As most of our readers have probably never seen the interior of a ship of war, we present on the adjoining page a plan of that portion of the vessel occupied by the officers. The round part is the stern of the ship,and the diagram includes a little less than one third of the whole length of the vessel.A. The Captain's cabin, to which are attached the six small apartments on each side of it.1. The Companion-way, or stairs, by which the cabin is reached from the deck.2, 3. Store-rooms.4. Water-closet.5. Pantry.6, 7. State-rooms.B. The Ward-room, in which there is a table, long enough to accommodate the eight officers who occupy this apartment.8. First Lieutenant's state-room.9. Second Lieutenant's state-room10. Third Lieutenant's state-room11. Fourth Lieutenant's state-room12. Chief Engineer's state-room13. Master's state-room14. Paymaster's state-room15. Surgeon's state-room16. First Assistant Engineers' state-room.17. Second Assistant Engineers' room.C. The Steerage, occupied by Midshipmen and Masters' Mates.D. Third Assistant Engineer's room.18. The Armory.19. Ward-room pantry, through which passes the mizzen-mast.20, 20. Berths.21, 21. Mess store-rooms.In the floor of the ward-room, between the state-room, 8 and 12, there are two scuttles leading down to the magazine, so that, during an action, all the powder is passed up through this room. Woollen screens are hung up on each side of these scuttles, when they are opened, to prevent any spark from being carried down to the powder.There are four other scuttles leading down into the hold from the ward-room to the various store-rooms located there, and several in the floor abreast of the steerage.On the forward part of the berth deck, just abaft the foremast, there are four state-rooms for the use of the carpenter, gunner, boatswain, and sailmaker. All persons except those mentioned sleep in hammocks.The engine department of the Chatauqua consisted of one chief, two first assistant, two second assistant, and one third assistant engineers, with eighteen firemen and eighteen coal heavers. The chief engineer is a ward-room officer. He has the sole charge of the engine, and all persons connected with its management, but he keeps no watch. The other engineers obey the orders of their chief, and are divided into watches. They attend to the actual working of the engine. The firemen are alsoclassified, and receive different grades of pay, a portion of them attending to the oiling of the machinery,—called "oilers,"—while others superintend or feed the fires, and do other work connected with the engine and boilers. The coal-heavers convey the fuel from the coal bunkers to the furnaces.Mr. Ensign Somers was the fourth lieutenant of the Chatauqua, and occupied the last state-room on the left, as you enter the ward-room. It was a nice little apartment, and the young officer was as happy as a lord when he was fully installed in his new quarters. And well might one who had commenced his naval career as an ordinary seaman, sleeping in a hammock, and who had never before known anything better than the confined accommodations of the steerage, have been delighted with his present comfortable and commodious quarters.His state-room was lighted by a bull's eye, or round glass window, which could be opened in port, or in pleasant weather at sea. The room contained but one berth, which was quite wide for a ship, supplied with an excellent mattress; and one who could not sleep well in such a bed must be troubled with a rebellious conscience. There was also a bureau, the upper drawer of which, when the front was dropped down, became a convenient writing desk, supplied with small drawers, shelves, and pigeon-holes. The room was carpeted, and contained all that a reasonable man could require to make him comfortable and happy.There was only one drawback upon the happiness of Somers; and that was the absence of Mr. Waldron. There was not one among the officers whom he could now call by the endearing name of friend, though all of them were good officers and gentlemanly men, and he had no reason to anticipate any difficulty with any of them, unless it was with Mr. Pillgrim. He sighed for the friendly guidance and the genial companionship of the late commander of the Rosalie, especially in view of the embarrassing circumstances which surrounded him.But it was some compensation to know that his old shipmate, Tom Longstone, had been promoted to the rank of boatswain, and ordered to the Chatauqua. The old man's splendid behavior in Doboy Sound had enabled Mr. Waldron to secure this favor for him, and to obtain his appointment to his own ship. Mr. Longstone, as he must hereafter be called, came on board in a uniform of bright blue, and his dress so altered his appearance that Somers hardly recognized him. The old salt had always been very careful about "putting on airs," when he was a common sailor or a petty officer; but he knew how to be a gentleman, and his new dignity sat as easily upon him as though he had been brought up in the ward-room. Though he looked well, and carried himself like an officer, he could not immediately adapt his language to his new position. He was a representative sailor, and he could not help being "salt."The boatswain was Somers's only real friend on board, and the distance between a ward-room officer and a forward officer was so great that he was not likely to realize any especial satisfaction from the friendship; but it was pleasant to know that there was even one in the ship who was devoted to him, heart and soul."All hands, up anchor!" piped the boatswain; and it was a pleasant sound to the fourth lieutenant of the Chatauqua, as doubtless it was to all hands, for "lying in the stream" is stupid work to an expectant crew.The ship got under way with all the order and regularity which prevail on board a man-of-war, and in a short time was standing down the Delaware River. Her great guns pealed the customary salute, and as the wind was fair, her top-sails and top-gallant-sails were shaken out as soon as she had passed from the narrow river into the broad bay. Off the capes the sealed orders were opened; and it proved, as the knowing ones had anticipated, that the Chatauqua was bound to the blockading station off Mobile Bay.At eight o'clock in the evening the ship was out of sight of land. Everything on board was in regular sea trim. Mr. Garboard, the third lieutenant, had the deck, and the other officers were in the ward-room, or in their state-rooms. They were discussing the merits of the ship, or the probable work before them at Mobile; for a great naval attack in that quarter was confidentlypredicted. The "Old Salamander," "Brave Old Salt," as Admiral Farragut was familiarly called, was understood to be making preparations for one of his tremendous onslaughts.Somers was occupied in his state-room, putting his books, papers, and clothing in order, which he had not had time to do before to his satisfaction. He placed his Testament on the bureau, where it could be taken up for a moment without delay, and where it would constantly remind him of his duty, and of the loved ones at home, with whom the precious volume seemed to be inseparably associated.Among his papers were the rebel commission, the written orders, and the statement he had made of the interview between Coles and Langdon, which had been extended so as to contain a full account of his conference with "Mr. Wynkoop," and his inquiries into the character of the Ben Nevis, in Boston and New York. These documents brought forcibly to his mind his relations with Lieutenant Pillgrim, who was still a mystery to him. Since Somers had come on board of the Chatauqua, not a syllable had been breathed about the dinner with the "officer of the royal navy." As Mr. Pillgrim doubtless believed he had changed the letters, and thus corrected his confederate's mistake, before the letter intended for him had fallen into Somers's hand, the lieutenant had no reason to suppose his treasonable position was even suspected.Somers felt that he had a battle to fight with Mr. Pillgrim, and the suspense was intolerable, not to mention the hypocrisy and deceit which this double character required of him. Now, more than before, he regretted the absence of Mr. Waldron, who would have been a rock of safety and strength to him in the trials that beset him. While he was moodily overhauling his papers, and thinking of his difficult situation, Mr. Pillgrim knocked at the door of his room, and was invited to enter."Ah, making stowage, are you, Somers?" said the lieutenant, pleasantly."Yes, sir; putting things to rights a little.""It's a good plan to have everything in its place," added Pillgrim, as he took up the little Testament which lay on the bureau. "You are a good boy, I see, and read the book.""That was given me by my mother, and I value it very highly.""Then I shouldn't think you would want to wear it out.""She gave it to me to use, and I am afraid, if she saw it was not soiled by handling, she would think it had not been well used.""I am glad you use it. I don't fail to read mine morning and evening."Somers could not believe him, and he could not see that a traitor to his country should have any use for the New Testament."By the way, Somers, did you see your friend Wynkoop again before we sailed?" added Mr. Pillgrim."I did not; I have not seen him since we dined together. I judge that you were better acquainted with him than I was.""My acquaintance with him was very slight. By the papers I saw on the table before you, when you were at dinner, I think you made good use of the short time you knew each other.""To what do you allude?" asked Somers, now assured that Mr. Pillgrim knew the nature of the papers."To your commission as a commander in the Confederate navy. Mr. Somers, I could not believe my eyes.""Were you very much astonished?""If I had been told that President Lincoln had gone over to the rebels, I should not have been more astonished. Your conduct has severely embarrassed me. It was my duty to denounce you as a traitor, in the service of the enemy, but—"At that instant the rattle of the drum, beating to quarters, caused both of them to hurry on deck.CHAPTER IX.IN THE STATE-ROOM.Somers took his station on the quarter deck, near the mizzen-mast, while Mr. Pillgrim went forward to the forecastle. The guns were cast loose, and the crew exercised at quarters for a few moments, just as though there were an enemy's ship near. This manœuvre was executed for the purpose of perfecting the officers and crew in discipline; and it is not an uncommon thing to turn up all hands in the dead of the night for this object, for it is easier to correct mistakes at such times than when in the presence of the enemy. As there was no Confederate ship in sight, all hands were presently piped below, and Somers returned to his state-room, where he was soon joined by Mr. Pillgrim, who evidently wished to prolong the conversation which had been commenced before the ship beat to quarters."Mr. Somers you and I have been friends for some little time," the lieutenant began, "and I confess that I have been deeply interested in you, not only on your own account, but for the sake of our friends at Newport.""Thank you, Mr. Pillgrim," said Somers, as the gentleman paused. "I am greatly obliged to you, and I hope I shall always merit your good opinion.""I'm afraid not, my young friend; at least, you have not commenced this cruise very well, having first sold yourself to the enemy.""Do you think I have done that, Mr. Pillgrim?" demanded Somers, not a little excited by the charge, from such a source."I know you have. I saw your commission on the table.""I took the commission, I grant, but I have no intention of using it.""Why did you take it then?""For the purpose of gaining information.""Have you gained it?" demanded Mr. Pillgrim, with a hardly perceptible sneer."I have.""You received written orders, also.""I did; and if I had obtained a foothold on the deck of the vessel to which I was ordered, you would have seen how quick I should have passed her over to my government.""That is a very plausible explanation, Mr. Somers," added the lieutenant. "But why did you sign the oath of allegiance to the Southern Confederacy?""I did not.""I beg your pardon, but I saw the document with your signature affixed to it.""You are mistaken, Mr. Pillgrim.""Can I refuse to believe the evidence of my own eyes?""Nevertheless, I must persist in saying that I did not sign the oath.""After what you have done, Mr. Somers, I could hardly expect you to acknowledge it to a loyal officer. Are you aware that any court martial would convict you, on the evidence against you, of treason, and sentence you to death?""I think not, when it was made to appear that all I did was in the service of my country."Somers shuddered when he thought of a traitor's doom, and for the first time realized that he had accumulated more evidence against himself than against the conspirators. The commander's commission and the written orders were almost, if not quite, enough to hang him."You don't believe what you say, Mr. Somers, and of course you cannot expect me to believe it," said Pillgrim, when he saw his brother officer musing, and looking rather anxious."I speak the truth, Mr. Pillgrim," replied Somers, unable to turn his attention entirely away from the consequences which might follow some of these appearances against him."Somers, I have felt a deep interest in you. I have all along desired to be your friend. This is the only reason why I did not prefer charges against you before the ship sailed. Now, I advise you not to deny what is as plain as truth can make it. I am your friend. Own up to me, and I promise never to betray you.""Would your friend Langdon,aliasLieutenant Wynkoop, R. N., be equally considerate?" asked Somers, provoked into making this unguarded remark by the hypocrisy of Pillgrim.If the second lieutenant of the Chatauqua had received the bolt from a thunder cloud he could not have been more astonished. He started back, turned pale, and quivered with emotion."Who?" demanded he, with a tremendous effort to recover his self-possession."Do you think, Mr. Pillgrim, that I am a little lamb, that can be led round with a silken string?" replied Somers, with energy. "You are my superior officer, and as such I will respect and obey you until—until—""Until what?""Until the day of reckoning comes. When you stand up in my presence and charge me with being a traitor to my country, you had better remember that such charges, like chickens, will go home to roost.""I was not brought up in a barn yard, Mr. Somers, and such comparisons are beyond my comprehension.""Wherever you were brought up, I think