"I don't doubt it, Mr. Somers;" and Mr. Wynkoop stated some instances which had come to his knowledge.
Somers then gave a list of his own imaginary grievances, and professed to be greatly dissatisfied with his present position and prospects.
"I think you would do better in the Confederate navy," said the lieutenant, warmly.
"Perhaps I should."
"Whichever side you fight for, you fight for your own country."
"That's true."
"When the South wins,—as win she will,—all who fought against her, will be like prophets in their own country—without honor. In less than two months the independence of the Confederate States will be acknowledged by England and France. I happen to know this."
"It would not surprise me."
"My uncle, the Earl of—never mind; I won't mention his name—my uncle, who is an intimate friend of Palmerston, told me so."
Somers was rather glad to hear it, for it would bring the desolating war to a close. Mr. Wynkoop hesitated no longer. He approached the real business of the meeting rapidly, and in a few moments the commander's commission was on the table. The offer was made, and Somers, with such apparent qualms of conscience as a naval officer might be expected to exhibit on deserting his flag, accepted the proposition. Mr. Wynkoop went into his sleeping apartment, adjoining the parlor, with the commission in his hand.