The nearest group to Christy were conversing about the two lieutenants who claimed to be the real officer ordered to the command of the Bronx.

It seemed rather strange to the listener that they should know anything about the events which had happened in the secrecy of the captain's cabin, and this circumstance led him to believe that at least one of the officers of the ship must be a confederate of Corny.
There was nothing necessarily secret in the proceedings in the cabin, and the stewards might have heard what was said in the ward room after the decision had been rendered, reporting it to members of the crew, who had circulated it as the latest news.

At any rate, the group near Christy were talking about the two officers who claimed to be Lieutenant Passford.

They spoke in low tones, and Christy could hardly hear what they said.

His berth was ready for him, and he concluded to lie down in it.