In that case, I should issue my orders in person, and not compel you to act as my intermediary." "I understand you perfectly now; but as you have not, fortunately for me, and unfortunately for yourself, the dozen men at hand, I am to hold the fiddle while you play upon it, as I have seen a couple of negro minstrels do it." "An excellent simile, Captain Passford, and I could not have invented a better myself," returned the privateersman.

"I think we understand each other perfectly, and therefore it is not necessary to use up any more time in explanations.

You are too intelligent a person to fail to comprehend my plan.

As an epitome of the whole scene, I may add that I propose to do what my friend Galvinne undertook with that cousin of yours: I intend to take the Bronx into Pensacola Bay, and have her used in the service of the righteous cause in which the people of the South are engaged," continued Captain Flanger, as though he believed in all he was saying.
"I suppose it is the righteousness of the cause in particular that calls forth your admiration," chuckled Christy.
"Precisely so; in this cause, though I drink whiskey, chew, and smoke, and never swear except when I am excited, I am a religious man," said the intruder, laughing.
"I suppose you were religiously inclined when you were engaged in the business of smuggling," added the commander.
"I cannot say that I was; the cause of the South is religion itself, and I am there every time.

Who told you that I had been engaged in smuggling ?" "It dropped from some of the men that were captured in the sloop." "It could have dropped only from Mike Bornhoff, for he is the only one who knew anything about it.