I have
served in a steamer that could beat her four knots an hour in an
emergency," added Christy.
"What steamer is that, Captain?" asked Captain Bristler.
"That is not important, but it was the one that outsailed and captured
the St. Regis when she had another name."
"Then your ship was a blockade-runner?"
"She was, and also a Confederate man-of-war; she was the Trafalgar."
"Ah! Then I know her very well; and the company owning the Raven, of
which I am a member, offered nearly double what it cost to build the
Raven for her," replied Captain Bristler. "I can understand now how I
happened to be so thoroughly beaten in the last chase. She was built for
a yacht, and no money was spared upon her."
By this time the two steamers that had first chased the Raven had
stopped their screws, and a boat was on its way from each of them. The
two cutters came up to the gangway, and the officer in each ascended to
the deck. Christy permitted the captain of the Raven to take care of
himself, while he waited for the visitors to present themselves.
"I am very glad to see you, Mr. Amblen!" exclaimed Christy, as he
extended his hand; for he recognized in the first officer the gentleman
who had been his third lieutenant in the Bronx.
"I am delighted to see you again, Captain Passford," replied Lieutenant
Amblen, for such was his present rank.
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