my language is plain enough to be understood by a person of your intelligence."Perhaps it was fortunate for both parties that a knock at the state-room door disturbed the conference at this exciting moment. Somers opened the door."Mr. Hackleford desires to see Mr. Somers on deck," said a midshipman."Excuse me for a few moments, Mr. Pillgrim," said Somers, as he closed his desk and locked it."Certainly, sir; but I should be happy to see you when you are disengaged. I will remain here if you please.""I will join you as soon as I can."It was warm below, and both Pillgrim and Somers had thrown off their coats, and laid them on the bed. Somers slipped on his own, as he supposed, and hastened on deck to meet the first lieutenant. The garment seemed rather large for him, and there were several papers in the breast pocket which did not belong to him. Then he was aware that he had taken the second lieutenant's coat instead of his own.Mr. Hackleford wished to obtain some information from him in regard to one of the petty officers, and when Somers had answered the questions he went below again. The papers in the pocket of Pillgrim's coat seemed to burn his fingers when he touched them. The owner wasa traitor, and perhaps these documents might contain valuable intelligence. Under ordinary circumstances it would have been the height of perfidy to look at one of them; but, in the present instance, he felt justified in glancing at them. The state-room of the second assistant engineers was open and lighted, but neither of these officers was there. Stepping into the room, he opened the papers and glanced at their contents. Only one of them contained anything of importance. This was a note from a person who signed himself simply "Irvine," but it was in the handwriting of Langdon. The only clause in the epistle that was intelligible to Somers was this: "Have just heard from B——. The Ben Nevis, he says, will make Wilmington after leaving St. John. Plenty of guns there. She will sail July 4."Whether "B——" meant Boston or some person's name, Somers could not determine; but the fact in regard to the Ben Nevis was of the utmost consequence. Hastily folding up the note, he returned the package of papers to the pocket where he had found them. Taking off the coat as he entered the ward-room, he went into the state-room, where Mr. Pillgrim was still waiting for him, with the garment on his arm. He threw it upon the bed as he entered, and his companion was not even aware of the mistake which had been made."Mr. Somers, you were making some grave charges against me when you were called away," said the lieutenant."Not half so grave as those you made against me," replied Somers."Those can be proved.""I made no charges. I only mentioned the name of your friend Langdon.""I don't know him," added Pillgrim, doggedly."I beg your pardon, as you did mine, just now.""Which means that you doubt my word.""As you did mine.""Somers, I am not to be trifled with," said Pillgrim, sternly."Neither am I.""Be cautious, or I will denounce you to the captain at once," added the lieutenant, in low and threatening tones."Proceed, and then I shall be at liberty to take the next step.""What's that?""Do you think I intend to show you my hand?" said Somers, with a meaning smile.Pillgrim bit his lip with vexation. He seemed to be completely cornered. He evidently believed that his companion knew more than "the law allows.""Mr. Pillgrim, I am no traitor; you know this as well as I do. Whatever papers I took from your friend Langdon,aliasWynkoop, were taken with a view to serve my country.""You signed the oath of allegiance he offered you.""It is false!" replied Somers, angrily."Be calm, Mr. Somers. I am no hypocrite, as you are," added Pillgrim. "I have heard that you have a talent for overhearing other people's conversation.""In the service of my country I am willing to do even this," said Somers, indignantly."No matter about that. You have hinted that I am a traitor.""If the hint is not sufficient, I declare that such is the fact."Somers was roused to a high pitch of excitement, and he was not as prudent as he was wont to be. He was not playing a part now; he was talking and acting as he wanted to talk and act. He was calling treason and treachery by their right names."Explain, Mr. Somers," said Pillgrim, who grew cooler as his companion became hotter."You are in league with the enemies of your country. You and others have just started a steamer for St. John, which you intend to fit out as a Confederate cruiser—the Ben Nevis, of which you and your fellow-conspirators did me the honor to give me the command."Pillgrim smiled blandly."And you accepted the command?""For a purpose, I did.""You have not explained why you connect me with this affair. You spoke of some one whom you call Langdon. I don't know him.""You—do!""Prove it.""He addresses a note to you, calling you 'my dear Pillgrim,' and signs himself, familiarly, 'Langdon.'""Then you have been reading my letters—have you?""It was addressed to me, and put in my box at the hotel."The second lieutenant turned pale, then red. He walked up and down the state-room several times in silence. He could not deny the fact alleged. While he walked, Somers explained how he had read the note, and then put it back in the box. Pillgrim understood it."Of course you know Coles," continued Somers, placing a heavy emphasis on the name of this worthy.The lieutenant halted before his companion, and looked earnestly and inquiringly into his face. Somers returned his gaze with unflinching resolution. There was a smile upon his face, for he believed that he had thrown a red-hot shot into the enemy."Coles!" said Pillgrim."Coles!" repeated Somers."Mr. Somers, you are a fool!""Pray, where were you when human wisdom was distributed?""Do you know Coles?" asked Pillgrim."I think I should know Coles if I saw him.""No, you wouldn't.""He is the greatest villain that ever went unhung.""Except yourself. Somers, this is child's play. You have made me your enemy, but let us fight it out like men.""I will do so with pleasure when you take your place on the deck of a rebel vessel, where you belong.""A truce to child's play, I say again. We must settle this matter here and now.""It can't be done.""It must be done, or I will inform Captain Cascabel who and what you are before the first watch is out. Probably he will wish to see your Confederate commission and your letter of instructions.""When he does, I have something else to show him," replied Somers, whose answer was sufficiently indefinite to make the traitor look very stormy and anxious."Can you show him a Confederate oath of allegiance signed by me?""No.""Then he will be more likely to hear me than you," added the lieutenant, whose countenance now looked as malignant as that of a demon. "You have subscribed to that oath; I have not.""It is false!""So you said before.""Prove it.""Here," continued Pillgrim, taking from his pocketthe document which had been offered to Somers by Wynkoop.The young officer glanced at it, and on the line for the signature, he saw, with horror and indignation, the name of "John Somers," apparently in his own handwriting. Undoubtedly it was a forgery, but it was so well done that even the owner of the name could hardly distinguish it from his usual signature."It is a forgery," gasped Somers, appalled at the deadly peril which seemed to be in his path."Prove it," said the lieutenant, with a mocking smile.Somers groaned in spirit. It would be impossible for him to prove that the signature was a forgery. Even his best friends would acknowledge it, so well was it executed."I have you, Somers," said Pillgrim, exultingly. "Let us understand each other. You are mine, Somers, or you hang! Somers, I am Coles!"CHAPTER X.THE CHIEF CONSPIRATOR.Lieutenant Pillgrim rattled off the sentences in which he acknowledged his complicity with treason with a smile of malignant triumph on his face. He gloated over his victim as the evil one might be supposed to do over a soul wrenched from truth and virtue. He believed that he had Somers in a position where he could not betray him, or even resent his tyranny.For the first time Somers realized that he had been imprudent in exposing himself to the machinations of these evil men. Before he had only felt a little uncomfortably, and harbored a vague suspicion that, in attempting to overreach others, he had committed himself. He had learned in his babyhood that it is dangerous to play with fire, but had never believed it so fully as at this moment. He had touched the pitch, and felt that he had been defiled by it. Though his conscience kept assuring him he was innocent, and protesting against a harsh judgment, he could not help regretting that he hadnot exposed the villains before he left Philadelphia, and permitted the consequences to take care of themselves.But stronger than any other impression, at this eventful moment, was the feeling that he was no match for men so deeply versed in treason and wickedness as Pillgrim and his confederates. He had played at the game of strategy, and been beaten. While he thought he was leading them on to confusion, they were actually entwining the meshes of the net around him.Mr. Pillgrim had just declared that he was the mysterious Coles. Somers, at first, found it very difficult to realize the fact. He had really seen Coles but once; but they had spent some hours together. At that time Coles wore long, black whiskers, which concealed two thirds of his face; Pillgrim wore no beard, not even a mustache. Coles was dressed in homely garments; Pillgrim, in an elegant uniform. Coles's hair was short and straight; Pillgrim's, long and curly at the ends.In height, form, and proportions, they were the same; and the difference between Coles and Pillgrim was really nothing which might not have been produced with a razor, a pair of barber's shears, and the contrast of dress. The familiarity of the lieutenant's expression, before unexplained, was now accounted for; and before his tyrant spoke again, Somers was satisfied that he actually stood in the presence of Coles.Pillgrim stood with folded arms, gazing at his victim,and enjoying the confusion which Somers could not conceal. The persecutor was a confident man, and fully believed that he was master of the situation, and that Somers would do anything he asked of him, even to going over into the rebel ranks. He was mistaken; for Somers, deep as he felt that he was in hot water, would have chosen to hang at the fore yard-arm, rather than betray his country, or be false to her interests."You just now remarked that you should know Coles if you saw him," sneered Pillgrim."I know you now," replied Somers, bitterly."I see you do; but you will know me better before we part.""I know you well enough now. You are a rebel and a traitor; and what I said of Coles I say of you,—that you are the greatest villain that ever went unhung.""I don't like that kind of language, Mr. Somers," replied Pillgrim, with entire coolness and self-possession. "It isn't the kind of language which one gentleman should apply to another.""Gentleman!" said Somers, with curling lip; "I applied it to a rebel and a traitor.""In the present instance it is mutiny. I am your superior officer.""You are out of place; you don't belong here.""Your place is on the quarter deck of the Ben Nevis; and perhaps it will be when she goes into commission as a Confederate cruiser.""Never!" exclaimed Somers, with energy."My dear Mr. Somers, be prudent. Some of the officers might hear you.""I don't care if they all hear me.""You talk and act like a boy, Somers. I beg you to consider that your neck and mine are in the same noose. If I hang, you hang with me."Somers groaned, for he could not see where his vindication was to come from."You seem to understand your situation, and at the same time you appear to be quite willing to throw yourself into the fire. Let me call your attention to the fact that fire will burn.""Better burn or hang, than be a traitor.""Be reasonable, Somers. I do not propose to ask anything of you which will compromise your position in the navy; but I repeat, you are mine.""I don't understand you.""I have told you my secret. You know that I am in the Confederate service; that I have fitted out a vessel to cruise for Yankee ships. I am willing you should know this, for you dare not violate my confidence.""Perhaps I dare.""If you do, you are a dead man.""Will you kill me?""If necessary.""I have usually been able to defend myself," replied Somers, with dignity."I am not an assassin. A court martial will do all I wish done if you are not prudent and devoted, as you should be. The Confederate oath of allegiance signed by you is good testimony.""I didn't sign it. The signature is a forgery.""My dear fellow, what possible difference does that make? It is well done—is it not?""Perhaps it is. Where did you get it?""Langdon gave it to me.""Did he sign my name to it?""Possibly; but even grant that I did it myself—what then?""You are a greater villain than I ever gave Coles the credit of being.""Thank you!""Where is Langdon now?""In New York—where he can be reached if you make it necessary to convene a court martial.""Is he a naval officer?""Yes; he has been a Confederate agent in London for the past two years. Since the English have become a little particular about letting steamers out for the Confederates, he buys them on this side.""What do you want of me, Mr.