"By the way, I wonder that the commander did not subject the two claimants to an examination in navigation and seamanship.

It might have thrown some light on the subject." "Probably Captain Battleton did not think of that, taking it for granted that you were both sailors; but the other Mr.Passford is not in condition to undergo such an examination at present." "I do not ask for it, though of course I am anxious to have the truth come out, for just now I am in disgrace as an impostor, to say nothing of being regarded as an enemy of the Union," replied Christy.

"He who occupies a stateroom in the steamer is my own cousin, and the pleasantest relations have always subsisted between our families.

I have nothing against him personally, and I would do him a kindness as readily as ever before in my life." "But he has placed you in a very awkward position, Mr.Passford." "I am willing to believe that he is doing his duty to his country, and his grand mistake is in believing that the fraction of it in rebellion is his country." "If you are the genuine Lieutenant Passford, in spite of the captain's decision, your cousin has told lies enough to-day to swamp a reprobate, to to say nothing of a Christian," added the surgeon, seating himself at the side of the berth.
"I do not regard his statements as lies in any proper sense of the word, Dr.Connelly," replied Christy with considerable spirit.

"I have had occasion to deceive the enemy on several occasions; and nearly two years ago I looked up the morality of lying on the field of battle and its surroundings.