that, as the commander of the fort will soon be here, and
he may make the examination for himself. But perhaps you will be willing
to give me your name?" added the captain.

"My name is Percy Pierson; and, as I told you, I am the son of Colonel
Richard Pierson."

"Then you are the brother of Major Pierson, who is in command of Fort
Gaines. I think it must be all right."

"Of course it is all right. Do you think I would bring a vessel into
this bay if she were not all right?" inquired Percy with becoming
indignation.

"I suppose you have heard there is going to be a war, and it is
necessary to find out what vessels go into the bay," said the captain of
the tug, when he had brought his craft quite near the steamer. "That is
a very fine vessel."

"It is the fastest and strongest steamer that floats, and she will give
a good account of herself when the trouble begins in earnest."

"Here comes the boat from the fort, and I see that Major Pierson is in
the stern sheets. I have no doubt he will find you all right," said the
captain.

The boat came alongside of the Bellevite, and the major went on board.

CHAPTER XI

THE MAJOR IN COMMAND OF FORT GAINES

Percy Pierson retained his position on the rail when his brother the
major came up the gangway steps, which had been put over for him. As
the latter went up, he could not help seeing him; and his astonishment
evidently mounted to the highest degree, as manifested in his
expression. The owner and the commander stood near the rail, to give
the visitor a pleasant reception.

But the major took no notice of them; for his attention was plainly
absorbed in his surprise at seeing his brother, dressed in uniform, on
the rail of the steamer. He halted as soon as he had mounted the rail,
over which he must pass to reach the deck. He looked at Percy for some
time, without being able to say a word, and seemed to be not quite sure
that it was he.

The younger brother was as silent as the older one; for he had had some
rather exciting times with him in the matter of enlisting, and he was
not very confident of his reception at the hands of the commander of
Fort Gaines. He looked at him with interest, not unmingled with some
painful solicitude for the future.

"Percy!" exclaimed Major Pierson at last, when he was entirely satisfied
that the young man was his brother, in spite of the uniform of blue he
wore, though the gray had not yet come into extensive use.

"Lindl