"I don't insist on anything, sir; I go where the ship takes me, and I don't mean to quarrel with anybody."
"In other words, will it be necessary to put you under guard?" asked Christy.
"I don't think it would do me any good, sir," replied Dave, laughing.
"Which side do you belong on?" demanded the officer, rather impatiently.
"I belong on Dave's side, sir."
"Which is Dave's side?"
"The side of freedom," replied the steward, with some embarrassment. "I don't know you, sir; you don't wear the uniform of a Yankee or a rebel, and the darkey gets crushed between the upper and the nether millstone."
"Then to make the matter plainer to you, I am the third lieutenant of the United States steamer Bellevite, and I have captured this vessel as an officer of the United States Navy," replied Christy.
"That's all I want to know: the darkey knows where to go, when it is safe to go there," replied Dave.
"Then if it is safe for you to go to the pilot-house, you may come with me," added the lieutenant, as he led the way to the deck.