I assure you I have not a particle of ill-feeling towards you on account of what you did in the discharge of your duty." "But I do not quite understand the matter yet.

You disappeared very suddenly; and when I wanted to present you to the commodore, you could not be found," added the captain of the Vernon.

"I am very curious to know what became of you." "I came on board of the Bronx, and put myself in a place where you were least likely to look for me,--under the berth in the captain's stateroom.

I was at home there, for I had occupied the room while I was the acting commander of the vessel on her voyage to the Gulf.

But you must excuse me now, for I am ordered to get under way at once; and the ship's company of the Floridian have reported on board." "I may yet be called upon to serve under you some time in the future; and I did not wish to have any prejudice against me on account of my decision, in which my officers concurred." "I have not the slightest prejudice against you and while we stand by the Union, shoulder to shoulder, we shall be friends," replied Christy, warmly pressing the hand of the captain of the Vernon.
Captain Battleton returned the pressure as heartily as it had been given, and departed from the gunboat.