He tried to make them laugh, but he found it was up-hill work.
"You will be in command of a steamer, Christy, when you reach the Gulf.
I hope you will not be rash, and try to do too much," said Mrs.
Passford, as they rose from the table.
"I don't think I am ever rash, mother; and if I have been exceedingly fortunate, it was more because the circumstances favored me than because I ran great risks," replied Christy very seriously, for he was sensitive on the point his mother had brought up.

"Father has said a great deal to me on this subject, and I have always done my best to carry out his principles.

It is not my fault that I have a friend at court, and have had opportunities that have not been offered to many others.

But the tide may turn against me on my next cruise." "I hope it will not, my son," added his mother very earnestly.
"No one knows what is going to happen, and I may spend the next year or two in a Confederate prison.

I don't think my Uncle Homer would cry his eyes out if such should be my fate, for he has lost several vessels and cargoes of cotton on my account," returned Christy.
"But I am sure he has no ill-will against you." "I don't think he has." "By the way, Christy, have you heard anything from him or his family lately ?" asked Mrs.Passford.
"Not a word, and I am not likely to hear from them.