—Pillgrim? if that is your name?""That is my name. I don't want much of you.""What?""I am not ready to tell you until you are in a proper frame of mind. You are rather childish to-night. After you have thought the matter over, you will be a man, and be reasonable. Let me see: Garboard has the forenoon watch to-morrow, and we shall both be off duty after general quarters. If you please, I will meet you at that time."Somers considered a moment, and assented to the proposition. Pillgrim bade him good night, and retired to his own state-room, apparently without a fear that his victim would struggle in the trap into which he had fallen."And into the counsels of the ungodly enter thou not." This text rang in the mind of Somers, as though some mighty prophet were thundering it into his ears. He felt that he had already plunged deep enough into the pit of treason, and he was anxious to get away from it before he was scorched by the fire, and before the smell of fire clung to his garments.For half an hour the fourth lieutenant of the Chatauqua sat at his desk, in deep thought. Though in the matter of which he was thinking, he had not sinned against his country, or the moral law, he was sorely troubled. He could not conceal from himself the fact that he was afraid of Pillgrim. The dread of having his name connected with any treasonable transaction was hard to overcome. That oath of allegiance, with hissignature forged upon it, haunted him like an evil demon. He felt more timid and fearful than ever before in his life. His faith in Him who doeth all things well, seemed to be momentarily shaken, and he was hardly willing to do justly, and leave the consequences to themselves.He felt weak, and being conscious of his weakness, he looked upward for strength. Leaning on his desk, he prayed for wisdom to know the right, and for the power to do it. He was in earnest; and though his prayer was not spoken, it moved his soul down to the depths of his spiritual being.Three bells struck while he was thus engaged. He rose from the desk, and walked up and down the state-room several times. Suddenly he stopped short. A great thought struck him. In an instant it became a great resolution. Before it had time to grow cold, he put on his coat and cap, and went out into the ward-room. Mr. Transit, the master, Mr. Grynbock, the paymaster, and Dr. De Plesion, the surgeon, were there, discussing the anticipated attacks on Mobile and Wilmington. Somers felt no interest in the conversation at this time. He went on deck, where he found Captain Cascabel and the first lieutenant, smoking their cigars. Waiting till the captain went below, he touched his cap to Mr. Hackleford."Mr. Somers?""Yes, sir.""Not turned in, Mr. Somers? You have the mid-watch.""If you will excuse me, sir, for coming to you at such a time, I wish to have half an hour's conversation with you.""With me?" said Mr. Hackleford, apparently much surprised at such a request at such an hour."Yes, sir. It is a matter of the utmost consequence, or I would not have mentioned it at this time.""Very well, Mr. Somers; I am ready to hear you.""Excuse me, sir; I would rather not introduce the matter on deck.""Well, come to my state-room.""To my state-room, if you please, Mr. Hackleford.""Why not mine?""I am afraid the person most deeply concerned will overhear me. His room is next to yours.""Mr. Pillgrim?" exclaimed the first lieutenant."Yes, sir.""Mr. Somers, I have a high regard for you as an officer and a gentleman, and I am not unacquainted with your past history. I hope you have nothing to say which will reflect on a brother officer.""I have, sir.""Then I advise you to think well before you speak.""I am entirely prepared to speak, sir.""Complaints against superior officers, Mr. Somers, are rather dangerous.""It is not personal, sir, though I may be the sufferer for making it."Mr. Hackleford led the way down to the ward-room. The officers had retired to their apartments, and there was no one to see them enter the state-room. As it was now nearly ten o'clock, when all officers' lights must be extinguished, Somers formally asked and obtained permission to burn his lamp till eleven o'clock. The first lieutenant entered the room, and Somers closed the door."Mr. Hackleford, may I trouble you to read this statement?" said Somers, as he handed out the paper he had so carefully prepared.The first lieutenant adjusted his eye-glass, and read the statement through, asking an explanation of two or three points as he proceeded. He was deeply absorbed in the narrative, which was drawn up with the utmost minuteness."This is an infernal scheme, Mr. Somers. I hope you did not permit the vessel to sail without giving information of her character.""The Ben Nevis sailed from New York before I could do anything or say a word," said Somers, exhibiting Langdon's letter."That was bad. You should have spoken before.""My paper explains my reasons for keeping still. Perhaps I was wrong, sir, but I did the best I knew how.""And this vessel is bound to Mobile. We may pick her up.""The note says she is bound to Mobile; but it is not true. That is a blind to deceive me.""Why should they wish to deceive you, after giving you their confidence.""I don't know the reason.""But what has all this to do with Mr. Pillgrim?" asked Mr. Hackleford."Mr. Pillgrim is the person spoken of in that paper as Coles.""Impossible!" ejaculated Mr. Hackleford, springing to his feet."I shall be able to prove it by to-morrow, sir."Somers then gave him the substance of the conversation between himself and Mr. Pillgrim."Why, this Coles wants something of you.""Yes, sir; but I don't know what. He engaged to meet me here at four bells in the forenoon watch to-morrow, when he will tell me what he wants.""Very well, Mr. Somers; meet him as agreed. You have played your part well. When you come together, you must yield the point; lead him along, and you will bag him,—and the vessel, I hope.""The Ben Nevis will sail from St. John July 4, for Wilmington.""Ah, then she is about even with the Chatauqua. I would give a year's pay for the privilege of catching her."Until eleven o'clock the two officers consulted charts, and figured up the time of the Ben Nevis.CHAPTER XI.AFTER GENERAL QUARTERS.At eleven o'clock, when the master-at-arms knocked at the door of the fourth lieutenant, to inform him that it was time to put out his light, the calculations in regard to the position of the Ben Nevis had been made and verified. Mr. Hackleford, after counselling prudence and precaution, retired to his state-room. Somers threw himself on his cot, and having eased his mind of the heavy burden which had rested upon it, he went to sleep. But there was only an hour of rest for him, for at twelve o'clock he was to take the deck.When eight bells struck, he turned out, much refreshed by his short nap, to relieve Mr. Garboard. It was a beautiful night, with only a gentle breeze from the westward, and the ship was doing her ten knots without making any fuss about it. Somers took the trumpet, which the officer of the deck always carries as the emblem of his office, and commenced his walk on the weather side.Though he carefully watched the compasses, and saw that the sheets were hauled close home, he could not help thinking of the startling events which had transpired on the preceding evening. But he was satisfied with himself now. He had purged himself of all appearance of complicity with the enemies of his country, and he fully expected that Pillgrim would be put under arrest within the next forty-eight hours. The consciousness of duty done made him happy and contented. The first lieutenant had even praised him for the manner in which he had conducted the delicate business, and did not lay any stress on the oath of allegiance, or the commander's commission.For his four hours he "planked the deck," thinking of the past and hopeful of the future. At eight bells he sent a midshipman down to call Mr. Pillgrim. While he was waiting to be relieved, he could not help considering what a risk it was to leave that noble ship in the hands of a traitor; but Somers had given all the information he had to Mr. Hackleford, and the responsibility did not rest upon himself. The first lieutenant was an able and discreet officer, and would not permit the Chatauqua to be imperilled even for a moment."Good morning, Mr. Somers," said Lieutenant Pillgrim, as he came on deck."Good morning, Mr. Pillgrim," replied Somers, with all the courtesy due to the quarter deck."A fine morning.""Beautiful weather.""You have had a good opportunity to think over our business. How do you feel about it?""Just right, I hope.""I am glad to hear it. Have you seen anything of the Ben Nevis?""Of the Ben Nevis! No, sir; I don't expect to see her here.""We may," replied Pillgrim, as he took the trumpet."Isn't she going to Mobile?""We'll talk of her during the forenoon watch," added the second lieutenant, as he turned on his heel and walked forward.Somers went below. As he entered the ward-room, Mr. Hackleford came out of his state-room. This gentleman evidently intended to keep a sharp lookout for the officer of the deck during his watch. He asked the relieved officer if anything more had transpired, and the unimportant conversation which had just taken place was fully reported to him."Mr. Somers, I haven't slept an hour during the night. There are one or two points in your statement which were a little dark to me," said Mr. Hackleford."More than that of it is dark to me. I do not profess to understand the whole of it. I only state the facts from my own point of view.""You listened to this talk between Coles and Langdon at the sailors' boarding-house in Front Street?""Yes, sir.""If you saw Coles there, how could—""I didn't see him, sir; I only heard him.""That accounts for it," said Mr. Hackleford, musing. "Didn't you recognize Mr. Pillgrim's voice?""No, sir; I think he changed it; though the two tones were so similar that I might have recognized it, if I had suspected they were the same person."Mr. Hackleford asked other questions, which Somers answered with strict regard to the truth, rather than with the intention of removing the first lieutenant's doubts. He wanted only facts himself, and he was careful not to distort them, in order to confirm any theory of his own or of his superior officer.Mr. Hackleford went on deck, and Somers turned in. He was in condition to sleep now, and he improved his four hours below to the best advantage.After general quarters, when the crew were dismissed, he went down to his state-room, prepared to meet Mr. Pillgrim. He was surprised to know how little curiosity he felt to learn what the traitor wanted and expected of him. Punctual to the appointed time, which exhibited the interest he felt in the expected interview, the treacherous second lieutenant made his appearance. Somers received him as one officer should receive another,though it was hard work for him to disguise the contempt and detestation with which he regarded the traitor."Well, Somers, now I am to tell you what I want of you. It isn't much, as I warned you before; and I am very glad to see that you are in such a happy frame of mind.""I am ready to hear you, and do the best I can," replied Somers, carefully following the instructions of Mr. Hackleford with regard to matter and manner.He had been cautioned to be ready enough in listening to the chief conspirator, but not too ready, so as to betray his object."Good! I think you understand me now.""I think I do, sir.""I am sorry to do it, but it is necessary for me to remind you again that your fate is in my hands; that a word from me would subject you to a trial by court martial for treason, and probably to more hemp rope than would feel good about your neck.""Though I don't think I am in so much danger as you represent, I will grant your position.""Don't grant it, if you think it is not correct;" and Mr. Pillgrim minutely detailed the evidence which could be brought to bear against him.Somers appeared to be overwhelmed by this array of testimony. He groaned, looked hopeless, and finally granted the traitor's position in full."I am in your power. Do with me as you will. Of course the moment I put my foot on a rebel deck I am ruined.""You can do as you please about going into the Confederate service. What I want of you will not compromise you as a loyal man in the slightest degree.""What do you want of me?""Not quite so loud, if you please, Mr. Somers," said the lieutenant, glancing at the door. "To me, Somers, you have been a thorn. You lost me the Snowden, and the valuable cargo of the Theban.""I only did my duty," pleaded Somers."Bah! don't use that word to me again. Through you a fortune slipped through my fingers. I should have got the Snowden into Wilmington, if you had not meddled with the matter. I have lost eighty thousand dollars by you.""Of course I had no ill will against you personally.""Very true; if you had, you would have been a dead man before this time. Phil Kennedy was a fool, but he was my best friend. I have his bond for forty thousand dollars, which is waste paper just now. Phil fell by your hand.""It was in fair fight.""Nonsense! What matter is it to me how he fell, whether it was in fair fight or foul? He is dead; that is all.""What has all this to do with me?" asked Somers, with seeming impatience."Much, my dear fellow. Phil was to marry Kate Portington; was to pocket her fortune. You have cut him out. You will marry her, and in due time come into possession of a million. The commodore is apoplectic, and will not live many years. Do you see my point?""I do not," answered Somers, disgusted with this heartless statement."As you cheated me out of the Snowden, as you killed Phil Kennedy, as you will marry Kate Portington, I propose that you assume and pay Phil's bond.""I?""Certainly—you; Mr. Somers; Kate's prodigy," laughed Pillgrim."Never!" exclaimed Somers, jumping to his feet."You speak too loud, Mr. Somers.""Am I a dog, or a snake, or a toad, that I should do such an unclean thing?"The traitor took from his pocket the oath of allegiance, opened it, and in silence thrust it into his companion's face."I have sold myself.""You have, Somers. Think of it. If I have to make out a case against you, of course you will never see Kate again. Let me add, that the commodore sets his life byme. We were old friends before the war. You may marry his daughter with my consent, but not without it.""I never thought of such a thing.""Perhaps not. We waste time. Will you sign the bond?""The bond is good for nothing. No court—""That is my affair. If you agree to it, I will run all risks. I trouble no courts. If you don't pay, I have only to speak, and hang you then.""I am lost," groaned Somers."No, you are not. Sign, and you have found fortune and a friend.""I dare not sign.""You dare not refuse."Somers walked up and down the state-room, apparently in great mental agony."Shall I sign?" said he, in a loud tone, as though he were speaking to the empty air."Not so loud, man!" interposed Pillgrim, angrily.At that instant two light raps were distinctly heard."What's that?" demanded the traitor, greatly alarmed."I will sign it," promptly added Somers, to whom the two raps seemed to be perfectly intelligible."What was that noise?" asked Pillgrim, fearfully. "Is there any one in Garboard's state-room?""I think not."The second lieutenant was not satisfied. He openedthe door and looked into the adjoining state-room, but there was no person there, and the ward-room was empty. There was no one within hearing, and the conspirator recovered his wonted self-possession."You will sign?" said he."I will.""I knew you would, and therefore I prepared the document; read it," he continued, taking a paper from his pocket.Somers read. It was simply an agreement to pay forty thousand dollars, when he married Kate Portington, in consideration of certain assistance rendered the signer, but without any allusion to the circumstances under which