"She has corrected her first blunder," said Mr. Birdwing, as the American flag went up to her peak. "The skipper of that craft don't exactly know what he is about." "It must be a surprise to him to be brought to by a United States man-of-war," added Christy. "But why did the fool hoist the British flag when he has no papers to back it up? That would have done very well among the blockaders," continued the officer of the boat. "I don't know very much about this business, and the captain ordered me to let you and the French gentleman in the other boat have your own way on board of her, and to do all you required. Have you any directions for me?" "We desire to have the steamer thoroughly searched, and I have little doubt that we shall ask you to take possession of her," replied Christy. "Then we are to make a capture of it?" asked the first lieutenant, manifesting no little surprise. "Under certain circumstances, yes." "Is she a Confederate vessel?" "No; she is an American vessel." "All right; but I shall obey my orders to the very letter," added Mr. Birdwing. "How many men shall I put on board of her?" "Twelve, if you please," replied Christy, who had arranged the plan with the detective. "Six from each boat," said the executive officer; and then he hailed the second cutter, and directed Mr. Carlin to send this number on board of the Ionian. "And, if you please, direct him to board the steamer on the starboard side, for I take it you will board on the port," added Christy. "We fear that she will throw certain papers overboard, and we must prevent that if possible." The order was given to the third lieutenant, and in a few minutes more the first cutter came alongside the steamer. Mr. Birdwing ordered those on board to drop the accommodation ladder over the side; and for so mild a gentleman he did it in a very imperative tone. The order was obeyed, though it appeared to be done very reluctantly. The first lieutenant was the first to mount the ladder, and was closely followed by his passenger. "Where is the captain?" demanded Mr. Birdwing, as the six men detailed for the purpose were coming over the side. "I am the captain," replied an ill-favored looking man, stepping forward with very ill grace. "What steamer is this?" "The Ionian, of New York, bound to St. George's, Bermuda," replied the captain in a crusty tone. "The captain's name?" demanded the officer, becoming more imperative as the commander of the Ionian manifested more of his crabbed disposition. "Captain Sawlock," growled the ill-favored master of the steamer, who was a rather short man, thick-set, with a face badly pitted by the small-pox, but nearly covered with a grizzly and tangled beard. "You will oblige me by producing your papers, Captain Sawlock," continued Mr. Birdwing.