Then he asked if either of the gentlemen had any papers they wished to present in support of his identity.
"I have my commission as a lieutenant, and my orders to take passage in the Vernon, and to take command of the Bronx on my arrival at the station of the Eastern Gulf squadron," said Corny, as he pulled a huge envelope from his breast pocket; and Christy could not but notice the perfect confidence with which he spoke.
"I have precisely the same papers," added Christy, with as much assurance as his cousin.
"I had nearly forgotten the most important evidence that can be presented in this matter," said the captain with a smile.

"I dare say that each of the gentlemen will produce his commission, his orders, and his appointment to the command of the Bronx; and I don't know how we can decide between the papers.

It looks as though the Bronx was likely to have two commanders." "Here are my papers, captain," added Corny, as he passed his envelope across the table to the commander.
"This is not an official envelope," said the captain, as he took the package, and then fixed his gaze on the owner of the documents.
"No, sir; it is not.

I had the misfortune to leave it on the table at Bonnydale, and Walsh, the man-servant, supposing it to be of no value, threw it into the fire," replied Corny promptly.
The commission and other papers were all right in every respect.

Christy handed his envelope to the commander, and he broke it open.