It was probable that she had chased some vessel, and was now returning to her station.

As she came nearer, she fired a gun for the Bronx to come to; and when within hail of her, stopped her screw.
"Steamer, ahoy!" came from her in the well-known voice of Mr.Blowitt, formerly the commander of the Bronx, and now executive officer of the Bellevite.
"On board the steamer!" replied Mr.Flint from the bridge.
"What steamer is that ?" called Mr.Blowitt.
"The United States steamer Bronx, under sealed orders.

What steamer is that ?" "The United States steamer Bellevite.

We will send a boat to you," returned Mr.Blowitt.
The big steamer, as she certainly was compared with the Bronx, started her screw again, and came within less than half a cable's length of the little gunboat, for the water was very still, with a gentle breeze from the westward.

The boat was dropped into the water; and in a minute or two it was at the accommodation ladder of the Bronx, when a couple of officers mounted the side.
"I am glad to see you, Captain Passford," said Mr.Blowitt, who was properly received when he stepped down upon the deck.
"I am just as glad to see you, Mr.Blowitt," replied Christy, taking the offered hand of his old friend.
"Mr.Vapoor, chief engineer of the Bellevite," said the executive officer, presenting Christy's greatest crony on earth, for he had held back in deference to his superior officer.
"The happiest moment I have had since I saw you last!" exclaimed the engineer, as he grasped the commander of the Bronx with his right hand, while he threw his left around the neck of his friend, and would have hugged him if Christy had not gently avoided such a "gush" in presence of the watch on deck.