p to look out for his
interests.

If he came across his brother Percy after he left the steamer, he was
likely to make a soldier of him; and it was unfortunate that Christy had
been his companion when last seen.

CHAPTER XVI

CHRISTY FINDS HIMSELF A PRISONER

Christy Passford had not gone out of his uncle's house for any
particular purpose; though he saw Percy, and joined him as he left the
mansion. He had visited Glenfield before, and he had some curiosity to
see familiar objects again. It was nearly dark, and he wondered where
the major's brother was going at that hour.

"Where are you going now, Mr. Percy," he asked, as he approached the
agent.

"I thought I would go up to the house and see my mother," replied Percy.
"Won't you go over with me? It is only a short distance."

"No, I think not: I don't care to go a great way from the house."

"It isn't above half a mile, and I am coming directly back again."

"I will not go as far as you are going, but I will take a little stroll
as far as the gate. Where is your brother now?"

"I suppose he is at the fort. If I thought he were about here, I should
not leave the steamer. He has got it into his head that I must join the
army, and he will never be satisfied till I am there."

"He is certainly very much in earnest, judging by his conduct on board
of the Bellevite," added Christy.

"He pretends to believe that my not joining the army will be a disgrace
to the family; but, if my father don't think so, Lindley need not worry
his head about the matter."

"Your brother seems to have a very strong will of his own," suggested
Christy.

"He will send me into the army in spite of my father and mother; and,
for that reason, I don't mean to go where he can put his finger on me.
Of course, the Bellevite is going into the Confederate navy."

Percy looked his companion in the face, as though he had been thinking
of something which would benefit his own case.

"You will have to ask my uncle about that," replied Christy, not willing
to say any more than was necessary on this subject.

"There can be no doubt of it, and I would rather be in the navy than in
the army. I hope your uncle will be able to do something for me."

"I don't know whether he can or not. For aught I know, the steamer may
be sent to England, or to some other country," replied Christy, as they
approached the gate, which was to be the end in that direction of his
walk.

"At any rate, I me