CHAPTER XX.
A BAND OF RUFFIANS The Ovidio was one of the vessels of which Captain Passford had obtained information in New York, and by which the traitor merchant had at first intended to send the machinery on board of the Ionian into the Confederacy.
"That vessel flying the British flag appears to be a man-of-war," said Christy.
"That is just what she is, confound her!" replied Percy bitterly.

"She is the Greyhound, and she has seized the Ovidio which we just passed; but my father believes she will be released;" as in fact she was, after a delay of two months.
"That looks a little like neutrality," added the naval officer.
"But what do you think of my scheme to get you out of this scrape before you get into any trouble here ?" asked Percy, who seemed to his companion to be altogether too much interested in his plan.

"Flanger is a friend of mine, for I was able to render him a very important service, nothing less than getting him the command of the Snapper." "Of course I want to get out of the scrape." "I suppose you haven't money enough to buy the boat, if you escaped from a Confederate prison; but I will help you out on that by lending you forty or fifty dollars." "Thank you, Percy, you are behaving like a true friend, and I shall remember you with gratitude," replied Christy, as earnestly as the occasion seemed to require.

"Do you think you can trust Captain Flanger to put me in the way to get to Key West ?" "I am sure I can!" exclaimed the schemer warmly.

"He would do anything for me." "But perhaps he would not do anything for me." "I hope you don't mistrust my sincerity in this matter, my dear fellow," continued Percy, with an aggrieved expression on his face.
"Oh, no! Certainly not.