not think it wise to ask any more questions, but he understood that this was really a movement to ascertain the sentiments of the members of the ship's company as to the extent of their duty in supporting the government. "Mr. Flint, I am not a little dissatisfied with the manner in which we are compelled to carry on our duty on board of the Bronx, though no blame 120 is to be attached to the naval department on account of it," said Christy, after he had walked the bridge for a time. 120 "Is anything going wrong, Captain Passford?" asked the first lieutenant anxiously. "Oh, no: I have no fault to find with any one, and least of all with you," added the captain promptly. "The trouble is that we are short of officers, though all that could be spared for this vessel were sent on board of her. As the matter now stands, Dr. Spokeley and I are the only idlers on board in the cabin and ward room. The first lieutenant has to keep a watch, which is not at all regular, and I foresee that this arrangement will be a very great disadvantage to me. It could not be helped, and the Bronx was evidently regarded as of no great importance, for she is little more than a storeship just now, though the flag officer in the Gulf will doubtless make something more of her." "We have a big crew for this vessel, but we are short of officers," added Flint. "From the best calculations I have been able to make, with my father to help me, we ought to fall in with the Scotian and the Arran; and in view of 121 such an event, I propose to prepare for the emergency by appointing a temporary third lieutenant." 121 "I think that would be a very wise step to take," added Flint very cordially. "Of the men you mentioned to me, who is the best one for this position?" asked Christy. "I have no hesitation in saying that Baskirk is the right man for the position." "Very well; he shall be appointed," added Christy, as he left the bridge. But in a few minutes he returned, and handed an order to the first lieutenant. Baskirk was sent for, and the captain had a long talk with him. He found that the candidate had more knowledge of naval discipline than he had supposed, and he was pleased with the man. He was the leading quartermaster in rank, having
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