part to me and my family. I have some writing to do now; and, while I am
engaged upon it, Mr. Watts shall take the name and residence of every
man on board. I shall give this list to my wife, and charge her to see
that those dependent upon you need nothing in your absence. She will
visit the friends of every one of you, if she has to go five hundred
miles to do so. I have nothing more to say at present."

The men cheered lustily for the owner, and then separated, as the
captain went aft to draw up his papers to send on shore by Mrs.
Passford. He was followed by Captain Breaker, while little groups
formed in various parts of the deck to discuss the situation.

"I intended to have some talk with you, Breaker, before I said any thing
to the ship's company; but, you know, it is very seldom that I ever say
any thing directly to them," said Captain Passford, as the commander
came up with him.

"This was an extraordinary occasion; and I am very glad that you did
the business directly, instead of committing it to me," replied Captain
Breaker; "and I have not the slightest objection to make. But I have a
word to say in regard to myself personally. As you are aware, I was
formerly an officer of the navy, with the rank of lieutenant. I wish to
apply to the department to be restored to my former rank, or to any rank
which will enable me to serve my country the most acceptably. I hope my
purpose will not interfere with your enterprise."

"Not at all, I think, except in the matter of some delay. I shall tender
the Bellevite as a free gift to the Government in a letter I shall send
on shore by my wife," replied Captain Passford. "But I shall offer to
do this only on my return from a trip I feel obliged to make in her.
I shall also offer my own services in any capacity in which I can be
useful; though, as I am not a naval officer like yourself, I cannot
expect a prominent position."

"Your ability fits you for almost any position; and, after a little
study of merely routine matters, you will be competent for almost any
command," added Captain Breaker.

"I do not expect that, and I am willing to do my duty in a humble
position," said the owner. "All that I am and all that I have shall be
for my country's use."

"I knew very well where we should find you if the troubles ended in a
war."

"My present enterprise will be rather irregular, as I have already said;
but the delay it would cause alone prevents me from giving the vesse