"Because that would be too simple and innocent altogether," replied the middy; and perhaps he felt some of the dignity of his new rank. "I think we had better see without being seen, especially as Captain Carboneer has seen and sailed the sloop. I have no doubt he has a sharp, nautical eye, and that he will recognize her. He might be rash enough to capture her, and thus deprive the United States Navy of two young, but able and hopeful officers, to say nothing of bottling them up so that he could make short work of the Bellevite." "You are right, Christy, as you always are. But see your mother before you do anything, and I will obey orders. She worries about you." They landed and hastened to the mansion. CHAPTER VIII ARRANGING THE SIGNALS Mrs. Passford was astounded at the news brought in by her son, and Miss Florry was terrified when informed that Major Pierson was not far from the mansion. But Paul Vapoor assured the latter that there was no danger, and Christy convinced his mother, who had a great deal of confidence in him, that he was fully equal to the occasion. "But I do not see that you can beat off the assailants if they happen to get alongside of the Bellevite," suggested Mrs. Passford. "There are only four of you at the most." "I hope for re-enforcements," replied Christy, as he rang a bell for a servant. "Beeks and Thayer, two of the quartermasters, live in the village; Mr. Watts, the chief steward, and three others of the old ship's company, live near here, and I think we can raise half a dozen more, making ten in all." "I know where to find half a dozen coal-passers," added Paul. "Then we shall do very well if we succeed in finding all these," added Christy, as the man-servant came to the door. "Call up all the stablemen, and have two horses saddled as quick as possible," continued Christy to the man. "What's that for, Christy?" asked Paul, who had succeeded in quieting the fears of Miss Florry. He was not altogether inexperienced in this duty, for the young lady had been alarmed more than once on board of the steam yacht, and he was always more successful than any other person at these times. "I can't stop to talk it all over, Paul; but if you will trust me, I will tell you as we go along what I think of doing," replied Christy. "All right, midshipman; I belong to the engine department, and we always obey orders even if the ship goes down," added Paul, laughing. "I am willing enough to tell you, but I have not the time to spin a long yarn, and perhaps answer objections, just now. We will mount the horses as soon as they come to the door, and drum up the force we have mentioned."