Christy was not at all disturbed by the formal aspect the affair was assuming, for he felt entirely confident that poor Corny would be a prisoner of war at its conclusion.
He had his commission and his orders in his pocket, and he was positive that they would vindicate him.
"I reported to the department that I had only a single vacant stateroom in the ward room of the Vernon, and I was ordered to receive Lieutenant Christopher Passford as a passenger, as I could not take another officer," said the captain.

"It is not a serious question compared with others at issue, but the occupation of the single room, now in possession of the gentleman who came on board last evening, depends upon the result of our present inquiry." "I should say there would be no difficulty in settling this question," said Mr.Salisbury.
"These gentlemen are cousins, and both of them bear the name of Passford," added the captain, as he raised his finger, pointing to Corny.

"Will you give us your name in full, if you please ?" "Christopher Passford," replied the invalid officer, with the most unblushing effrontery.
"Your father's name ?" "Horatio Passford." "Where does he live ?" "At Bonnydale, on the Hudson," replied Corny confidently.
"Excuse me, Captain Battleton; may I ask a question ?" interposed the first lieutenant.
"Certainly, Mr.Salisbury.This is not a court-martial, but an informal investigation, and I shall be glad to have you and Dr.Connelly entirely free to ask any questions you please," replied the captain, who was anything but a martinet.
"Where did you say your father lived, Mr.Passford ?" asked the executive officer.
"At Bonnydale, on the Hudson," answered Corny, as we may call him now that the reader knows who he is.
"Is Bonnydale the name of the town or city in which your father lives ?" "It is the name of my father's place," replied Corny; and Christy, who was observing him very closely, saw that he was a little disturbed.
"Bonnydale sounds like a fancy name, such as any gentleman might give to his estate, as Sunnyside was the home of Washington Irving.

Is this the fact ?" asked Mr.Salisbury.
"I suppose it is," answered Corny, with increasing confusion.
"Don't you know ?" "We always called it Bonnydale; and I know no other name for it." "But Bonnydale is not an incorporated town.

In what city or town is your father's place situated ?" "I know no name but Bonnydale," replied Corny; and the flush of fever or something else was on his cheeks now.
"Nothing more, captain," said the first lieutenant; and the stock of the other claimant mounted a little.
"Mr.Passford," continued the captain, indicating Christy with his finger, "your father's name, if you please." "Horatio Passford," replied Christy with a smile.
"Where does he live ?" "At Bonnydale, on the Hudson." "Permit me, Captain Battleton," interposed Mr.Salisbury; and the commander nodded his acquiescence.