“Mr. Belgrave, you are already acquainted with Mr. Boulong; but I have the pleasure of presenting him to you as the first officer of the Guardian-Mother,” said Captain Ringgold, as they confronted the mate. “I am very glad indeed to meet you in that capacity on board of this steamer, Mr. Boulong,” added Louis, as he gave his hand to him. “We have been friends in the past, and I am sure we shall be in the future.” “Thank you, Mr. Belgrave; I shall endeavor to do my duty faithfully. Allow me to congratulate you on being the owner of the finest steam-yacht that ever sailed out of New York,” replied the chief officer. “Mr. Belgrave, allow me to introduce Mr. P. Lord Gaskette, the second officer of the steamer, who is not only a gentleman and a scholar, but a full-fledged sailor,” continued the commander very pleasantly. “He is a graduate of Columbia College, speaks French, German, Spanish, Greek, Latin, Hebrew, and Dutch like an organ-grinder.” “I am very happy to know you, Mr. Gaskette, and I certainly ought to appreciate your linguistic accomplishments,” replied Louis, as he shook hands with the second officer. “I have no doubt your seamanship is equal to your skill in the languages.” “Hardly, Mr. Belgrave, for the captain has overdone himself on the languages,” added Mr. Gaskette, as he took the offered hand of the owner. “I was a teacher of languages when my health failed. I have been to sea for twelve years now, three of them as first officer of a ship. I shall be happy to do everything in my power to make your life on board of the Guardian-Mother as agreeable as possible.” “Thank you, Mr. Gaskette; I have no doubt we shall be friends,” said Louis in French. “Mr. Amos Shafter, the chief engineer of the steamer, Mr. Belgrave,” continued the captain. “I am glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Shafter; and I have no doubt we have the best man afloat in charge of the engine,” returned the owner. “I hope the engine is as good as the engineer.” “I thank you for your good opinion, made up in advance, of the engineer; and no better engine was ever put into the hull of a vessel than that of the Guardian-Mother,” replied Mr. Shafter, as Louis shook his hand like that of an old friend; and the chief went for the second engineer. “This is Mr. Sage, the chief steward of the steamer, Mr. Belgrave. He is a wise man, as his name indicates, though it also suggests sage and onions for the stuffing of the goose he will sometimes serve at your table,” the captain proceeded. “I am happy to know you, Mr. Sage; for I know what an important person you are on board of a vessel,” replied Louis, taking his hand. “I have been starved on a sandbank for the last three days, and I am sure I shall fully appreciate the service you will render.” “I shall do my best to suit you,” replied the chief steward quietly. “The last I shall introduce at present is here now. Mr. Belgrave, Mr. Sentrick, the second engineer, qualified for any position in his department.”