ffectionate greetings; but as soon as Christy put his foot on the rail
he directed the line to the tug to be cast off, and the order was given
to start the screw. The Bellevite went ahead again, and the commander
gave out the course for her.

Before Captain Passford was ready to think of any thing except the
joyful meeting with his son, Captain Pecklar suddenly dropped to the
deck as though a bullet from the enemy had finished his career in the
very moment of victory. Christy broke from his father, and hastened to
his assistance. He had fainted again from exhaustion after the efforts
of the day. Dr. Linscott was at his side almost as soon as Christy, and
the sufferer was borne to the cabin, where he was placed in one of the
vacant state-rooms.

"Who is that man, Christy?" asked Captain Passford, as soon as the
invalid had been cared for.

"That is Captain Pecklar; and he is a Union man, though he has been
in charge of that tug in the service of the forts. But he is in
consumption, and he does not believe he can live much longer. He says he
would rather die at home than live down here," replied Christy.

"He looks like a sick man," added the owner.

"He is, and he has worked altogether beyond his strength. But I believe
I should not have been here, father, at this moment, if he had not
worked with me, and acted with the utmost courage and devotion."

"Then he shall want for nothing while he is on board of the Bellevite."

"But I am sure that the doctor can improve his condition; at least,
I hope he can."

"He can if any one can. But how happens Percy to be with you in the
tug?" asked Captain Passford, as he looked about him for the young man,
who was standing near the mainmast, watching the approaching smoke-stack
of the Dauphine.

"Percy has not been as reliable as Captain Pecklar; but he has done
well, and has rendered good service. He has steered the tug for some
time," replied Christy, calling to him the subject of the last remarks.

"I am glad to see you again, Mr. Percy," said the owner, giving him his
hand. "I am under obligations to you for all you have done to assist my
son on board of that tug."

"I was at work too for myself," said Percy, taking the offered hand,
"I don't belong on this side of the question, and all I want is to get
back to Nassau. I have nothing to expect from my brother, Major Pierson,
and my mother cannot protect me."

"In consideration of the service you have rendered to my s