it was given. As a legal document, of course it was good for nothing, as both parties well understood. Somers signed it."Now, Mr. Somers, we are friends," said Pillgrim, as he folded up the paper, and restored it to his pocket. "You have done me a good turn, and I have done you one."Somers, unwilling to regard Pillgrim as a fool, believed that this paper was intended to ruin him in the estimation of the Portington family, and that the villain intended to marry her himself when her apparent suitor was disposed of."Is this all you expect of me?" asked Somers."This is the principal thing. I may have occasion touse you again; if I do, I shall not hesitate to call upon you. You are in my confidence now.""Will you tell me, then, where the Ben Nevis is bound? I may want to find her, for I haven't much taste for the old navy now.""Ah, you make better progress than I anticipated. She is bound to St. Marks."This was a lie, as Somers well knew."Coles and Langdon said she was to make Mobile.""The plan was changed. You must not lay much stress on what you heard that night. It was all a blind,—or most of it was.""Indeed?""The conversation at the house in Front Street was carried on for your especial benefit," added Pillgrim, laughing and rubbing his hands. "Langdon wrote both letters about the wounded sailor; there was no such person. The old woman that kept the house was in my pay. When I spoke so warmly in your praise to Langdon, I knew that you were listening to all I said; indeed, I said it to you rather than to Langdon.""Why did you tell me beforehand, if you intended to catch me with the treasonable offer?" asked Somers, rather mortified to learn that he had been duped from the beginning."I knew you would pretend to accept it. All I wanted was to get you to take the commission, orders,and oath. As you agreed to sign the latter, Langdon did it for you, for I could not wait.""The Ben Nevis is no humbug?""No; I bought her and two other steamers on the Clyde, in Scotland. The Ben Nevis was captured, but my friends bought her after she was condemned. As there had been a great deal said about her in the newspapers, I used her because it was probable you had heard of her.""I had.""Everything works as I intended.""Not exactly," thought Somers."The captain of the coaster that pounded you that night was Langdon," laughed Pillgrim."Why was that done?""That I might take you back to the hotel, and be your friend. We did not intend to hurt you much. It was important that you should think well of me. You do—don't you?""Of course.""All right now; remember you are mine, Somers," said Pillgrim, as he left the room.CHAPTER XII.THE BEN NEVIS.The Chatauqua rolled along easily on her course during the rest of the day, until the dog watch, when Mr. Pillgrim had the deck again. Somers, having discharged his whole duty in reference to the conspiracy, was content to leave the matter in the hands of Mr. Hackleford, to whom he had committed it.At eight bells, as soon as Somers had been relieved from the afternoon watch, he was not a little surprised to receive a message from the captain, inviting him to his cabin. He readily came to the conclusion that the summons related to the conspiracy. When he entered the cabin, he saw Captain Cascabel and Mr. Hackleford seated at the table, on which was spread a general chart of the coast of the United States."Say what you wish to Mr. Somers," said the captain to the first lieutenant."Mr. Somers, Captain Cascabel has sent for you in relation to the affair of which we talked in your state-room last night," Mr. Hackleford began. "All that youhave written out in your statement, and all that you told me, have been fully confirmed.""I intended to confine myself strictly to the facts," replied Somers, modestly."You have been very discreet and very prudent," added Mr. Hackleford."I fully concur," said Captain Cascabel. "You have exposed yourself to no little peril, in your zeal to serve your country."Somers bowed and blushed."I confess that I had some doubts in regard to the result of your operations, Mr. Somers," continued the first lieutenant; "but I am entirely satisfied now that Mr. Pillgrim is just what you represent him to be.""All that you affirmed has been fully verified," added the captain.He did not say that both himself and Mr. Hackleford had listened to the entire conversation between Somers and the traitor in the forenoon, occupying one of the captain's state-rooms, which adjoined the starboard side of the ward-room, having bored a couple of holes through the partition, behind the bureau; he did not say this, for it was hardly dignified for a captain to play the eavesdropper, even in a good cause. Somers knew that Mr. Hackleford was at hand at the time, and had arranged a set of signals by which he could advise the young officer, if he should be in doubt. One rap meant, "No;" tworaps, "Yes;" and three raps, "Give no direct answer." When Somers was in doubt respecting the bond, he asked the question of the empty air, apparently, but really of Mr. Hackleford, who had promptly replied in the affirmative by giving the two knocks, which had startled the traitor."Mr. Somers, what do you know of the Ben Nevis?" asked the captain."She was to sail from St. John on the 4th of July, to run the blockade at Wilmington. She is said to make sixteen knots, under favorable circumstances.""She has had a head wind part of the time. If she has made twelve on the average, she has done well," said Mr. Hackleford."She will be due off Cape Fear some time after meridian to-morrow," added the captain, consulting a paper, on which were several arithmetical operations.The calculations were carefully reviewed, and Somers was questioned at considerable length; but he had already given all the information he possessed. It was evidently the intention of Captain Cascabel to capture the Ben Nevis, though he did not announce his purpose."After what has occurred, Mr. Somers, you may be surprised that Mr. Pillgrim has not been relieved from duty and placed under arrest," continued Captain Cascabel, after the position of the Ben Nevis had been carefully estimated."I leave the matter entirely in the hands of my superior officers," replied Somers. "Having cast the responsibility upon them, I am willing to obey orders without asking any questions.""That is a very proper view to take of the subject, and I commend your moderation," said the captain, with a pleasant smile. "It has been thought best not to disturb Mr. Pillgrim for a day or two, for other events may transpire."Captain Cascabel bowed to Somers, and intimated that he had no further need of him at present."Ah, Mr. Somers, been visiting the captain," said the second lieutenant, as his victim came on deck."I was sent for.""What was the business?"Fortunately, Mr. Transit, who was planking the deck on the lee side, approached near enough to enable Somers to avoid answering the question, and he thus escaped the necessity of telling a falsehood. But as soon as Mr. Garboard took the deck, Pillgrim repeated the inquiry, and the young officer was obliged to narrate an imaginary conversation."It's no matter, Somers. You understand that I have a rope round your neck, and I am not at all afraid that you will make an improper use of your tongue.""I certainly shall not," answered Somers, with emphasis. "You may depend upon me for that.""The fact is, Somers, I have got a mortgage on you; and I want no better security for your good conduct.""You needn't trouble yourself at all about me.""I shall not; because, if you wish to betray me, I should rather enjoy it. I have been your best friend. Instead of blowing your brains out for making an end of poor Phil Kennedy, I have taken you into my confidence. You shall marry the prettiest and the richest girl north of the Potomac; and when Union officers are proscribed and condemned after the war, you will have a friend at court who will speak a good word for you.""Thank you; but do you really believe that the South will carry the day?""I'm sure of it. England is our best friend; and Louis Napoleon, in order to complete his Mexican scheme, must recognize the Confederacy. When France does the job, England will be only one day behind her.""If I go with you, I shall be on the winning side, then.""If you do? You have gone with me. Though I don't ask you to help the South openly, I expect you to be a friend of the government which must soon rule the country. Leave it all to me, Somers, and I will manage the business for you and myself. You must confess, Somers, that I am a little ahead of you in strategy," said the traitor, with a complacent smile."You beat me in the game we have been playing; butthat only makes us even, for I got the better of you in another affair.""Not of me; it was the stupidity of Phil Kennedy that ruined the Snowden business. I pride myself on my strategy, Somers. I have never been beaten in anything of this kind yet. The fact of it is, I know whom to trust. I never give my confidence to a man who dares to betray it," replied Pillgrim, rubbing his hands with delight at his own cleverness.Somers was of the opinion that he would think differently before many days had elapsed; but he was as prudent as the circumstances required.At eight bells, the fourth lieutenant took the deck for the first watch; and from that time until the following afternoon, he saw but little of the conspirator. At this time, the ship was off Cape Fear, though too far out to sight the land, or even the outer line of blockaders which kept vigilant watch over the entrance to the river. Precisely at the moment when one bell struck in the first dog-watch, the engine of the Chatauqua, without any order from the officer of the deck, and without any apparent reason, suddenly stopped.It had proved itself to be a very good and well-meaning engine, thus far, and all hands began to wonder what had happened, or what was going to happen. But Mr. Cranklin, the chief engineer, presently reported that there was a "screw loose" somewhere, and that itwould be necessary to lay to, and make some repairs. Certainly it was a very opportune moment for the ship to stop; and those who did not know what had passed between the chief engineer and the first lieutenant might have supposed that the zealous engine, heretofore so faithful in the discharge of its trying duties, had overheard some of the conversation we have related, and was waiting for the Ben Nevis to show herself to seaward.In further confirmation that the stoppage was not entirely owing to the obstinacy of the engine, it was observed that extra lookout men had been stationed on the fore yard, and on the cross-trees, since meridian of that day. The captain and the first lieutenant were often seen in confidential communication; and everybody on board seemed to be impressed with the idea that something was about to "turn up."Something did "turn up," about three bells; for the man on the fore cross-trees, reported a vessel on the beam. The dense mass of black smoke in the wake of her smoke-stack indicated that she was an English blockade runner, approaching the coast so as to run in after dark. As soon as this agreeable information spread through the Chatauqua, it created an intense excitement, not manifested in noisy demonstrations, for that would have been in violation of the strict rule of naval discipline, but in the expectant eyes and stimulated movements of the officers and crew, to whosepockets, as well as to their national pride, the prospect of a rich prize appealed with tremendous force.At this thrilling moment, when everything depended upon the sailing qualities of the Chatauqua, either Mr. Cranklin had completed his remedial efforts, or the engine had come to a realizing sense of the proprieties of the occasion, and was sensible of the appalling wickedness of disappointing the two hundred and fifty anxious souls on board. The docile machine was reported to be in condition for active service. The bells pealed forth the signal to "go ahead slowly," then "at full speed," and the Chatauqua darted away."Hard a starboard!" said Mr. Somers, now the officer of the deck, to the quartermaster, who was conning the wheel."Hard a starboard, sir!""Steady!""Steady, sir!""What does this mean, Somers?" demanded Pillgrim, in a low, angry tone, as he passed the officer of the deck."I don't know, sir. I only obey orders," replied Somers, as he glanced ahead at the chase."Do you know what steamer that is?" asked Pillgrim."How should I?""It is the Ben Nevis.""How do you know?""I know; that is sufficient. We must save her," said the second lieutenant, in low, but excited tones.The chase continued for half an hour longer, when it was evident that the Ben Nevis—for it was indeed she—had changed her course, and was headed to the eastward."This will never do, Mr. Somers," said Mr. Hackleford. "We can't sail with her. We must change our tactics.""She gains upon us," replied Somers."No doubt of it.""I am afraid we shall lose her, sir.""I would give my year's pay to capture her, Mr. Somers, if it were only for your sake."Somers suggested an idea to the first lieutenant, who, after the approval of Captain Cascabel, adopted it."Clear away the first cutter," said Mr. Hackleford. "Lower away."The first cutter was soon in the water, the ship having now stopped her engine."Mr. Pillgrim, you will stand by in the first cutter till that steamer comes up. Capture her if her papers are not all right, or if she is bound into Wilmington."A smile of satisfaction lighted up the countenance of the second lieutenant, when he found he was to go in the boat. The first cutter pulled away."Clear away the second cutter!" said the first lieutenant;and while the men were eagerly performing this duty, the captain instructed Somers, who was to go in her, in regard to the duty he was expected to perform.Somers took his place in the stern-sheets of the second cutter, which was armed with a twenty-four pounder howitzer, while the first cutter had nothing but small arms. As soon as this boat left the ship's side, the Chatauqua came about, as though she had abandoned the chase, and stood to the westward.The Ben Nevis immediately discovered the change which had been made in the course of her pursuer. Apparently satisfied that she had outwitted the man-of-war, she put about and headed towards the coast again, without suspecting the fact that two boats lay in her track.
As most of our readers have probably never seen the interior of a ship of war, we present on the adjoining page a plan of that portion of the vessel occupied by the officers. The round part is the stern of the ship,and the diagram includes a little less than one third of the whole length of the vessel.
