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"He has a good name for the captain of a fighting ship," replied the petty officer, respectfully touching his cap to the shoulder straps of the inquirer. "The commander is Captain Battleton." "Captain Battleton," repeated Christy, to assure himself that he had correctly understood the name. "Captain Battleton," added the quartermaster. "I hope you are feeling better to-day, sir."
His reflections assured him that some one had chosen the rôle of an impostor for the purpose of accomplishing some treasonable object, and he was anxious to fathom the mystery for his country's sake rather than his own. Captain Battleton would soon begin his investigation, and Christy was confident that the sick officer would be proved to be the impostor.
Christy obeyed the order of Captain Battleton when he was directed to report below; but he felt that he was permitting the plot of his cousin to be carried out without any opposition, and without any attempt to check its progress. But he was a prisoner, and he realized that he could do nothing. His case had been tried, and he had been condemned to his present condition.
Ensign Flint was appointed to the command of the Bronx by the flag-officer, who had called upon Captain Passford in his stateroom. Christy had not failed to commend his executive officer in the highest terms. The commodore suggested that Christy could not be very kindly disposed towards Captain Battleton of the Vernon, on account of his decision against him in the matter of his identity.
"It is within the limits of the town of Montgomery." "Nothing further, captain," said the executive officer; and the stock of this particular Lieutenant Passford mounted another trifle. "Your cousin, who, according to your statement, was raised in the South, seems to be better informed in regard to the geography of Bonnydale than you do," added Captain Battleton.
"I have not the slightest prejudice against you and while we stand by the Union, shoulder to shoulder, we shall be friends," replied Christy, warmly pressing the hand of the captain of the Vernon. Captain Battleton returned the pressure as heartily as it had been given, and departed from the gunboat.
"I have not the slightest objection to the presence of as many officers as you may choose to call in," added the invalid. "I shall be equally reasonable," said Christy. "The more witnesses there are the better it will suit me." Captain Battleton struck a bell on his table, and sent the steward who answered it to procure the attendance of the officers indicated, and they soon presented themselves.
My cousin Corny was raised in the South, while I was raised in the North," continued the sick passenger. "I don't like to contradict my cousin, but I was brought up in the North," said Christy, hoping Captain Battleton would notice the difference in the phraseology. "Then you were both brought up in the North," suggested the captain.
"It is evident from what we have heard, and from the documents submitted to me that one of these gentlemen is Lieutenant Christopher Passford," said Captain Battleton; "but we have no means of identifying the officer. In what vessels have you served, Mr. Passford?"
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