"Certainly, sir; and I shall not insist upon your answering any question. Was any one on board of the Vampire killed in this affair?" "No one was killed." "Were any wounded?" "I am sorry to say that three were injured by the falling of the pieces of the walking-beam." "Seriously?" "Two slightly, and one severely." "Thank you, major." "Of course, I am not informed of the fate of those in the boat when it was sunk," added the prisoner. "I think no one was badly hurt in that part of the affair," said Christy. "Perhaps it will be of interest to you to know that Private Passford, formerly of my command, was the one who was severely wounded on board of the Vampire." "Corny!" exclaimed Mrs. Passford. "I am sorry to say that he was struck on the shoulder by a fragment of the machinery," replied the major, very politely, as he bowed low to the lady. "Poor Corny!" ejaculated Miss Florry. "Is he very badly wounded, Major Pierson?" "I do not know how seriously, but I am afraid he cannot use that shoulder for a long time." replied the prisoner, fixing a look of admiration upon her, as if he were glad to have the privilege of looking at her without causing any remark. "I am so sorry for him. Corny was always real good to me when I have been at Glenfield," added the fair girl, and she actually shed some sympathetic tears as she thought of his wounded shoulder. "Can we not do something for him, mother?" "I shall be very glad to have him removed to the house, and I will take care of him till he gets well. I don't know whether this can be done or not. Perhaps Major Pierson can inform me." "If your kind hearts prompt you to do this for one who is in arms against the government, I have no doubt it can be managed. He can give his parole, and that will make it all right." "He is my nephew, and I would do as much for him as I would for my own son," replied Mrs. Passford heartily. "And I as much as I would for my brother," added Miss Florry. Everything was pleasant so far, though all the Passfords were worried about poor Corny, who had been with the ladies only the evening before. CHAPTER XIII AFTER THE BATTLE It was six o'clock in the morning when the Bellevite let go her anchor off Twentieth Street, as the young commander decided to do after some consultation with Paul Vapoor, who was his senior in years if not in wisdom. He did not suppose the steamer would be allowed to anchor at the Navy Yard without orders to that effect. His father had not returned from the city. Though he held no office, Captain Passford was as busy with public affairs as though he had been the collector of the port.