A. The Captain's cabin, to which are attached the six small apartments on each side of it.1. The Companion-way, or stairs, by which the cabin is reached from the deck.2, 3. Store-rooms.4. Water-closet.5. Pantry.6, 7. State-rooms.B. The Ward-room, in which there is a table, long enough to accommodate the eight officers who occupy this apartment.8. First Lieutenant's state-room.9. Second Lieutenant's state-room10. Third Lieutenant's state-room11. Fourth Lieutenant's state-room12. Chief Engineer's state-room13. Master's state-room14. Paymaster's state-room15. Surgeon's state-room16. First Assistant Engineers' state-room.17. Second Assistant Engineers' room.C. The Steerage, occupied by Midshipmen and Masters' Mates.D. Third Assistant Engineer's room.18. The Armory.19. Ward-room pantry, through which passes the mizzen-mast.20, 20. Berths.21, 21. Mess store-rooms.
In the floor of the ward-room, between the state-room, 8 and 12, there are two scuttles leading down to the magazine, so that, during an action, all the powder is passed up through this room. Woollen screens are hung up on each side of these scuttles, when they are opened, to prevent any spark from being carried down to the powder.
There are four other scuttles leading down into the hold from the ward-room to the various store-rooms located there, and several in the floor abreast of the steerage.
On the forward part of the berth deck, just abaft the foremast, there are four state-rooms for the use of the carpenter, gunner, boatswain, and sailmaker. All persons except those mentioned sleep in hammocks.
The engine department of the Chatauqua consisted of one chief, two first assistant, two second assistant, and one third assistant engineers, with eighteen firemen and eighteen coal heavers. The chief engineer is a ward-room officer. He has the sole charge of the engine, and all persons connected with its management, but he keeps no watch. The other engineers obey the orders of their chief, and are divided into watches. They attend to the actual working of the engine. The firemen are alsoclassified, and receive different grades of pay, a portion of them attending to the oiling of the machinery,—called "oilers,"—while others superintend or feed the fires, and do other work connected with the engine and boilers. The coal-heavers convey the fuel from the coal bunkers to the furnaces.
Mr. Ensign Somers was the fourth lieutenant of the Chatauqua, and occupied the last state-room on the left, as you enter the ward-room. It was a nice little apartment, and the young officer was as happy as a lord when he was fully installed in his new quarters. And well might one who had commenced his naval career as an ordinary seaman, sleeping in a hammock, and who had never before known anything better than the confined accommodations of the steerage, have been delighted with his present comfortable and commodious quarters.
His state-room was lighted by a bull's eye, or round glass window, which could be opened in port, or in pleasant weather at sea. The room contained but one berth, which was quite wide for a ship, supplied with an excellent mattress; and one who could not sleep well in such a bed must be troubled with a rebellious conscience. There was also a bureau, the upper drawer of which, when the front was dropped down, became a convenient writing desk, supplied with small drawers, shelves, and pigeon-holes. The room was carpeted, and contained all that a reasonable man could require to make him comfortable and happy.
There was only one drawback upon the happiness of Somers; and that was the absence of Mr. Waldron. There was not one among the officers whom he could now call by the endearing name of friend, though all of them were good officers and gentlemanly men, and he had no reason to anticipate any difficulty with any of them, unless it was with Mr. Pillgrim. He sighed for the friendly guidance and the genial companionship of the late commander of the Rosalie, especially in view of the embarrassing circumstances which surrounded him.
But it was some compensation to know that his old shipmate, Tom Longstone, had been promoted to the rank of boatswain, and ordered to the Chatauqua. The old man's splendid behavior in Doboy Sound had enabled Mr. Waldron to secure this favor for him, and to obtain his appointment to his own ship. Mr. Longstone, as he must hereafter be called, came on board in a uniform of bright blue, and his dress so altered his appearance that Somers hardly recognized him. The old salt had always been very careful about "putting on airs," when he was a common sailor or a petty officer; but he knew how to be a gentleman, and his new dignity sat as easily upon him as though he had been brought up in the ward-room. Though he looked well, and carried himself like an officer, he could not immediately adapt his language to his new position. He was a representative sailor, and he could not help being "salt."
The boatswain was Somers's only real friend on board, and the distance between a ward-room officer and a forward officer was so great that he was not likely to realize any especial satisfaction from the friendship; but it was pleasant to know that there was even one in the ship who was devoted to him, heart and soul.
"All hands, up anchor!" piped the boatswain; and it was a pleasant sound to the fourth lieutenant of the Chatauqua, as doubtless it was to all hands, for "lying in the stream" is stupid work to an expectant crew.
The ship got under way with all the order and regularity which prevail on board a man-of-war, and in a short time was standing down the Delaware River. Her great guns pealed the customary salute, and as the wind was fair, her top-sails and top-gallant-sails were shaken out as soon as she had passed from the narrow river into the broad bay. Off the capes the sealed orders were opened; and it proved, as the knowing ones had anticipated, that the Chatauqua was bound to the blockading station off Mobile Bay.
At eight o'clock in the evening the ship was out of sight of land. Everything on board was in regular sea trim. Mr. Garboard, the third lieutenant, had the deck, and the other officers were in the ward-room, or in their state-rooms. They were discussing the merits of the ship, or the probable work before them at Mobile; for a great naval attack in that quarter was confidentlypredicted. The "Old Salamander," "Brave Old Salt," as Admiral Farragut was familiarly called, was understood to be making preparations for one of his tremendous onslaughts.
Somers was occupied in his state-room, putting his books, papers, and clothing in order, which he had not had time to do before to his satisfaction. He placed his Testament on the bureau, where it could be taken up for a moment without delay, and where it would constantly remind him of his duty, and of the loved ones at home, with whom the precious volume seemed to be inseparably associated.
Among his papers were the rebel commission, the written orders, and the statement he had made of the interview between Coles and Langdon, which had been extended so as to contain a full account of his conference with "Mr. Wynkoop," and his inquiries into the character of the Ben Nevis, in Boston and New York. These documents brought forcibly to his mind his relations with Lieutenant Pillgrim, who was still a mystery to him. Since Somers had come on board of the Chatauqua, not a syllable had been breathed about the dinner with the "officer of the royal navy." As Mr. Pillgrim doubtless believed he had changed the letters, and thus corrected his confederate's mistake, before the letter intended for him had fallen into Somers's hand, the lieutenant had no reason to suppose his treasonable position was even suspected.
Somers felt that he had a battle to fight with Mr. Pillgrim, and the suspense was intolerable, not to mention the hypocrisy and deceit which this double character required of him. Now, more than before, he regretted the absence of Mr. Waldron, who would have been a rock of safety and strength to him in the trials that beset him. While he was moodily overhauling his papers, and thinking of his difficult situation, Mr. Pillgrim knocked at the door of his room, and was invited to enter.
"Ah, making stowage, are you, Somers?" said the lieutenant, pleasantly.
"Yes, sir; putting things to rights a little."
"It's a good plan to have everything in its place," added Pillgrim, as he took up the little Testament which lay on the bureau. "You are a good boy, I see, and read the book."
"That was given me by my mother, and I value it very highly."
"Then I shouldn't think you would want to wear it out."
"She gave it to me to use, and I am afraid, if she saw it was not soiled by handling, she would think it had not been well used."
"I am glad you use it. I don't fail to read mine morning and evening."
Somers could not believe him, and he could not see that a traitor to his country should have any use for the New Testament.
"By the way, Somers, did you see your friend Wynkoop again before we sailed?" added Mr. Pillgrim.
"I did not; I have not seen him since we dined together. I judge that you were better acquainted with him than I was."
"My acquaintance with him was very slight. By the papers I saw on the table before you, when you were at dinner, I think you made good use of the short time you knew each other."
"To what do you allude?" asked Somers, now assured that Mr. Pillgrim knew the nature of the papers.
"To your commission as a commander in the Confederate navy. Mr. Somers, I could not believe my eyes."
"Were you very much astonished?"
"If I had been told that President Lincoln had gone over to the rebels, I should not have been more astonished. Your conduct has severely embarrassed me. It was my duty to denounce you as a traitor, in the service of the enemy, but—"
At that instant the rattle of the drum, beating to quarters, caused both of them to hurry on deck.
IN THE STATE-ROOM.
Somers took his station on the quarter deck, near the mizzen-mast, while Mr. Pillgrim went forward to the forecastle. The guns were cast loose, and the crew exercised at quarters for a few moments, just as though there were an enemy's ship near. This manœuvre was executed for the purpose of perfecting the officers and crew in discipline; and it is not an uncommon thing to turn up all hands in the dead of the night for this object, for it is easier to correct mistakes at such times than when in the presence of the enemy. As there was no Confederate ship in sight, all hands were presently piped below, and Somers returned to his state-room, where he was soon joined by Mr. Pillgrim, who evidently wished to prolong the conversation which had been commenced before the ship beat to quarters.
"Mr. Somers you and I have been friends for some little time," the lieutenant began, "and I confess that I have been deeply interested in you, not only on your own account, but for the sake of our friends at Newport."
"Thank you, Mr. Pillgrim," said Somers, as the gentleman paused. "I am greatly obliged to you, and I hope I shall always merit your good opinion."
"I'm afraid not, my young friend; at least, you have not commenced this cruise very well, having first sold yourself to the enemy."
"Do you think I have done that, Mr. Pillgrim?" demanded Somers, not a little excited by the charge, from such a source.
"I know you have. I saw your commission on the table."
"I took the commission, I grant, but I have no intention of using it."
"Why did you take it then?"
"For the purpose of gaining information."
"Have you gained it?" demanded Mr. Pillgrim, with a hardly perceptible sneer.
"I have."
"You received written orders, also."
"I did; and if I had obtained a foothold on the deck of the vessel to which I was ordered, you would have seen how quick I should have passed her over to my government."
"That is a very plausible explanation, Mr. Somers," added the lieutenant. "But why did you sign the oath of allegiance to the Southern Confederacy?"
"I did not."
"I beg your pardon, but I saw the document with your signature affixed to it."
"You are mistaken, Mr. Pillgrim."
"Can I refuse to believe the evidence of my own eyes?"
"Nevertheless, I must persist in saying that I did not sign the oath."
"After what you have done, Mr. Somers, I could hardly expect you to acknowledge it to a loyal officer. Are you aware that any court martial would convict you, on the evidence against you, of treason, and sentence you to death?"
"I think not, when it was made to appear that all I did was in the service of my country."
Somers shuddered when he thought of a traitor's doom, and for the first time realized that he had accumulated more evidence against himself than against the conspirators. The commander's commission and the written orders were almost, if not quite, enough to hang him.
"You don't believe what you say, Mr. Somers, and of course you cannot expect me to believe it," said Pillgrim, when he saw his brother officer musing, and looking rather anxious.
"I speak the truth, Mr. Pillgrim," replied Somers, unable to turn his attention entirely away from the consequences which might follow some of these appearances against him.
"Somers, I have felt a deep interest in you. I have all along desired to be your friend. This is the only reason why I did not prefer charges against you before the ship sailed. Now, I advise you not to deny what is as plain as truth can make it. I am your friend. Own up to me, and I promise never to betray you."
"Would your friend Langdon,aliasLieutenant Wynkoop, R. N., be equally considerate?" asked Somers, provoked into making this unguarded remark by the hypocrisy of Pillgrim.
If the second lieutenant of the Chatauqua had received the bolt from a thunder cloud he could not have been more astonished. He started back, turned pale, and quivered with emotion.
"Who?" demanded he, with a tremendous effort to recover his self-possession.
"Do you think, Mr. Pillgrim, that I am a little lamb, that can be led round with a silken string?" replied Somers, with energy. "You are my superior officer, and as such I will respect and obey you until—until—"
"Until what?"
"Until the day of reckoning comes. When you stand up in my presence and charge me with being a traitor to my country, you had better remember that such charges, like chickens, will go home to roost."
"I was not brought up in a barn yard, Mr. Somers, and such comparisons are beyond my comprehension."
"Wherever you were brought up, I think my language is plain enough to be understood by a person of your intelligence."
Perhaps it was fortunate for both parties that a knock at the state-room door disturbed the conference at this exciting moment. Somers opened the door.
"Mr. Hackleford desires to see Mr. Somers on deck," said a midshipman.
"Excuse me for a few moments, Mr. Pillgrim," said Somers, as he closed his desk and locked it.
"Certainly, sir; but I should be happy to see you when you are disengaged. I will remain here if you please."
"I will join you as soon as I can."
It was warm below, and both Pillgrim and Somers had thrown off their coats, and laid them on the bed. Somers slipped on his own, as he supposed, and hastened on deck to meet the first lieutenant. The garment seemed rather large for him, and there were several papers in the breast pocket which did not belong to him. Then he was aware that he had taken the second lieutenant's coat instead of his own.
