"I did not know that I had more than my fair share, sir, and I don't know what I have done that is at all audacious," replied Christy, very meekly.
"It is a very dark and foggy night, but I don't believe that I have another officer who would have cheek enough to pretend to be a pilot in Pensacola Bay, and to be in possession of the guard-boat at the same time."
"Captain Folkner put the idea into my head, and I think I should have been an idiot not to make use of it, considering the nature of my mission on board of the Teaser."
"It is a wonder that no one knew you were not Gilder."
"The men in the guard-boat did not expose me, and admitted by their silence that I was the person I claimed to be," replied Christy, with a twinkle of the eyes.
"Your scheme would have failed ninety-nine times out of a hundred."
"If it had failed, I had force enough to clean out the enemy on board, so that I ran no risk; but I was ordered to avoid a fight, and I did so," argued Christy.
"You were exceedingly fortunate; and the next time you try such a trick, it may lead you into a rebel prison."
"It was not my fault that the ship's company of the Teaser were at issue among themselves, and I should have been an imbecile to fail to profit by it."
"I approve all you have done, Mr. Passford."