I never saw a boat just like it before, and I have not the remotest idea of its intended use.

Probably the captain can inform you." Christy was no wiser than before, but his curiosity was excited.

He strolled to the quarter-deck, where he found the captain directing his night-glass towards the Ionian, which showed her port light on the starboard hand, indicating that the Chateaugay was running ahead of her.
The commander called the second lieutenant, and gave him the order for the chief engineer to reduce the speed of the ship.
"The Ionian is a slow boat; at least, she is not as fast as the Chateaugay, Mr.Passford," said Captain Chantor, when Christy had halted near him.
"That is apparent," replied Christy.

"How many knots can you make in your ship, Captain Chantor ?" "I am told that she has made fifteen when driven at her best." "That is more than the average of the steamers in the service by three knots," added Christy.

"I have just been forward, Captain, and I saw there a boat which is not quite on the regulation pattern." "It is like a whaleboat, though it differs from one in some respects," added the commander.
"Is it for ordinary service, Captain Chantor ?" "There you have caught me, for I don't know to what use she is to be applied," replied the captain, laughing because, as the highest authority on board of the ship, he was unable to answer the question.
"You don't know ?" queried Christy.