hat looks very much like desertion," added Christy, and the major went
up somewhat in his estimation.

"But it was not desertion; for I applied for my discharge, and all they
had to do was to give it to me. They understood it so, for they did not
come to the house after me," argued Percy. "Then, when my father went
to Nassau, he took me with him. But the surgeon said I was not fit for
the army, for I had indications of varicose veins. My father sent the
certificate to the authorities, and applied for my discharge."

"Was it ever granted?"

"I suppose it was, but I don't know."

"If it had been, your brother would know about it."

"Will your uncle make you join the army, Mr. Pierson?"

"No: my uncle has no authority over me, and he cannot make me join the
army," replied Christy.

"Where is your father?"

"He was at my uncle's plantation. I think we have kept up this farce
long enough, Percy," said Christy, laughing. "My father is the owner of
the Bellevite."

"What did you tell me your name was Percy Pierson for?" demanded the
other prisoner.

"For the same reason that I told you the steamer belonged to the Chinese
government, and a dozen other things of the same sort."

"What is your name, then?"

"Christopher Passford; but I am commonly called Christy."

"Then, you have been fooling me?"

"You knew very well that I had been fooling you."

"Then, you are the son of the owner of the Bellevite."

"I am."

"Then, you can get me a place on board of her."

"Perhaps I can. We will see about that."

Christy doubted if their political opinions would permit them to serve
on the deck of the same vessel, but he did not suggest any thing of this
kind. He had been introduced to Major Pierson under his real name, and
he was certain to be identified by him as soon as the light permitted
him to see his face; and he had made the best of it by telling Percy the
truth before he found it out himself.

"You haven't told me who the other prisoner is, Spottswood," said the
major, when they had ridden some distance in silence.

"I don't know who he is," replied the sergeant. "I never saw him before
in my life, so far as I know."

"Didn't he tell you who he was?"

"He did not, and I did not ask him any questions."

That was all that was said about it; and the major relapsed into
silence, and Christy concluded that he had gone to sleep again. The
wagon continued on the journey, though at a very slow pace, for the r