"Some steamer that has had her name changed. But I have served regularly only on board of the Bellevite and the Bronx, and it cannot be either of them," said Christy, with a puzzled expression. "She is neither the one nor the other. She has had three names: the first was the Trafalgar, the second the Tallahatchie, and the third the St. Regis," continued the captain. "Is it possible!" exclaimed Christy, relapsing into silent thoughtfulness, for he could hardly believe the paper from which he had read his appointment; and officers far his senior in years would have rejoiced to receive the command of such a ship. "Not only possible, but an accomplished fact; and the only sad thing about it is that you must sail in the St. Regis day after to-morrow." "I am informed that my orders will come by to-morrow," added the lieutenant-commander. "The ship is all ready for sea. An eight-inch Parrot has been substituted for the Armstrong gun, the same as the midship gun of the Bellevite," the captain explained. "Perhaps you would like to know something about your fellow-officers, Christy." "I certainly should, father, for whatever success I may have will depend largely upon them," replied the embryo commander of the St. Regis. "Your executive officer will be Lieutenant George Baskirk," continued Captain Passford, reading from a paper he took from his pocket. "Good! He was the second lieutenant of the Bronx when I was in command of her; and a better or braver officer never planked a deck." "He was available, and I suggested him. Your second lieutenant is Joel Makepeace, just promoted from the rank of master. He is fifty-two years old, but as active as ever he was. He is a regular old sea dog, and commanded an Indiaman for me fifteen years ago; but you never met him. He has made a good record in the war, and I feel sure that you will like him." "I have no doubt I shall, father; and I like the idea of having an officer who is old enough to be my father, and who has had a great deal of experience at sea," replied Christy. "He was an able seaman and petty officer in the navy for three years when he was a young man, and has served as a master from the beginning of the war," continued Captain Passford. "Probably he does not like the idea of being under the command of one who has not yet reached his majority in years," suggested the commander of the St. Regis. "On the contrary, he seemed to be delighted with his appointment. Your third lieutenant is Ensign Palmer Drake who brought home your prize." "He is a good man and a good officer, and I am entirely satisfied with him." "Ensign Barton French is to serve as master on board of your ship. Some doubts were expressed in regard to his knowledge of navigation, and he passed a very creditable examination."