Neither of them had spoken a word to the other during their stay in the ward room.

Christy looked upon his cousin as a Confederate who was serving what he called his country, and he had not the slightest disposition to quarrel with him, and especially not to lead him to utter any unnecessary falsehoods.

Possibly Corny was somewhat diffident about playing his assumed character before his cousin when they were alone, for they had always been the best of friends.
"Gentlemen, I have come to a decision in this matter," said the captain, when the two claimants had placed themselves before him in a standing position.

"I cannot go behind the commission presented by the officer who came on board last evening, and I consider it my duty to regard him as the real Lieutenant Passford, recently promoted to his present rank.
There is nothing more to be said." "Of course I expected that would be your decision," replied Corny, as he took the papers which the captain returned to him, including his commission and report.
"You may retire now, if you please, Mr.Passford," added the commander.
Corny bowed politely to the officers at the table, and left the cabin.
He did not even glance at Christy, and his face did not look like that of one who had just won a decided victory.

Christy remained standing where he had placed himself; and he began to wonder what disposition would be made of him under present circumstances..