He was a young man, though he was apparently six or seven years older than Christy.

He was an ensign, and looked like a gentleman who was likely to give a good account of himself when he was called to more active duty than that of commanding a store ship.
"Good-morning, Lieutenant Passford!" said Captain Battleton, as he extended his hand to his passenger.

"I am glad to see that you are better." Christy was utterly confounded at this salutation..