THE PLANNING OF AN EXPEDITION The Bronx continued on her course indicated in the verbal order of the flag-officer.

Christy felt that he had had a narrow escape from death, or at least a severe wound, at the hands of the desperado who had invaded his cabin.

Flanger had escaped, after he had been put on board of the flag-ship, with the assistance of Galvinne; and he appeared not to have taken the trouble to render the same service to his confederate.
The ships' companies of the two steamers were inclined to converse, giving and receiving the news; and doubtless the prisoner had taken advantage of the confusion to slip on board of the Bronx and secrete himself.
His scheme, which must have been devised after he obtained admission to the cabin, was born of nothing less than madness, and could hardly have succeeded under any circumstances, though it might have ended in killing or disabling the commander.

Christy felt that a kind Providence had saved him, and he rendered devout thanks for the merciful interposition, as it seemed to him.
While he was still considering the subject, he heard the call for "All the port watch!" on deck, and Mr.Camden came below to wake the third lieutenant, for the routine was hardly in working order on board of the steamer.

The commander went into his stateroom, and soon returned with the sealed envelope in his hand.