"I do not expect that, and I am willing to do my duty in a humble
position," said the owner. "All that I am and all that I have shall be
for my country's use."
"I knew very well where we should find you if the troubles ended in a
war."
"My present enterprise will be rather irregular, as I have already said;
but the delay it would cause alone prevents me from giving the vessel to
the Government at once."
"As a man-of-war, the Bellevite could not be used for the purpose you
have in mind. The plan you have chosen is the only practicable one."
"Very well, Breaker. You had better pass the word through the ship's
company that the Bellevite will sail in an hour or two,--as soon as I
can finish my business; and if officer or seaman wishes to leave the
vessel, let him do so," added the owner, as he moved towards the
companionway.
"Not one of them will leave her under any circumstances," replied the
commander, as he went forward.
The word was passed, as suggested by the owner, and the result was to
set the greater part of the officers and men to writing letters for
their friends, to be sent on shore by the tug; but the captain warned
them not to say a word in regard to the destination of the steamer.
In another hour Captain Passford had completed his letters and papers,
including letters to the Secretary of the Navy, a power of attorney to
his wife which placed his entire fortune at her command, and other
documents which the hurried movements of the writer rendered necessary.
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