Are you a sailor, my lively lad ?" "I reckon I know the bobstay from the mainmast." "You know sumthin about my mate and men, my jolly tar, and I'll give you five dollars apiece for any news on 'em that will help me to ketch 'em; and I'll ship you into the bargain, for I want more hands," the captain proceeded in a more business-like manner, though at the expense of his oratory.
Just at this moment three short and sharp whistles sounded from off the shore, and about half of the skipper's audience turned upon their heels and walked down to the water, where they embarked in a boat.

They were evidently members of the ship's company of the Tallahatchie, on shore on leave, and the whistles were the signal for their return.

The remainder of the group, with two or three exceptions, were the seamen of the blockader.
"Where'd you come from, my hearty ?" demanded the captain of the schooner, turning to Christy again.
"I was tooken in a blockader, eight on us.

We done stole a whaleboat and comed ashore," replied Christy, enlarging upon the story he had told the bivouackers.
"Eight on you!" exclaimed the master of the schooner.

"Where's the rest on ye ?" "They're all about here somewhar, and I reckon I kin find em.