dge whatever of
what was passing between them.

The major ordered all his men on board the Leopard, and directed the
sergeant to conduct the prisoners to the deck of the tug. Percy was
waked when he was wanted, and he had slept soundly till that time.
With their hands still tied behind them, they were conducted to the
after-deck of the tug, where there was a small space from which opened
the stateroom of the captain.

"I might as well jump overboard first as last," said Percy bitterly, as
he seated himself in the place assigned to him by Spottswood.

"It is hardly worth your while to do that, Percy. I don't think your
brother is likely to do you any harm," replied Christy.

"I would rather he drowned in deep water than be sent into the army as a
common soldier," said the victim, as he went to the rail and looked over
into the water.

But his companion was perfectly confident that he would not jump
overboard while his hands were tied behind him; for the chances were all
against him, though he might be willing to punish his brother by making
a demonstration in the direction indicated.

"The water is too cold at this time in the morning, Percy," said Christy
with a smile. "I think you ought to give your brother the credit of
having the reputation of your family at heart. If I had a brother, I had
about as lief have him drown himself as desert from the army."

"I don't call it deserting," replied Percy rather warmly.

"You can call it what you like, but that is what it was."

"It is no use to talk with you about it. Where are we going now?"
demanded Percy impatiently.

"We are going to look out for the Bellevite, and perhaps you can get on
board her again," suggested Christy.

"Do you think I can?" asked the deserter with renewed interest.

"I am afraid your brother will look out too sharply for you. He has you
now, and he will hold on this time."

Christy had little sympathy for his companion. He was an able-bodied
young man of eighteen, with influence enough behind him to give him a
good show in the ranks if he did his duty. But he was the youngest
child of his father and mother; and he had evidently been spoiled by
indulgence, so that he was not fit for the stern duties of the present
emergency.

The steamer seemed to be very short handed, and doubtless part of the
work on board was done by the soldiers, for the tug seemed to be in the
employ of the fort. There was no crew, so far as Christy could judge,