"I find after reading my instructions that I am expected to consult with you, and as I have the very highest respect and regard for you after the brilliant record you have made"-- "Don't you believe that I won my promotion to my present rank through the influence of my father ?" demanded Christy, laughing pleasantly, as he took the offered hand and warmly pressed it.
"If you did, your father did the very best thing in the world for his country, and has given it one of the bravest and best officers in the service," replied Captain Chantor, still wringing the hand of his passenger.

"But I don't believe anything of the kind; and no officer who knows you, even if he is thirsting for promotion, believes it.

I have heard a great many of higher rank than either of us speak of you, and if you had been present your ears would have tingled; but I never heard a single officer of any rank suggest that you owed your rapid advancement to anything but your professional skill and your unflinching bravery, as well as to your absolute and hearty devotion to your country.

I rank you in date, Mr.Passford, but I would give a great deal to have your record written against my name." "Your praise is exceedingly profuse, Captain Chantor, but I must believe you are honest, however unworthy I may be of your unstinted laudation," said Christy with his eyes fixed on the floor, and blushing like a school-girl.
"I hope and believe there will be no discount on our fellowship.

A man came on board this afternoon, and gives me a letter from the proper authority, referring me to you in regard to his mission." Christy decided to see this person at once..