The ocean was as smooth as glass, and she came alongside the St.Regis.The young commander hastened on board of her, followed by his chief engineer.
Captain Breaker actually hugged him amid the repeated cheers and applause of the ship's company, and Paul Vapoor was received with hardly less enthusiasm.

Christy had to shake hands for the next half-hour.
"But how do you and the Bellevite happen to be in this latitude, Captain Breaker ?" asked the young commander when he had an opportunity to speak.
"Haven't you heard the news, Captain Passford ?" demanded the captain of the Bellevite.
"What news?
We don't get the news so far off shore," replied Christy.
"There was no farther use for my ship in the Gulf, and I am sent here to report to the flag-officer.

Admiral Farragut turned his attention to Mobile Bay with his fleet; and I gave him the information you procured for me.

The Bellevite took part in the battle, and it was the hottest action in which I was ever engaged.

My ship was badly cut up in her upper works, but she came out all right." "This is glorious news, Captain Breaker!" exclaimed Christy, waving his hat, whereupon the tars in the waist broke out in a volley of cheers.
"The carpenters have been busy since the action, and the Bellevite is as good as new," added her commander, as he proceeded to tell the story of the great battle, to which Christy and Paul listened with breathless interest.