"
"That means then that he is a regular officer of the Confederate
navy," suggested the captain; "and probably Lillyworth is also. The
only other name Dave was able to obtain was that of Spoors, one of the
quartermasters; and very likely he is also another."
"We have almost a double crew on board, Captain Passford, and what can
eight men do to capture this vessel?" asked Flint.
"I don't know what they intend to do, and I must give it up. Now I want
to read a letter to you that I have written; and you can tell me what
you think of it." The commander then read as follows from the sheet in
his hand, upon which appeared no end of changes and corrections:
"TO THE COMMANDER OF ANY UNITED STATES SHIP OF WAR, _Sir_:-- The
undersigned, master in the United States Navy, in temporary command
of the United States Steamer Bronx, bound to the Gulf of Mexico,
respectfully informs you that he has information, just received,
of the approach to the coast of the southern states of two steamers,
the Scotian and the Arran, believed to be fitted out as cruisers for
the Confederate Navy. They will be due in these waters about March
17.
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