ed, master in the United States Navy, in temporary command
of the United States Steamer Bronx, bound to the Gulf of Mexico,
respectfully informs you that he has information, just received,
of the approach to the coast of the southern states of two steamers,
the Scotian and the Arran, believed to be fitted out as cruisers for
the Confederate Navy. They will be due in these waters about March
17. They are of about five hundred tons each. A letter from the
confidential agent of my father, Captain Horatio Passford, an agent
in whom he has perfect confidence, both on account of his loyalty
to his country undivided, and because of his skill as a shipmaster,
contains this statement, which is submitted to you for your
guidance: 'I have put twelve loyal American seamen, with an officer,
on board of each of the steamers mentioned above; and they comprise
about one-half of the crew of each vessel; and they will take
possession of each of the two steamers when supported by any United
States man-of-war. WARNOCK.'

Respectfully yours,
CHRISTOPHER PASSFORD,
_Master Commanding_."

"I beg your pardon, Captain Passford, but what under the canopy is that
letter for?" asked Flint, not a little excited.

"It is for Pink Mulgrum to copy," replied the captain. "That is all the
use I intend to make of it."

Flint leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily, and the commander
could not help joining him.

CHAPTER IX

A VOLUNTEER CAPTAIN'S CLERK

Mr. Flint was really amused at the plan of the commander of the Bronx,
as indicated in the letter he had just read, and he was not laughing out
of mere compliment to his superior officer, as some subordinates feel
obliged to do even when they feel more like weeping. Perhaps no one knew
Christy Passford so well as his executive officer, not even his own
father, for Flint had been with him in the most difficult and trying
ordeals of his life. He had been the young leader's second in command in
the capture of the Teaser, whose cabin they now occupied, and they had
been prisoners together. He had been amazed at his young companion's
audacity, but he had always justified his action in the end. They had
become excellent friends as well as associates in the navy, and there
was a hearty sympathy between them.

Christy laughed almost in spite of himself, for he had been giving very
serious attention to the situation on board of the Bronx. In the