As the captain moved forward he encountered the first officer in the waist, who addressed him, and they began a conversation, none of which Christy could hear.

From the looks and gestures of the mate, he concluded that they were talking about him.
It was not difficult to imagine the subject of the conversation, and it was evident to Christy that the first officer had suggested an idea to his commander.

While he was waiting impatiently to ascertain what the Chateaugay would do next, Percy Pierson came on deck looking very pale, for it had been reported at breakfast that he was very sea-sick.
"How are you, Christy ?" asked the Southerner.
"I am very well, I thank you." "Haven't you been sea-sick ?" asked the invalid.
"Of course not; I never was sea-sick." "But what has the steamer stopped for ?" asked Percy, looking about him.
"Captain Flanger seems to think that vessel over there is a United States man-of-war." "Will she capture the Snapper ?" asked the sufferer, looking paler than before.
At this moment a boat was lowered from the davits into the water, and Christy was invited by the mate to take a seat in the stern sheets.

He was astounded at this request, and wondered what it meant..