the situation.

"Here we are, my Chinese friend," said Percy, as he joined Christy on
deck, and made out the tall tower in the distance. "I wish I was on the
Island of Nassau, instead of here."

"Why, Mr. Percy, this is your own, your native land; and in China we
always used to have a warm affection for our own country," replied
Christy.

"You didn't have to go into the army there," said Percy with a sigh.

"But don't you want to go into the army?"

"Certainly I do; that is the dearest wish of my heart. But my father
would not let me, and what could I do?"

"If you were bent on it, like a patriot, as you must be, you could run
away and enlist. I don't know but I shall do that when I get back to
China."

"I don't like to do any thing to make my poor father unhappy. I am
afraid my absence now, without his knowing where I am, or whether I am
dead or alive, will bring on a fit of sickness."

"But I am sure he would be very proud of you if you should run away and
join the army."

"Perhaps he would; but I should not feel very proud of myself if I did
a thing like that. I am only afraid I shall meet my brother, Major
Pierson, and that he will make me go into some regiment against the
wishes of my father and mother. He is not willing to hear a word from
either of them," replied Percy, disgusted with the prospect before him.

"He is very patriotic," suggested Christy.

"He is altogether too patriotic for me. But don't misunderstand me: I am
really very anxious to go into the army, and fight the enemies of my
country."

"I see that you are, and perhaps you and I had better run away and
enlist."

"My conscience would not let me do that contrary to the wishes of my
parents," replied Percy, shaking his head vigorously.

"But you may not see your brother the major; for probably he has been
ordered away with his regiment before this time," said his companion in
comforting tones, though he was not as sincere as he generally was.

"I am afraid I shall; and I fear, that, in the absence of my father, he
would put me into the ranks in spite of all I could do."

"But your mother is at home."

"Lindley don't care a rush for what she says in this matter, for he
insists that a boy of eighteen ought not to be tied to his mother's
apron-strings when his country needs his services, I may see my brother
before we get fairly into the bay."

"Where in the world are you going to see him before you get on shore?"
asked Christy