"I know that I could," said Christy, very decidedly; "and I may add that I was in the habit of doing so on all occasions before this cruel war began."
"Then suppose you try to do so just now, and tell me how many men your people had on board of the Teaser."
"You must excuse me for the present, for I do not like to make statements to one who will not believe what I say," answered Christy, rather facetiously.
"You are a prisoner now."
"I am painfully aware of the fact, but I doubt if the government service will suffer very much in my absence from duty."
"You are too modest by half, Mr.—but I have not even the pleasure of knowing your name, and conversation is annoying under such circumstances."
"I am simply Midshipman Passford, at your service."
"Only a midshipman!" exclaimed Lonley. "Upon my word, you ought to be a commodore. Passford? Possibly you are a cousin of Colonel Passford of Glenfield."
"Colonel Passford is my uncle. Do you know him?" asked Christy.
"I do know him; and there is not a finer man or a truer patriot in the South than Colonel Passford. He is loading a schooner with cotton, and he offered me the command of it. Then you are his nephew, I have heard of you."