e properly for the expedition; and I have a double object in
obtaining it, even if I have to throw half of it into the Atlantic
Ocean."

"The fact that we need the guns and ammunition is reason enough for
trying to obtain the cargo."

"But I have the additional inducement of keeping it out of the hands
of the enemy, so that the guns shall be turned against the foes of the
Union instead of its friends. We must make a quick passage, so that,
if we lose this opportunity, it will not be our fault."

"I understand. Pass the word for Mr. Vapoor," added the commander to a
quartermaster who was taking in the ensign at the peak.

Mr. Vapoor was the chief engineer; though he was the youngest officer on
board, and really looked younger than Christy Passford.

CHAPTER V

THE BELLEVITE AND THOSE ON BOARD OF HER

Paul Vapoor was a genius, and that accounted for his position as chief
engineer at the age of twenty-two. He was born a machinist, and his
taste in that direction had made him a very hard student. His days and
a large portion of his nights, while in his teens, had been spent in
studying physics, chemistry, and, in fact, all the sciences which had
any bearing upon the life-work which nature rather than choice had given
him to do.

His father had been in easy circumstances formerly, so that there had
been nothing to interfere with his studies before he was of age. Up to
this period, he had spent much of his time in a large machine-shop,
working for nothing as though his daily bread depended upon his
exertions; and he was better qualified to run an engine than most men
who had served for years at the business, for he was a natural
scientist.

There was scarcely a part of an engine at which he had not worked with
his own hands as a volunteer, and he was as skilful with his hands as he
was deep with his head. Paul's father was an intimate friend of Captain
Passford; and when a sudden reverse of fortune swept away all the former
had, the latter gave the prodigy a place as assistant engineer on board
of his steam-yacht, from which, at the death of the former incumbent of
the position, he had been promoted to the head of the department. While
his talent and ability were of the highest order, of course his rapid
promotion was due to the favor of the owner of the Bellevite.

Captain Breaker, who had rather reluctantly assented to the placing in
charge of the engineer department a young man of only twenty-one, had n