"It's a good plan to have everything in its place," added Pillgrim, as he took up the little Testament which lay on the bureau. "You are a good boy, I see, and read the book." "That was given me by my mother, and I value it very highly." "Then I shouldn't think you would want to wear it out." "She gave it to me to use, and I am afraid, if she saw it was not soiled by handling, she would think it had not been well used." "I am glad you use it. I don't fail to read mine morning and evening." Somers could not believe him, and he could not see that a traitor to his country should have any use for the New Testament. "By the way, Somers, did you see your friend Wynkoop again before we sailed?" added Mr. Pillgrim. "I did not; I have not seen him since we dined together. I judge that you were better acquainted with him than I was." "My acquaintance with him was very slight. By the papers I saw on the table before you, when you were at dinner, I think you made good use of the short time you knew each other." "To what do you allude?" asked Somers, now assured that Mr. Pillgrim knew the nature of the papers. "To your commission as a commander in the Confederate navy. Mr. Somers, I could not believe my eyes." "Were you very much astonished?" "If I had been told that President Lincoln had gone over to the rebels, I should not have been more astonished. Your conduct has severely embarrassed me. It was my duty to denounce you as a traitor, in the service of the enemy, but--" At that instant the rattle of the drum, beating to quarters, caused both of them to hurry on deck. CHAPTER IX. IN THE STATE-ROOM. Somers took his station on the quarter deck, near the mizzen-mast, while Mr. Pillgrim went forward to the forecastle. The guns were cast loose, and the crew exercised at quarters for a few moments, just as though there were an enemy's ship near. This manoeuvre was executed for the purpose of perfecting the officers and crew in discipline; and it is not an uncommon thing to turn up all hands in the dead of the night for this object, for it is easier to correct mistakes at such times than when in the presence of the enemy. As there was no Confederate ship in sight, all hands were presently piped below, and Somers returned to his state-room, where he was soon joined by Mr. Pillgrim, who evidently wished to prolong the conversation which had been commenced before the ship beat to quarters. "Mr. Somers you and I have been friends for some little time," the lieutenant began, "and I confess that I have been deeply interested in you, not only on your own account, but for the sake of our friends at Newport." "Thank you, Mr. Pillgrim," said Somers, as the gentleman paused. "I am greatly obliged to you, and I hope I shall always merit your good opinion." "I'm afraid not, my young friend; at least, you have not commenced this cruise very well, having first sold yourself to the enemy."