"That was what happened to Baskirk and Amden." "If they are worthy, I shall certainly do the best I can for them," added Christy, gaping.
Camden was called aft and formally appointed second lieutenant, but Ralph was in the watch below, and was in his hammock.

The commander retired to his stateroom, and, letting his report wait till another day, he was soon sound asleep.
In accordance with the directions he had left with the first lieutenant, Christy was called with the watch at four o'clock in the morning.

Though the first lieutenant is not a watch officer, he may be required to do duty as such when the number of commissioned officers is reduced below three, and Mr.Flint had remained in charge of the mid-watch, which had been called to the deck at midnight.

The captain relieved him and Camden, and both of them went below, the new appointee taking the stateroom of the second lieutenant.
"Pass the word for Ralph Pennant," said Christy, as soon as he reached the quarter-deck.
"I have had considerable talk with Camden, and I am satisfied that he will make a capital officer," said the executive officer, as he moved towards the companion-way.

"I suppose you have sent for Pennant with the intention of appointing him third lieutenant." "That is my purpose; and here he comes." "On deck, sir," reported Ralph, touching his cap to the commander, as Mr.Flint descended the steps to the ward room.
"I think you told me that you had had some experience on board of steamers, Pennant," replied Christy.
"I told you that I had been the mate of a steamer," answered the seaman.
"What is your age ?" "Twenty-eight years." "Then you are older than you appear to be," continued Christy; and he proceeded to question the seaman in regard to his education and experience as a seaman.
He had not been mistaken in his estimate of the man, so far as he could judge from his answers.