Christy could think of no manner in which he could serve his country so effectually as by preventing, or even delaying, the adding of these vessels to the navy of the South.

But it was a tremendous undertaking for a young man.

His uncle had certainly been very indiscreet in talking out loud about his plans; but it could hardly have been supposed that any loyal ears were near enough to hear them, for even the American consul was not safe in the islands.
Christy had doubled himself up in his chair, and pretended to be asleep, so that no notice was taken of him by the two gentlemen in conversation.
He continued to listen till he heard a clock strike nine; but he obtained no further information, except in relation to the details of the colonel's plans.

He was in great haste to get to England to purchase the vessels, and he had the drafts about him for the purpose.

It was a vast sum, for the prices of desirable steamers had largely advanced under the demand for them for running the blockade.
"The easiest and quickest way for you to get to Liverpool or Glasgow is to go to New York, and there take a steamer to either of these ports," suggested Captain Rombold.
"I dare not go to New York, for I should certainly be recognized there.
My only brother is one of the most prominent agents of the Yankee government, and every passenger from Bermuda and Nassau is watched and dogged by detectives.