"That is quite true, and the business prospers, though there are fifty or more Federal cruisers and gunboats patrolling the shore. Now, Christy, you are to be sent to this locality with the St. Regis; but you are to be in the outer circle of blockaders, so to speak, as your sealed orders will inform you."
"Of course I shall obey my orders, whatever they are," added the commander.
"I have nothing more to say, and you will regard what has passed between you and me as entirely confidential," said Captain Passford, as he rose to leave the library.
"By the way, father, what has become of Monsieur Gilfleur?" asked Christy. "I have not seen him since my return."
"Just now he is working up a case of treason in Baltimore, though I expected him home before this time," replied the captain.
"I am sorry I have not seen him, for he and I had become great friends before we parted. I think he is in some respects a remarkable man."
"In his profession he is unexcelled; and what is more in that line, he is honest and reliable."
"I learned all that of him while we were operating together. It is said, and I suppose it is true, that about every one of the blockaders makes a port at Halifax, the Bermudas, or Nassau, as much to learn the news and obtain a pilot, as to replenish their coal and stores."
"That is unfortunately true; and the neutrality of these places is strained to its utmost tension, to say nothing of its manifest violations."
"I think if Monsieur Gilfleur and myself could make another visit to the Bermudas and Nassau, we might pick up information enough to insure the capture of many blockade-runners, and perhaps of an occasional Confederate cruiser," said Christy, laughing as he spoke.