The commander gave the order to the first lieutenant to get under way; and the fasts were cast off from the flag-ship.

The Bronx backed away from her, came about, and was ready to proceed on her voyage to the destination as yet unknown on board of her.
"Make the course south-west, Mr.Flint," said the commander, as soon as the vessel was ready, and her screw was in motion.
"South-west," repeated the first lieutenant, addressing the quartermaster who was conning the wheel.
Standing on the bridge with the executive officer, Christy took his leave mentally of the flag-ship, and the few other vessels that were on the station; for most of them were on duty in various expeditions engaged in the destruction of salt works.

A boat expedition had just captured Appalachicola, with all the vessels loading with cotton in the bay.

The young commander congratulated himself that he had a fast steamer, for that caused him to be employed in more active duty than the work of destruction on shore.
"South-west," said Mr.Flint, after the port watch had been dismissed, leaving the starboard with Mr.Camden as watch officer on deck.
"I thought it probable that we should be sent to Appalachicola after the information the Russian gave us." "The boats of the Mercidita and Sagamore have captured the place, and picked up five or six small vessels loaded with cotton, I was informed by the commodore," replied Christy.
"We are bound to the westward, and the course looks as though we might be ordered up the Mississippi," suggested Mr.Flint.
"I hardly think so, though I should be pleased to have it so." "Why do you think it is not likely, Captain Passford ?" asked the executive officer curiously.
"Because the Bronx is a fast vessel compared with most of the steamers of the navy, hardly any of which are good for more than twelve knots an hour, while this ship will make sixteen when she is driven, and fourteen under ordinary circumstances when we are not trying to save coal.

Of course I have no idea what duty we are to perform, and I am not anxious to know till the time comes, though midnight is a rather odd time to open the envelope." "Probably the odd time means something." "No doubt of it; for to-morrow morning by four bells we shall be off the passes of the Mississippi, and our mission may be up Lake Pontchartrain, or at Ship Island.