Mr. Hackleford wished to obtain some information from him in regard to one of the petty officers, and when Somers had answered the questions he went below again. The papers in the pocket of Pillgrim's coat seemed to burn his fingers when he touched them. The owner wasa traitor, and perhaps these documents might contain valuable intelligence. Under ordinary circumstances it would have been the height of perfidy to look at one of them; but, in the present instance, he felt justified in glancing at them. The state-room of the second assistant engineers was open and lighted, but neither of these officers was there. Stepping into the room, he opened the papers and glanced at their contents. Only one of them contained anything of importance. This was a note from a person who signed himself simply "Irvine," but it was in the handwriting of Langdon. The only clause in the epistle that was intelligible to Somers was this: "Have just heard from B——. The Ben Nevis, he says, will make Wilmington after leaving St. John. Plenty of guns there. She will sail July 4."
Whether "B——" meant Boston or some person's name, Somers could not determine; but the fact in regard to the Ben Nevis was of the utmost consequence. Hastily folding up the note, he returned the package of papers to the pocket where he had found them. Taking off the coat as he entered the ward-room, he went into the state-room, where Mr. Pillgrim was still waiting for him, with the garment on his arm. He threw it upon the bed as he entered, and his companion was not even aware of the mistake which had been made.
"Mr. Somers, you were making some grave charges against me when you were called away," said the lieutenant.
"Not half so grave as those you made against me," replied Somers.
"Those can be proved."
"I made no charges. I only mentioned the name of your friend Langdon."
"I don't know him," added Pillgrim, doggedly.
"I beg your pardon, as you did mine, just now."
"Which means that you doubt my word."
"As you did mine."
"Somers, I am not to be trifled with," said Pillgrim, sternly.
"Neither am I."
"Be cautious, or I will denounce you to the captain at once," added the lieutenant, in low and threatening tones.
"Proceed, and then I shall be at liberty to take the next step."
"What's that?"
"Do you think I intend to show you my hand?" said Somers, with a meaning smile.
Pillgrim bit his lip with vexation. He seemed to be completely cornered. He evidently believed that his companion knew more than "the law allows."
"Mr. Pillgrim, I am no traitor; you know this as well as I do. Whatever papers I took from your friend Langdon,aliasWynkoop, were taken with a view to serve my country."
"You signed the oath of allegiance he offered you."
"It is false!" replied Somers, angrily.
"Be calm, Mr. Somers. I am no hypocrite, as you are," added Pillgrim. "I have heard that you have a talent for overhearing other people's conversation."
"In the service of my country I am willing to do even this," said Somers, indignantly.
"No matter about that. You have hinted that I am a traitor."
"If the hint is not sufficient, I declare that such is the fact."
Somers was roused to a high pitch of excitement, and he was not as prudent as he was wont to be. He was not playing a part now; he was talking and acting as he wanted to talk and act. He was calling treason and treachery by their right names.
"Explain, Mr. Somers," said Pillgrim, who grew cooler as his companion became hotter.
"You are in league with the enemies of your country. You and others have just started a steamer for St. John, which you intend to fit out as a Confederate cruiser—the Ben Nevis, of which you and your fellow-conspirators did me the honor to give me the command."
Pillgrim smiled blandly.
"And you accepted the command?"
"For a purpose, I did."
"You have not explained why you connect me with this affair. You spoke of some one whom you call Langdon. I don't know him."
"You—do!"
"Prove it."
"He addresses a note to you, calling you 'my dear Pillgrim,' and signs himself, familiarly, 'Langdon.'"
"Then you have been reading my letters—have you?"
"It was addressed to me, and put in my box at the hotel."
The second lieutenant turned pale, then red. He walked up and down the state-room several times in silence. He could not deny the fact alleged. While he walked, Somers explained how he had read the note, and then put it back in the box. Pillgrim understood it.
"Of course you know Coles," continued Somers, placing a heavy emphasis on the name of this worthy.
The lieutenant halted before his companion, and looked earnestly and inquiringly into his face. Somers returned his gaze with unflinching resolution. There was a smile upon his face, for he believed that he had thrown a red-hot shot into the enemy.
"Coles!" said Pillgrim.
"Coles!" repeated Somers.
"Mr. Somers, you are a fool!"
"Pray, where were you when human wisdom was distributed?"
"Do you know Coles?" asked Pillgrim.
"I think I should know Coles if I saw him."
"No, you wouldn't."
"He is the greatest villain that ever went unhung."
"Except yourself. Somers, this is child's play. You have made me your enemy, but let us fight it out like men."
"I will do so with pleasure when you take your place on the deck of a rebel vessel, where you belong."
"A truce to child's play, I say again. We must settle this matter here and now."
"It can't be done."
"It must be done, or I will inform Captain Cascabel who and what you are before the first watch is out. Probably he will wish to see your Confederate commission and your letter of instructions."
"When he does, I have something else to show him," replied Somers, whose answer was sufficiently indefinite to make the traitor look very stormy and anxious.
"Can you show him a Confederate oath of allegiance signed by me?"
"No."
"Then he will be more likely to hear me than you," added the lieutenant, whose countenance now looked as malignant as that of a demon. "You have subscribed to that oath; I have not."
"It is false!"
"So you said before."
"Prove it."
"Here," continued Pillgrim, taking from his pocketthe document which had been offered to Somers by Wynkoop.
The young officer glanced at it, and on the line for the signature, he saw, with horror and indignation, the name of "John Somers," apparently in his own handwriting. Undoubtedly it was a forgery, but it was so well done that even the owner of the name could hardly distinguish it from his usual signature.
"It is a forgery," gasped Somers, appalled at the deadly peril which seemed to be in his path.
"Prove it," said the lieutenant, with a mocking smile.
Somers groaned in spirit. It would be impossible for him to prove that the signature was a forgery. Even his best friends would acknowledge it, so well was it executed.
"I have you, Somers," said Pillgrim, exultingly. "Let us understand each other. You are mine, Somers, or you hang! Somers, I am Coles!"
THE CHIEF CONSPIRATOR.
Lieutenant Pillgrim rattled off the sentences in which he acknowledged his complicity with treason with a smile of malignant triumph on his face. He gloated over his victim as the evil one might be supposed to do over a soul wrenched from truth and virtue. He believed that he had Somers in a position where he could not betray him, or even resent his tyranny.
For the first time Somers realized that he had been imprudent in exposing himself to the machinations of these evil men. Before he had only felt a little uncomfortably, and harbored a vague suspicion that, in attempting to overreach others, he had committed himself. He had learned in his babyhood that it is dangerous to play with fire, but had never believed it so fully as at this moment. He had touched the pitch, and felt that he had been defiled by it. Though his conscience kept assuring him he was innocent, and protesting against a harsh judgment, he could not help regretting that he hadnot exposed the villains before he left Philadelphia, and permitted the consequences to take care of themselves.
But stronger than any other impression, at this eventful moment, was the feeling that he was no match for men so deeply versed in treason and wickedness as Pillgrim and his confederates. He had played at the game of strategy, and been beaten. While he thought he was leading them on to confusion, they were actually entwining the meshes of the net around him.
Mr. Pillgrim had just declared that he was the mysterious Coles. Somers, at first, found it very difficult to realize the fact. He had really seen Coles but once; but they had spent some hours together. At that time Coles wore long, black whiskers, which concealed two thirds of his face; Pillgrim wore no beard, not even a mustache. Coles was dressed in homely garments; Pillgrim, in an elegant uniform. Coles's hair was short and straight; Pillgrim's, long and curly at the ends.
In height, form, and proportions, they were the same; and the difference between Coles and Pillgrim was really nothing which might not have been produced with a razor, a pair of barber's shears, and the contrast of dress. The familiarity of the lieutenant's expression, before unexplained, was now accounted for; and before his tyrant spoke again, Somers was satisfied that he actually stood in the presence of Coles.
Pillgrim stood with folded arms, gazing at his victim,and enjoying the confusion which Somers could not conceal. The persecutor was a confident man, and fully believed that he was master of the situation, and that Somers would do anything he asked of him, even to going over into the rebel ranks. He was mistaken; for Somers, deep as he felt that he was in hot water, would have chosen to hang at the fore yard-arm, rather than betray his country, or be false to her interests.
"You just now remarked that you should know Coles if you saw him," sneered Pillgrim.
"I know you now," replied Somers, bitterly.
"I see you do; but you will know me better before we part."
"I know you well enough now. You are a rebel and a traitor; and what I said of Coles I say of you,—that you are the greatest villain that ever went unhung."
"I don't like that kind of language, Mr. Somers," replied Pillgrim, with entire coolness and self-possession. "It isn't the kind of language which one gentleman should apply to another."
"Gentleman!" said Somers, with curling lip; "I applied it to a rebel and a traitor."
"In the present instance it is mutiny. I am your superior officer."
"You are out of place; you don't belong here."
"Your place is on the quarter deck of the Ben Nevis; and perhaps it will be when she goes into commission as a Confederate cruiser."
"Never!" exclaimed Somers, with energy.
"My dear Mr. Somers, be prudent. Some of the officers might hear you."
"I don't care if they all hear me."
"You talk and act like a boy, Somers. I beg you to consider that your neck and mine are in the same noose. If I hang, you hang with me."
Somers groaned, for he could not see where his vindication was to come from.
"You seem to understand your situation, and at the same time you appear to be quite willing to throw yourself into the fire. Let me call your attention to the fact that fire will burn."
"Better burn or hang, than be a traitor."
"Be reasonable, Somers. I do not propose to ask anything of you which will compromise your position in the navy; but I repeat, you are mine."
"I don't understand you."
"I have told you my secret. You know that I am in the Confederate service; that I have fitted out a vessel to cruise for Yankee ships. I am willing you should know this, for you dare not violate my confidence."
"Perhaps I dare."
"If you do, you are a dead man."
"Will you kill me?"
"If necessary."
"I have usually been able to defend myself," replied Somers, with dignity.
"I am not an assassin. A court martial will do all I wish done if you are not prudent and devoted, as you should be. The Confederate oath of allegiance signed by you is good testimony."
"I didn't sign it. The signature is a forgery."
"My dear fellow, what possible difference does that make? It is well done—is it not?"
"Perhaps it is. Where did you get it?"
"Langdon gave it to me."
"Did he sign my name to it?"
"Possibly; but even grant that I did it myself—what then?"
"You are a greater villain than I ever gave Coles the credit of being."
"Thank you!"
"Where is Langdon now?"
"In New York—where he can be reached if you make it necessary to convene a court martial."
"Is he a naval officer?"
"Yes; he has been a Confederate agent in London for the past two years. Since the English have become a little particular about letting steamers out for the Confederates, he buys them on this side."
"What do you want of me, Mr.—Pillgrim? if that is your name?"
"That is my name. I don't want much of you."
"What?"
"I am not ready to tell you until you are in a proper frame of mind. You are rather childish to-night. After you have thought the matter over, you will be a man, and be reasonable. Let me see: Garboard has the forenoon watch to-morrow, and we shall both be off duty after general quarters. If you please, I will meet you at that time."
Somers considered a moment, and assented to the proposition. Pillgrim bade him good night, and retired to his own state-room, apparently without a fear that his victim would struggle in the trap into which he had fallen.
"And into the counsels of the ungodly enter thou not." This text rang in the mind of Somers, as though some mighty prophet were thundering it into his ears. He felt that he had already plunged deep enough into the pit of treason, and he was anxious to get away from it before he was scorched by the fire, and before the smell of fire clung to his garments.
For half an hour the fourth lieutenant of the Chatauqua sat at his desk, in deep thought. Though in the matter of which he was thinking, he had not sinned against his country, or the moral law, he was sorely troubled. He could not conceal from himself the fact that he was afraid of Pillgrim. The dread of having his name connected with any treasonable transaction was hard to overcome. That oath of allegiance, with hissignature forged upon it, haunted him like an evil demon. He felt more timid and fearful than ever before in his life. His faith in Him who doeth all things well, seemed to be momentarily shaken, and he was hardly willing to do justly, and leave the consequences to themselves.
He felt weak, and being conscious of his weakness, he looked upward for strength. Leaning on his desk, he prayed for wisdom to know the right, and for the power to do it. He was in earnest; and though his prayer was not spoken, it moved his soul down to the depths of his spiritual being.
