Pennant had taken a steamer home to New York from Havana after the captain had died there of yellow fever.

He had expected to be given the command of the vessel; and when he failed to obtain the position he resigned his place as mate, but secured the same position in another and larger steamer.
"Do you ever drink whiskey, Pennant ?" asked Christy abruptly.
"At present, no, sir," replied the seaman decidedly.

"I learned a few months ago that I failed to obtain the command of the steamer I brought home from Havana because it was said I took too much whiskey.

I knocked off then, and have not drank a drop since." "That was a sensible thing to do.

You are aware that we are short of officers, I suppose," said the commander.
"Yes, sir; and since I came on deck, I heard that Phil Camden had been appointed acting second lieutenant," replied Pennant.
"That is true; and now I am going to appoint you acting third lieutenant.