The one thing we need down there is fast
steamers. It is a stormy coast, and our smaller gunboats cannot safely
lie off the coast."
"I have read that a single successful venture in this business sometimes
pays for the steamer many times over."
"That is quite true, and the business prospers, though there are
fifty or more Federal cruisers and gunboats patrolling the shore. Now,
Christy, you are to be sent to this locality with the St. Regis; but you
are to be in the outer circle of blockaders, so to speak, as your sealed
orders will inform you."
"Of course I shall obey my orders, whatever they are," added the
commander.
"I have nothing more to say, and you will regard what has passed between
you and me as entirely confidential," said Captain Passford, as he rose
to leave the library.
"By the way, father, what has become of Monsieur Gilfleur?" asked
Christy. "I have not seen him since my return."
"Just now he is working up a case of treason in Baltimore, though I
expected him home before this time," replied the captain.
"I am sorry I have not seen him, for he and I had become great friends
before we parted. I think he is in some respects a remarkable man."
"In his profession he is unexcelled; and what is more in that line, he
is honest and reliable."
"I learned all that of him while we were operating together.
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