Three bells struck while he was thus engaged. He rose from the desk, and walked up and down the state-room several times. Suddenly he stopped short. A great thought struck him. In an instant it became a great resolution. Before it had time to grow cold, he put on his coat and cap, and went out into the ward-room. Mr. Transit, the master, Mr. Grynbock, the paymaster, and Dr. De Plesion, the surgeon, were there, discussing the anticipated attacks on Mobile and Wilmington. Somers felt no interest in the conversation at this time. He went on deck, where he found Captain Cascabel and the first lieutenant, smoking their cigars. Waiting till the captain went below, he touched his cap to Mr. Hackleford.
"Mr. Somers?"
"Yes, sir."
"Not turned in, Mr. Somers? You have the mid-watch."
"If you will excuse me, sir, for coming to you at such a time, I wish to have half an hour's conversation with you."
"With me?" said Mr. Hackleford, apparently much surprised at such a request at such an hour.
"Yes, sir. It is a matter of the utmost consequence, or I would not have mentioned it at this time."
"Very well, Mr. Somers; I am ready to hear you."
"Excuse me, sir; I would rather not introduce the matter on deck."
"Well, come to my state-room."
"To my state-room, if you please, Mr. Hackleford."
"Why not mine?"
"I am afraid the person most deeply concerned will overhear me. His room is next to yours."
"Mr. Pillgrim?" exclaimed the first lieutenant.
"Yes, sir."
"Mr. Somers, I have a high regard for you as an officer and a gentleman, and I am not unacquainted with your past history. I hope you have nothing to say which will reflect on a brother officer."
"I have, sir."
"Then I advise you to think well before you speak."
"I am entirely prepared to speak, sir."
"Complaints against superior officers, Mr. Somers, are rather dangerous."
"It is not personal, sir, though I may be the sufferer for making it."
Mr. Hackleford led the way down to the ward-room. The officers had retired to their apartments, and there was no one to see them enter the state-room. As it was now nearly ten o'clock, when all officers' lights must be extinguished, Somers formally asked and obtained permission to burn his lamp till eleven o'clock. The first lieutenant entered the room, and Somers closed the door.
"Mr. Hackleford, may I trouble you to read this statement?" said Somers, as he handed out the paper he had so carefully prepared.
The first lieutenant adjusted his eye-glass, and read the statement through, asking an explanation of two or three points as he proceeded. He was deeply absorbed in the narrative, which was drawn up with the utmost minuteness.
"This is an infernal scheme, Mr. Somers. I hope you did not permit the vessel to sail without giving information of her character."
"The Ben Nevis sailed from New York before I could do anything or say a word," said Somers, exhibiting Langdon's letter.
"That was bad. You should have spoken before."
"My paper explains my reasons for keeping still. Perhaps I was wrong, sir, but I did the best I knew how."
"And this vessel is bound to Mobile. We may pick her up."
"The note says she is bound to Mobile; but it is not true. That is a blind to deceive me."
"Why should they wish to deceive you, after giving you their confidence."
"I don't know the reason."
"But what has all this to do with Mr. Pillgrim?" asked Mr. Hackleford.
"Mr. Pillgrim is the person spoken of in that paper as Coles."
"Impossible!" ejaculated Mr. Hackleford, springing to his feet.
"I shall be able to prove it by to-morrow, sir."
Somers then gave him the substance of the conversation between himself and Mr. Pillgrim.
"Why, this Coles wants something of you."
"Yes, sir; but I don't know what. He engaged to meet me here at four bells in the forenoon watch to-morrow, when he will tell me what he wants."
"Very well, Mr. Somers; meet him as agreed. You have played your part well. When you come together, you must yield the point; lead him along, and you will bag him,—and the vessel, I hope."
"The Ben Nevis will sail from St. John July 4, for Wilmington."
"Ah, then she is about even with the Chatauqua. I would give a year's pay for the privilege of catching her."
Until eleven o'clock the two officers consulted charts, and figured up the time of the Ben Nevis.
AFTER GENERAL QUARTERS.
At eleven o'clock, when the master-at-arms knocked at the door of the fourth lieutenant, to inform him that it was time to put out his light, the calculations in regard to the position of the Ben Nevis had been made and verified. Mr. Hackleford, after counselling prudence and precaution, retired to his state-room. Somers threw himself on his cot, and having eased his mind of the heavy burden which had rested upon it, he went to sleep. But there was only an hour of rest for him, for at twelve o'clock he was to take the deck.
When eight bells struck, he turned out, much refreshed by his short nap, to relieve Mr. Garboard. It was a beautiful night, with only a gentle breeze from the westward, and the ship was doing her ten knots without making any fuss about it. Somers took the trumpet, which the officer of the deck always carries as the emblem of his office, and commenced his walk on the weather side.
Though he carefully watched the compasses, and saw that the sheets were hauled close home, he could not help thinking of the startling events which had transpired on the preceding evening. But he was satisfied with himself now. He had purged himself of all appearance of complicity with the enemies of his country, and he fully expected that Pillgrim would be put under arrest within the next forty-eight hours. The consciousness of duty done made him happy and contented. The first lieutenant had even praised him for the manner in which he had conducted the delicate business, and did not lay any stress on the oath of allegiance, or the commander's commission.
For his four hours he "planked the deck," thinking of the past and hopeful of the future. At eight bells he sent a midshipman down to call Mr. Pillgrim. While he was waiting to be relieved, he could not help considering what a risk it was to leave that noble ship in the hands of a traitor; but Somers had given all the information he had to Mr. Hackleford, and the responsibility did not rest upon himself. The first lieutenant was an able and discreet officer, and would not permit the Chatauqua to be imperilled even for a moment.
"Good morning, Mr. Somers," said Lieutenant Pillgrim, as he came on deck.
"Good morning, Mr. Pillgrim," replied Somers, with all the courtesy due to the quarter deck.
"A fine morning."
"Beautiful weather."
"You have had a good opportunity to think over our business. How do you feel about it?"
"Just right, I hope."
"I am glad to hear it. Have you seen anything of the Ben Nevis?"
"Of the Ben Nevis! No, sir; I don't expect to see her here."
"We may," replied Pillgrim, as he took the trumpet.
"Isn't she going to Mobile?"
"We'll talk of her during the forenoon watch," added the second lieutenant, as he turned on his heel and walked forward.
Somers went below. As he entered the ward-room, Mr. Hackleford came out of his state-room. This gentleman evidently intended to keep a sharp lookout for the officer of the deck during his watch. He asked the relieved officer if anything more had transpired, and the unimportant conversation which had just taken place was fully reported to him.
"Mr. Somers, I haven't slept an hour during the night. There are one or two points in your statement which were a little dark to me," said Mr. Hackleford.
"More than that of it is dark to me. I do not profess to understand the whole of it. I only state the facts from my own point of view."
"You listened to this talk between Coles and Langdon at the sailors' boarding-house in Front Street?"
"Yes, sir."
"If you saw Coles there, how could—"
"I didn't see him, sir; I only heard him."
"That accounts for it," said Mr. Hackleford, musing. "Didn't you recognize Mr. Pillgrim's voice?"
"No, sir; I think he changed it; though the two tones were so similar that I might have recognized it, if I had suspected they were the same person."
Mr. Hackleford asked other questions, which Somers answered with strict regard to the truth, rather than with the intention of removing the first lieutenant's doubts. He wanted only facts himself, and he was careful not to distort them, in order to confirm any theory of his own or of his superior officer.
Mr. Hackleford went on deck, and Somers turned in. He was in condition to sleep now, and he improved his four hours below to the best advantage.
After general quarters, when the crew were dismissed, he went down to his state-room, prepared to meet Mr. Pillgrim. He was surprised to know how little curiosity he felt to learn what the traitor wanted and expected of him. Punctual to the appointed time, which exhibited the interest he felt in the expected interview, the treacherous second lieutenant made his appearance. Somers received him as one officer should receive another,though it was hard work for him to disguise the contempt and detestation with which he regarded the traitor.
"Well, Somers, now I am to tell you what I want of you. It isn't much, as I warned you before; and I am very glad to see that you are in such a happy frame of mind."
"I am ready to hear you, and do the best I can," replied Somers, carefully following the instructions of Mr. Hackleford with regard to matter and manner.
He had been cautioned to be ready enough in listening to the chief conspirator, but not too ready, so as to betray his object.
"Good! I think you understand me now."
"I think I do, sir."
"I am sorry to do it, but it is necessary for me to remind you again that your fate is in my hands; that a word from me would subject you to a trial by court martial for treason, and probably to more hemp rope than would feel good about your neck."
"Though I don't think I am in so much danger as you represent, I will grant your position."
"Don't grant it, if you think it is not correct;" and Mr. Pillgrim minutely detailed the evidence which could be brought to bear against him.
Somers appeared to be overwhelmed by this array of testimony. He groaned, looked hopeless, and finally granted the traitor's position in full.
"I am in your power. Do with me as you will. Of course the moment I put my foot on a rebel deck I am ruined."
"You can do as you please about going into the Confederate service. What I want of you will not compromise you as a loyal man in the slightest degree."
"What do you want of me?"
"Not quite so loud, if you please, Mr. Somers," said the lieutenant, glancing at the door. "To me, Somers, you have been a thorn. You lost me the Snowden, and the valuable cargo of the Theban."
"I only did my duty," pleaded Somers.
"Bah! don't use that word to me again. Through you a fortune slipped through my fingers. I should have got the Snowden into Wilmington, if you had not meddled with the matter. I have lost eighty thousand dollars by you."
"Of course I had no ill will against you personally."
"Very true; if you had, you would have been a dead man before this time. Phil Kennedy was a fool, but he was my best friend. I have his bond for forty thousand dollars, which is waste paper just now. Phil fell by your hand."
"It was in fair fight."
"Nonsense! What matter is it to me how he fell, whether it was in fair fight or foul? He is dead; that is all."
"What has all this to do with me?" asked Somers, with seeming impatience.
"Much, my dear fellow. Phil was to marry Kate Portington; was to pocket her fortune. You have cut him out. You will marry her, and in due time come into possession of a million. The commodore is apoplectic, and will not live many years. Do you see my point?"
"I do not," answered Somers, disgusted with this heartless statement.
"As you cheated me out of the Snowden, as you killed Phil Kennedy, as you will marry Kate Portington, I propose that you assume and pay Phil's bond."
"I?"
"Certainly—you; Mr. Somers; Kate's prodigy," laughed Pillgrim.
"Never!" exclaimed Somers, jumping to his feet.
"You speak too loud, Mr. Somers."
"Am I a dog, or a snake, or a toad, that I should do such an unclean thing?"
The traitor took from his pocket the oath of allegiance, opened it, and in silence thrust it into his companion's face.
"I have sold myself."
"You have, Somers. Think of it. If I have to make out a case against you, of course you will never see Kate again. Let me add, that the commodore sets his life byme. We were old friends before the war. You may marry his daughter with my consent, but not without it."
"I never thought of such a thing."
"Perhaps not. We waste time. Will you sign the bond?"
"The bond is good for nothing. No court—"
"That is my affair. If you agree to it, I will run all risks. I trouble no courts. If you don't pay, I have only to speak, and hang you then."
"I am lost," groaned Somers.
"No, you are not. Sign, and you have found fortune and a friend."
"I dare not sign."
"You dare not refuse."
Somers walked up and down the state-room, apparently in great mental agony.
"Shall I sign?" said he, in a loud tone, as though he were speaking to the empty air.
"Not so loud, man!" interposed Pillgrim, angrily.
At that instant two light raps were distinctly heard.
"What's that?" demanded the traitor, greatly alarmed.
"I will sign it," promptly added Somers, to whom the two raps seemed to be perfectly intelligible.
"What was that noise?" asked Pillgrim, fearfully. "Is there any one in Garboard's state-room?"
"I think not."
The second lieutenant was not satisfied. He openedthe door and looked into the adjoining state-room, but there was no person there, and the ward-room was empty. There was no one within hearing, and the conspirator recovered his wonted self-possession.
"You will sign?" said he.
"I will."
"I knew you would, and therefore I prepared the document; read it," he continued, taking a paper from his pocket.
