A CRITICAL SITUATION IN THE CABIN Christy looked at his cool and impudent visitor, whose declaration was to the effect that he intended to take possession of the Bronx in compensation for the loss of the Floridian.

It looked as though he intended to capture the gunboat now fully officered, and manned by forty-six seaman; and so far as the commander could judge, he intended to do it single-handed.
The lieutenant's first thought, after he realized the intention of the intruder, was that he was insane, for no man in his senses would think of accomplishing such a mad enterprise.

His second idea was that he had mistaken the declaration of Captain Flanger, though he had certainly said that he meant to replace the Floridian with the Bronx, and the statement could hardly mean anything else.
Christy was forced to admit to himself that the bold intruder had full possession of the captain's cabin of the steamer, and that he had the advantage of him in being armed; that any decided opposition on his part would result in his being killed or wounded.

It was not prudent for him to do anything, and at the present stage of the proceedings he could do nothing but temporize with his resolute foe.
"I beg your pardon, Captain Flanger; but do I understand that you intend, single-handed and alone, to capture the Bronx ?" asked the commander, with a smile of incredulity on his face.
"Well, Captain Passford, if you fail to comprehend my purpose, it is the fault of your understanding, and not of my plain and explicit declaration, for I assuredly said that I intended to replace the Floridian with the Teaser, or the Bronx as you have named her, though she will not be called by any such nut-cracking name after I get her," replied the daring privateersman, as blandly and pleasantly as though he were planning a picnic.
"Of course you see no difficulties in the way of such an undertaking as you propose," added Christy.
"There may be difficulties; but I think they can be overcome.

I purpose to act through you, my friend, as my resources are rather limited at the present moment.