"You beat all the men I ever knew on power of persuasion; and when I get the command of the Teaser, as I expect to have before this year ends, I shall want you to serve as my first lieutenant." "Thank you, Lieutenant Lonley; you are very kind; and if I ever go into the privateering service, I shall certainly go in with you," replied Christy.
"An officer with your power of persuasion will be invaluable to me," replied Lonley, still holding the hand of the other.

"If I were gifted in this respect as you are, Captain Gilder, do you know what I would do ?" "I am sure I have not the least idea, unless it would be to persuade Jeff Davis to send you a commission as a captain in the regular navy," said Christy, laughing at the idea.
"I am afraid I should have too little cheek to attempt to do that, for the president is a rather obstinate man, and I fear he would not see the point.

Besides, I am a very modest man, though you may not have observed this shining trait in my character.

No; I am too diffident to ask for a place I have not won by service." "Then what would you do in the way of persuasion ?" asked Christy, though he wondered why he was prolonging the interview.
"I should use my powers of persuasion upon you, Captain Gilder, in the first place." "I don't think it would be of any use, for I am too well posted in that way of doing it to be influenced," replied Christy, trying to withdraw his hand from the grasp of the privateersman.

"I must go on board of the Teaser again when you have delivered your message to me, as that was what you wished to see me for." "I did say I had a message for you, didn't I?
Well, upon my life, I have quite forgot what it was, but it was from President Jefferson Davis, and he was particular that I should deliver it to you to-night or this morning.