The incidents of the story contained in this volume are suggested by actual occurrence during the Rebellion, though they are not absolutely historical details, but are as probable as many real events of the war. The enemy were busy in some of the Northern cities, and there were many daring operations undertaken by them which justify the story in its principal features. Most of the characters have been introduced in the preceding volumes of the series; and in the succeeding volume the hero will be presented in a somewhat different field of action, though in whatever sphere he moves he will continue to be engaged in "FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHT." Dorchester, Mass., April 23, 1891. CONTENTS CHAPTER I. A Mysterious Visitation 15 CHAPTER II. The Absconding Man-servant 26 CHAPTER III. Christy Passford is utterly confounded 37 CHAPTER IV. The Sick Officer in the Stateroom 48 CHAPTER V. Lieutenant Passford and his Apparent Double 59 CHAPTER VI. The Conference in the Captain's Cabin 70 CHAPTER VII. The Announcement of the Decision 81 CHAPTER VIII. The Prisoner of War 92 CHAPTER IX. A Moral Philosopher 103 CHAPTER X. A Change of Quarters in the Confusion 114 CHAPTER XI. Laying out a Plan of Operations 125 CHAPTER XII. A Lesson in Ordinary Politeness 136 CHAPTER XIII. The Opening of the Secret Orders 147 CHAPTER XIV. The Affray on the Quarter-deck of the Bronx 158 CHAPTER XV. A Rebellious and Prejudiced Prisoner 169 CHAPTER XVI. The Disposal of the Prisoners 180 CHAPTER XVII. The Second and Third Lieutenants 191 CHAPTER XVIII. A Battle on a Small Scale 202 CHAPTER XIX. The Skipper of the Sloop Magnolia 213 CHAPTER XX. An Expedition to St. Andrew's Bay 224 CHAPTER XXI. A Non-combatant on Board the Bronx 235 CHAPTER XXII. The Stranger in the Captain's Cabin 246 CHAPTER XXIII. A Very Impudent Declaration 257 CHAPTER XXIV. A Critical Situation in the Cabin 268 CHAPTER XXV. The Destruction of a Prominent Facial Member 279 CHAPTER XXVI. The Meeting with the Bellevite at Night 290 CHAPTER XXVII. The Planning of an Expedition 301 CHAPTER XXVIII. The Negro Village on the Isle Grande Terre 312 CHAPTER XXIX. A Professional Visit to the Fort 323 CHAPTER XXX. The Attack upon the Fort 334