple truth, and I have very rarely said as much as I say now.

It was when you asked me if you had failed in the discharge of the duties of your present position that I was led into this line of remark; and I am sure you will not be spoiled by honest and just praise," replied the captain.
"Then, to go back to the point where you began, why do you almost wish that I were second or third lieutenant, instead of executive officer, of the Bellevite, Captain ?" continued Christy, rising from his seat, and fixing an earnest gaze upon the face of the commander, for he was very sensitive, and he could not help feeling that he had been lacking in something that would make him a better executive officer than he was.
"Mr.Ballard, the second lieutenant, and Mr.Walbrook, the third, are gentlemen of the highest grade, and excellent officers; but they are both somewhat wanting in dash and cool impetuosity." "'Cool impetuosity' is very good, Captain," added Christy with a laugh.
"But that is precisely what I mean, my boy, and no two words could express the idea any better.

You cannot carry an enemy by boarding with the same precision you man the yards on a ceremonious occasion, or as a regiment of soldiers go on dress parade.

It requires vim, dash, spirit.
The officers named have this quality in a very considerable degree, yet not enough of it.

But what they lack more is ingenuity, fertility in expedients, and the expansive view which enables them to take advantage promptly of circumstances.