Somers read. It was simply an agreement to pay forty thousand dollars, when he married Kate Portington, in consideration of certain assistance rendered the signer, but without any allusion to the circumstances under which it was given. As a legal document, of course it was good for nothing, as both parties well understood. Somers signed it.
"Now, Mr. Somers, we are friends," said Pillgrim, as he folded up the paper, and restored it to his pocket. "You have done me a good turn, and I have done you one."
Somers, unwilling to regard Pillgrim as a fool, believed that this paper was intended to ruin him in the estimation of the Portington family, and that the villain intended to marry her himself when her apparent suitor was disposed of.
"Is this all you expect of me?" asked Somers.
"This is the principal thing. I may have occasion touse you again; if I do, I shall not hesitate to call upon you. You are in my confidence now."
"Will you tell me, then, where the Ben Nevis is bound? I may want to find her, for I haven't much taste for the old navy now."
"Ah, you make better progress than I anticipated. She is bound to St. Marks."
This was a lie, as Somers well knew.
"Coles and Langdon said she was to make Mobile."
"The plan was changed. You must not lay much stress on what you heard that night. It was all a blind,—or most of it was."
"Indeed?"
"The conversation at the house in Front Street was carried on for your especial benefit," added Pillgrim, laughing and rubbing his hands. "Langdon wrote both letters about the wounded sailor; there was no such person. The old woman that kept the house was in my pay. When I spoke so warmly in your praise to Langdon, I knew that you were listening to all I said; indeed, I said it to you rather than to Langdon."
"Why did you tell me beforehand, if you intended to catch me with the treasonable offer?" asked Somers, rather mortified to learn that he had been duped from the beginning.
"I knew you would pretend to accept it. All I wanted was to get you to take the commission, orders,and oath. As you agreed to sign the latter, Langdon did it for you, for I could not wait."
"The Ben Nevis is no humbug?"
"No; I bought her and two other steamers on the Clyde, in Scotland. The Ben Nevis was captured, but my friends bought her after she was condemned. As there had been a great deal said about her in the newspapers, I used her because it was probable you had heard of her."
"I had."
"Everything works as I intended."
"Not exactly," thought Somers.
"The captain of the coaster that pounded you that night was Langdon," laughed Pillgrim.
"Why was that done?"
"That I might take you back to the hotel, and be your friend. We did not intend to hurt you much. It was important that you should think well of me. You do—don't you?"
"Of course."
"All right now; remember you are mine, Somers," said Pillgrim, as he left the room.
THE BEN NEVIS.
The Chatauqua rolled along easily on her course during the rest of the day, until the dog watch, when Mr. Pillgrim had the deck again. Somers, having discharged his whole duty in reference to the conspiracy, was content to leave the matter in the hands of Mr. Hackleford, to whom he had committed it.
At eight bells, as soon as Somers had been relieved from the afternoon watch, he was not a little surprised to receive a message from the captain, inviting him to his cabin. He readily came to the conclusion that the summons related to the conspiracy. When he entered the cabin, he saw Captain Cascabel and Mr. Hackleford seated at the table, on which was spread a general chart of the coast of the United States.
"Say what you wish to Mr. Somers," said the captain to the first lieutenant.
"Mr. Somers, Captain Cascabel has sent for you in relation to the affair of which we talked in your state-room last night," Mr. Hackleford began. "All that youhave written out in your statement, and all that you told me, have been fully confirmed."
"I intended to confine myself strictly to the facts," replied Somers, modestly.
"You have been very discreet and very prudent," added Mr. Hackleford.
"I fully concur," said Captain Cascabel. "You have exposed yourself to no little peril, in your zeal to serve your country."
Somers bowed and blushed.
"I confess that I had some doubts in regard to the result of your operations, Mr. Somers," continued the first lieutenant; "but I am entirely satisfied now that Mr. Pillgrim is just what you represent him to be."
"All that you affirmed has been fully verified," added the captain.
He did not say that both himself and Mr. Hackleford had listened to the entire conversation between Somers and the traitor in the forenoon, occupying one of the captain's state-rooms, which adjoined the starboard side of the ward-room, having bored a couple of holes through the partition, behind the bureau; he did not say this, for it was hardly dignified for a captain to play the eavesdropper, even in a good cause. Somers knew that Mr. Hackleford was at hand at the time, and had arranged a set of signals by which he could advise the young officer, if he should be in doubt. One rap meant, "No;" tworaps, "Yes;" and three raps, "Give no direct answer." When Somers was in doubt respecting the bond, he asked the question of the empty air, apparently, but really of Mr. Hackleford, who had promptly replied in the affirmative by giving the two knocks, which had startled the traitor.
"Mr. Somers, what do you know of the Ben Nevis?" asked the captain.
"She was to sail from St. John on the 4th of July, to run the blockade at Wilmington. She is said to make sixteen knots, under favorable circumstances."
"She has had a head wind part of the time. If she has made twelve on the average, she has done well," said Mr. Hackleford.
"She will be due off Cape Fear some time after meridian to-morrow," added the captain, consulting a paper, on which were several arithmetical operations.
The calculations were carefully reviewed, and Somers was questioned at considerable length; but he had already given all the information he possessed. It was evidently the intention of Captain Cascabel to capture the Ben Nevis, though he did not announce his purpose.
"After what has occurred, Mr. Somers, you may be surprised that Mr. Pillgrim has not been relieved from duty and placed under arrest," continued Captain Cascabel, after the position of the Ben Nevis had been carefully estimated.
"I leave the matter entirely in the hands of my superior officers," replied Somers. "Having cast the responsibility upon them, I am willing to obey orders without asking any questions."
"That is a very proper view to take of the subject, and I commend your moderation," said the captain, with a pleasant smile. "It has been thought best not to disturb Mr. Pillgrim for a day or two, for other events may transpire."
Captain Cascabel bowed to Somers, and intimated that he had no further need of him at present.
"Ah, Mr. Somers, been visiting the captain," said the second lieutenant, as his victim came on deck.
"I was sent for."
"What was the business?"
Fortunately, Mr. Transit, who was planking the deck on the lee side, approached near enough to enable Somers to avoid answering the question, and he thus escaped the necessity of telling a falsehood. But as soon as Mr. Garboard took the deck, Pillgrim repeated the inquiry, and the young officer was obliged to narrate an imaginary conversation.
"It's no matter, Somers. You understand that I have a rope round your neck, and I am not at all afraid that you will make an improper use of your tongue."
"I certainly shall not," answered Somers, with emphasis. "You may depend upon me for that."
"The fact is, Somers, I have got a mortgage on you; and I want no better security for your good conduct."
"You needn't trouble yourself at all about me."
"I shall not; because, if you wish to betray me, I should rather enjoy it. I have been your best friend. Instead of blowing your brains out for making an end of poor Phil Kennedy, I have taken you into my confidence. You shall marry the prettiest and the richest girl north of the Potomac; and when Union officers are proscribed and condemned after the war, you will have a friend at court who will speak a good word for you."
"Thank you; but do you really believe that the South will carry the day?"
"I'm sure of it. England is our best friend; and Louis Napoleon, in order to complete his Mexican scheme, must recognize the Confederacy. When France does the job, England will be only one day behind her."
"If I go with you, I shall be on the winning side, then."
"If you do? You have gone with me. Though I don't ask you to help the South openly, I expect you to be a friend of the government which must soon rule the country. Leave it all to me, Somers, and I will manage the business for you and myself. You must confess, Somers, that I am a little ahead of you in strategy," said the traitor, with a complacent smile.
"You beat me in the game we have been playing; butthat only makes us even, for I got the better of you in another affair."
"Not of me; it was the stupidity of Phil Kennedy that ruined the Snowden business. I pride myself on my strategy, Somers. I have never been beaten in anything of this kind yet. The fact of it is, I know whom to trust. I never give my confidence to a man who dares to betray it," replied Pillgrim, rubbing his hands with delight at his own cleverness.
Somers was of the opinion that he would think differently before many days had elapsed; but he was as prudent as the circumstances required.
At eight bells, the fourth lieutenant took the deck for the first watch; and from that time until the following afternoon, he saw but little of the conspirator. At this time, the ship was off Cape Fear, though too far out to sight the land, or even the outer line of blockaders which kept vigilant watch over the entrance to the river. Precisely at the moment when one bell struck in the first dog-watch, the engine of the Chatauqua, without any order from the officer of the deck, and without any apparent reason, suddenly stopped.
It had proved itself to be a very good and well-meaning engine, thus far, and all hands began to wonder what had happened, or what was going to happen. But Mr. Cranklin, the chief engineer, presently reported that there was a "screw loose" somewhere, and that itwould be necessary to lay to, and make some repairs. Certainly it was a very opportune moment for the ship to stop; and those who did not know what had passed between the chief engineer and the first lieutenant might have supposed that the zealous engine, heretofore so faithful in the discharge of its trying duties, had overheard some of the conversation we have related, and was waiting for the Ben Nevis to show herself to seaward.
In further confirmation that the stoppage was not entirely owing to the obstinacy of the engine, it was observed that extra lookout men had been stationed on the fore yard, and on the cross-trees, since meridian of that day. The captain and the first lieutenant were often seen in confidential communication; and everybody on board seemed to be impressed with the idea that something was about to "turn up."
Something did "turn up," about three bells; for the man on the fore cross-trees, reported a vessel on the beam. The dense mass of black smoke in the wake of her smoke-stack indicated that she was an English blockade runner, approaching the coast so as to run in after dark. As soon as this agreeable information spread through the Chatauqua, it created an intense excitement, not manifested in noisy demonstrations, for that would have been in violation of the strict rule of naval discipline, but in the expectant eyes and stimulated movements of the officers and crew, to whosepockets, as well as to their national pride, the prospect of a rich prize appealed with tremendous force.
At this thrilling moment, when everything depended upon the sailing qualities of the Chatauqua, either Mr. Cranklin had completed his remedial efforts, or the engine had come to a realizing sense of the proprieties of the occasion, and was sensible of the appalling wickedness of disappointing the two hundred and fifty anxious souls on board. The docile machine was reported to be in condition for active service. The bells pealed forth the signal to "go ahead slowly," then "at full speed," and the Chatauqua darted away.
"Hard a starboard!" said Mr. Somers, now the officer of the deck, to the quartermaster, who was conning the wheel.
"Hard a starboard, sir!"
"Steady!"
"Steady, sir!"
"What does this mean, Somers?" demanded Pillgrim, in a low, angry tone, as he passed the officer of the deck.
"I don't know, sir. I only obey orders," replied Somers, as he glanced ahead at the chase.
"Do you know what steamer that is?" asked Pillgrim.
"How should I?"
"It is the Ben Nevis."
"How do you know?"
"I know; that is sufficient. We must save her," said the second lieutenant, in low, but excited tones.
The chase continued for half an hour longer, when it was evident that the Ben Nevis—for it was indeed she—had changed her course, and was headed to the eastward.
"This will never do, Mr. Somers," said Mr. Hackleford. "We can't sail with her. We must change our tactics."
"She gains upon us," replied Somers.
"No doubt of it."
"I am afraid we shall lose her, sir."
"I would give my year's pay to capture her, Mr. Somers, if it were only for your sake."
Somers suggested an idea to the first lieutenant, who, after the approval of Captain Cascabel, adopted it.
"Clear away the first cutter," said Mr. Hackleford. "Lower away."
The first cutter was soon in the water, the ship having now stopped her engine.
"Mr. Pillgrim, you will stand by in the first cutter till that steamer comes up. Capture her if her papers are not all right, or if she is bound into Wilmington."
A smile of satisfaction lighted up the countenance of the second lieutenant, when he found he was to go in the boat. The first cutter pulled away.
"Clear away the second cutter!" said the first lieutenant;and while the men were eagerly performing this duty, the captain instructed Somers, who was to go in her, in regard to the duty he was expected to perform.
Somers took his place in the stern-sheets of the second cutter, which was armed with a twenty-four pounder howitzer, while the first cutter had nothing but small arms. As soon as this boat left the ship's side, the Chatauqua came about, as though she had abandoned the chase, and stood to the westward.
The Ben Nevis immediately discovered the change which had been made in the course of her pursuer. Apparently satisfied that she had outwitted the man-of-war, she put about and headed towards the coast again, without suspecting the fact that two boats lay in her track.