"You expressed a doubt in regard to her speed, my dear Captain." "I simply doubted if she could make twenty knots an hour, for the Bellevite overhauled her without difficulty." "That was because our coal was very bad.

The Trafalgar made twenty knots an hour several times when she was under my command." "So much the better, Captain; if the speed is in her, her new engineer will get it out of her," replied the host.

"But I must take the next train for New York, and I am going over to see the St.Regis, for she has been put in the best of repair.

Perhaps you would like to go with me, Christy." "I should, father; I was expecting Charley Graines over this morning, and he would like to see his future home on the deep," replied the lieutenant-commander.
"He is in the reception-room now, waiting to see you," said Florry.
"I have his appointment in my pocket, and you may give it to him, my son," added the captain.
The guests were not to leave at once, and the trio hastened to the train.

As soon as they were seated, Christy gave his friend the envelope containing his appointment, and Charley Graines was quite as happy as the future commander of the St.Regis.On the way the latter gave the other all the news that had come out that morning.
"I suppose Paul Vapoor will not come on board till we get to the Gulf, father," said Christy.
"You will receive your orders to-morrow, as you have been advised; and though I cannot properly inform you where you will be bound, I can tell you where you are not bound; you are not going to the Gulf of Mexico," answered Captain Passford.
"Not to the Gulf?
All my service so far in blockaders has been in the Gulf, and this will be a tremendous change for me.