When the Bellevite, while she was still the yacht of Captain Horatio Passford, had gone to the vicinity of Mobile, to the home of his father's brother, Homer had done all in his power to capture the steamer for the use of his government, and had made war upon her with armed vessels.

He had done so conscientiously, believing it to be his duty to his country.

This fact from the past made it easier for Christy to think of such a thing as the capture of his uncle, even in a neutral country.
The young man returned to the Atlantic Hotel.

He found M.Rubempre still fast asleep, for his slumbers the night before had been very brief.
He waked him, and told him all that had transpired during the evening, though not till the detective had ordered supper, which they had not partaken of so far.

He stated the plan by which he had proposed to himself to prevent the purchase, for the present at least, of the Gateshead and Kilmarnock.
"Not a practicable plan, Christophe," said the detective, shaking his head vigorously.
"Why not ?" demanded Christy; and he explained the conduct of his uncle in regard to the Bellevite, when she was on a peaceful errand to convey her owner's daughter back to her home.
Then he related the attempt of the colonel's son, his cousin Corny, to capture the Bronx by a piece of wild strategy.
"But I do not object to your scheme on moral grounds," interposed M.
Rubempre.