The officer stepped on board of the steamer, and Somers and De Banyan joined him on the deck.
“I think I’ve seen you somewhere.”
“I think very likely; I was there once.”
“You are a crusty young cub; but it may be you know your duty.”
“Of course I do; and as for being crusty, I treated you like a gentleman till you began to snarl at me.”
“Well, well, my friend, we will rub out the past and begin again,” said the officer pleasantly.
“With all my heart, if you say so,” replied Somers with equal suavity.
“This is a very important enterprise, and we want to teach the Yankees that it will be better for them to stay at home next time they want to come down South. What is your name?”
“Tom Leathers. What’s yours? Andy told me; but I’ve forgotten.”
“Captain Osborn.”