I made a trip in an English steamer from the Bermudas, which had occasion to visit nearly all the islands; and I passed about two months of my stay in this region on that cruise," replied the detective.
"But how far is it from the Bermudas to the nearest point in the Bahamas?
Will people believe that we came even from the Great Abaco in an open boat ?" inquired Christy.

"What is the distance ?" "I estimate it at about seven hundred and fifty miles.

That is nothing for a boat like mine, though I should not care to undertake it in the hurricane season," replied Mr.Gilfleur.

"By the way, we must borrow some charts of this region from the captain, though only to keep up appearances." "You have not told me in what character I am to be your companion," suggested Christy.
"As my servant, if you do not rebel at the humiliation of such a position, though I promise to treat you very kindly, and with all proper consideration," laughed the Frenchman.
"I have not the slightest objection to the character; and I will endeavor to discharge my duties with humility and deference," responded the lieutenant in the same vein.
"Now let me see what sort of a suit you have for your part," added the detective.
Christy took from his valise a suit he had worn as a subordinate officer when he was engaged in the capture of the Teaser.

It was approved by his companion, and he dressed himself in this garb.
"But you have been bleached out by your long stay at Bonnydale, and your complexion needs a little improvement," said Mr.Gilfleur, as he went to his room for his tints.
On his return he gave to the face of the officer the same sun-browned hue he had imparted to his own.