On The Blockade

rd, who was seated at the table with his father in the captain's cabin on board of the Bronx. "I d

ed Captain Passford. "You are not setting out on a yachting

the Bellevite, that I am very sorry to leave her," added Christy Passford, who had put on his new uniform, whi

f her was mostly in the capacity of a pleasure-seeker, though you made a good use of your time and of your opportun

ith all her officers, and Paul Vapoor and I have been cronies for y

on to indulge in any regrets," said Captain Passford, imparting a cheerful expression to his dignified countenance. "Allow me to call your attention to the

knowing whether to be glad or sorry for his rapid advancement. "I have never asked for any

en you entered the navy. I do not like to ask favors for a member of my own family. I have wished you

tried to fee

ters from his pocket, from which he selected one bearing an English postage stamp. "I have a letter from one of my agents in England, which, I think, contains valuable information. I have calle

t came from that source enabled the Bellevit

you to possess the information given to me," continued Captain Passford, as he opened the letter. "But I see a

smile on his face. "He is deaf and dumb, a

ion and your patriotism, in these times," added Captai

from a deaf mute, father," said the

that the Scotian sailed from Glasgow, and the Arran from Leith. The agent is of the opinion that both these steamers are fitted out by the same owners, who have formed a compa

vessels, father?" asked Christy, his eyes spark

of less than five hundred tons burthen, are of precisely the same model and build, evidently constructed in the same yard. Both had been ple

sed from that time to the present. Captain Passford could not help smiling at the interest his son manifested

doubt if your information will be of any value to me, for I suppose the steamers were

unt to much in this sort of service," replied Captain Passford. "I received m

ht to be approaching the Southern co

s, at least to obtain the latest intelligence from the blockaded coast, and to pick up a pilot for the port to which they are bound. The agent thinks it is possible that the Scotian and Arran will meet some vessel to the southward of the Isle of Wi

ded the acting commander. "I am all ready

if they take on board an armament, it will hardly be prudent for you to meddle with them," said Capta

away from them?" asked Chris

here is in fighting an equal, for if the government should lose your vessel and lose you a

nd the Arran, so I will not consider the question

ed Captain Passford. "These vessels may be fully armed and manned, in charge of Confederate naval officers; and doubtless they will be as glad to pick up the Bronx as you would be to pick up the Scotian or the Arran.

on it, my first duty is to deliver my ship over to the flag-officer in the Gulf; and I suppose I shal

like to look over the Bronx before I go on shore," said Captai

hundred tons," replied Christy, as he proceeded to show hi

sailboat on the Hudson. It was substantially fitted up, with little superfluous ornamentation; but it was a complete parlor, as a landsman would regard it. From it, on the port side opened the captain's state room, which was quite am

on the starboard side was occupied by the first lieutenant, and the after one by the second lieutenant, according to the custom in the navy. On the port side, the forward berth belonged to the chief engineer, and the after one to the surgeon. Forward of this was the steerage, in which th

tenant, both of whom had served on board of the steam yacht. Christy's father gave them a hearty greeting, and both were as glad to see him as he was to greet them. Captain Passford then looked over the rest of the ship's company with a deeper interest than he cared to manifest, for th