CHAPTER XVII.
THE SECOND AND THIRD LIEUTENANTS The surgeon went on deck with Christy, where he was presented in due form to Mr.Flint, though he had been introduced to him before in his former position as second lieutenant.

The commander went forward to the bridge and pilot-house, and consulting the log slate, found that the last entry gave seventy-eight knots from the station.

But it was foggy, as Mr.Galvinne had predicted that it would be, and the quartermaster conning the wheel said it was as "dark as a stack of black cats." Nothing could be seen in any direction, and the commander decided that it was not prudent to proceed any farther.
The leadsman was ordered to sound, as the screw was stopped, and he reported sixteen fathoms with the deep-sea lead.

Christy ordered the quartermaster to go ahead again, and keep the hand-line going all the time.

Mr.Flint came forward, and took his place on the bridge, where the officer of the deck was usually stationed on board of the Bronx.
The reports of the leadsman were satisfactory, and the steamer went ahead for an hour.