LIEUTENANT-COMMANDER CHRISTOPHER PASSFORD Christy Passford dropped asleep when left alone in the sitting-room, and his slumber lasted a full hour.

During this time Mr.Graines had related the incidents of the action in which he had been wounded, and given a full account of the expedition to Mobile Point.

He was not sparing in his praise; but he brought it out in what had been said by others, especially by the commanders of both vessels and in the demonstrations of the seamen of the Bellevite.
When the wounded officer awoke it was with a start, and he was surprised to find he had been asleep in the midst of such happy surroundings.

He rose from his couch, and found that his mother and sister had left the room.

He passed out into the hall, and there heard the voice of the engineer in the library which he entered at once.
"I hope you feel better, my son," said his mother, as she and Florry rose from their chairs rejoicing anew at his return home after the fearful peril through which he had passed, for the recital of his brilliant exploits by his friend had been intensely thrilling to both of them.
"I'm all right, mother dear; I was only tired a little, for I have taken more exercise to-day than usual lately," replied Christy, as Mrs.
Passford kissed him again and again, and Florry followed her example.
"Charley Graines has told us all about it, Christy," said his sister.
"So you have been spinning a yarn, have you, Charley ?" asked the hero.
"I have related only the simple truth, Christy, for I knew you would not tell them the whole of it," replied the engineer.
"I am afraid you were reckless, my son," added Mrs.Passford.
"Reckless!" exclaimed Christy.