All the officers were now on board; and while Paul was showing the ladies over the vessel, the commander was renewing his acquaintance with Mr.Baskirk, the executive officer.

His father introduced Mr.
Makepeace to him; and he found him a sturdy old salt, without as much polish as many of the officers, but a gentleman in every respect.
"I am very glad to know you, Captain Passford," said Mr.Makepeace.

"We have one of the most brilliant commanders in the service, and I suppose he will make things hum on board of the St.Regis, if we get into action, as we are likely to do under his lead." "I shall try to do my whole duty, and I shall endeavor not to make any sensation about it," replied Christy, as he turned from the second to greet the third lieutenant, Mr.Drake, who had been his shipmate on board of the Bellevite, and the commander of the Tallahatchie while he was a passenger on board.
The ship's company had already been mustered on deck.

They were dressed in their best uniforms, and they were a fine-looking set of men.

They had all heard of Lieutenant Passford, and they were proud and happy to serve under his command.