THE DEPARTURE OF THE CHATEAUGAY The commander told Christy that he would probably find the person who had brought the letter to him in the waist, for he knew nothing of his quality, position, or anything else about him, and he did not know where to berth him, though there was room enough in the ward room or the steerage.

He was dressed like a gentleman, and brought two very handsome valises on board with him.
"For all that, I did not know but that he might be a French cook, a steward, or something of that sort," added Captain Chantor, laughing.
"He is a man who is said to be a Napoleon in his profession; but I will tell you all about him after we get under way, for I am in a hurry to speak with him," replied Christy.
"He is evidently a Frenchman," continued the captain.
"He is; but I never saw him in my life, and know nothing about him except what I have learned from a long letter my father gave me when I was coming on board." "I have been told that you speak French like a native of Paris, Mr.
Passford," suggested the commander.
"Not so bad as that; I have studied the language a great deal under competent instructors from Paris, but I am not so proficient as you may think, though I can make my way with those who speak it," replied the passenger, as he moved towards the door of the stateroom.
"And I can't speak the first word of it, for I have been a sailor all my life, though I went through the naval academy somewhat hurriedly," continued the commander.
"Fortunately you don't need French on the quarter-deck;" and Christy left the stateroom.
The captain went into his cabin, but came out before the passenger could reach the deck.

He informed Christy that he was directed to heave short on the anchor and watch for a signal mentioned, which was to be hoisted near the Battery.

He might get under way at any minute.
Christy found the person of whom the captain had spoken in the waist.
He was dressed in a black suit, and looked more like a dandy than a detective.

He was apparently about forty years of age, rather slenderly built, but with a graceful form.