jor
Pierson, with no little embarrassment in his manner.

"I accept the apology, and your explanation is entirely sufficient. What
happens to Mr. Percy after he leaves the steamer does not concern me,"
answered Captain Breaker with a polite bow, as he went to the quarter
and rang the bell to stop her.

When he had done this, he conducted Major Pierson to the quarter-deck,
where Captain Passford and Christy were seated, and formally presented
him to both of them.

"I am most happy to make your acquaintance, Captain Passford," said the
commander of Fort Gaines, as he extended his hand to the owner, which
was taken, though the expression of the gentleman from the North did not
indicate that he was very well pleased with him.

To Christy he was as polite as to his father, and to both he was almost
obsequious. It was rather difficult for father or son to realize that
this was the man who had threatened to send his own brother to the fort
as a soldier, to say nothing of the abusive language he had used.

"I am very glad to see you in the State of Alabama, Captain Passford,
and especially at this time," the major began; and it looked as though
the cordiality of his welcome was to compensate for former rudeness.

"I am not a total stranger here," added the owner rather coldly.

"It affords me a degree of pleasure I cannot express to see you come
here, as events are getting big all around us, and with such a fine
steamer. I am sure the Government will regard you as one of its greatest
and truest benefactors," continued Major Pierson.

"It is my intention to serve the good cause with whatever measure of
ability I may possess; but I do not care to say any thing at all about
my purpose till I have talked with my brother. I hope I shall find my
brother Homer in full sympathy with me in my views," added the owner,
though it was not a pleasure to him even to deceive an enemy.

"Colonel Passford!" exclaimed the major. "Have you any doubt about him?"

"Hardly any, though I prefer to talk with him before I say much on my
own account."

"Colonel Passford is not a very demonstrative man, but no one in the
vicinity of Glenfield has any doubt as to how he stands on the great
question."

"I think no one will have any doubt as to how I stand, as soon as I take
my position."

"Certainly, sir, you will give no doubtful sound."

"I hope not."

"I came on board to examine this steamer before we permitted her to
pass the forts,"