CHAPTER XXVII.
CAPTAIN PASSFORD ALONE IN HIS GLORY Christy Passford was stirring at an early hour the next morning, and so was Bertha Pembroke; for the St.Regis was to sail that day, though the tide did not serve till four in the afternoon.

After breakfast his father called him into the library, and closed the door.

Captain Passford had remained in the city the evening before till the last train, and it was evident that he had something to say to his son.
"I have no information to give you this time, Christy, in regard to the coming of blockade-runners or steamers for the Confederate navy," said he.

"But I have been instructed to use my own judgment in regard to what I may say to you about your orders.

Of course you have observed that the blockading squadrons in the Gulf have been greatly reduced." "Only the Bellevite and Holyoke remained off the entrance to Mobile Bay," added Christy.