ly fitted out, even at this early
period of the war; for he knew that his mission, however justifiable
under the circumstances, was quite irregular. He had decided to keep at
least fifty miles from Key West, and the usual course of vessels bound
into the Gulf of Mexico.

"We may meet some vessel, and you could put me on board of her," the
disconsolate young man proposed.

"My mission compels me to give every vessel a wide berth, and I can
incur no risks. But it cannot be a great hardship for you to be conveyed
back to your own home."

"But my father needs me with him, and he will suffer terrible anxiety
when he fails to find me. He will even think I am dead."

"I know he must be anxious, but I think some way will be found to send a
letter to him."

"But I shall be compelled to go into the army, and my father is utterly
opposed to that."

"But you have a brother who is a major in the army, and I should say
that he will be able to save you."

"My brother is the one who insists that I shall go into one of the
regiments forming in the State. He called me a coward because I yielded
to my father and mother."

"All that is your own family affair, and I am sorry that I can do
nothing for you, Mr, Percy.--Mr. Watts," he called to the chief steward,
who was planking the lee-side of the deck.

"Here, sir," replied the official.

"Give Mr. Percy the best stateroom available, and see that he is made as
comfortable and happy as possible," added the owner.

The involuntary guest on board was conducted to the cabin.

CHAPTER IX

CHRISTY MATURES A PROMISING SCHEME

However interesting the voyage of the Bellevite might prove to be, the
purpose of this story does not admit of its details. Mr. Vapoor was
instructed to the effect that a quick run was desirable, and he governed
himself accordingly. At daylight on a bright May morning, the lofty
light tower of Sand Island, off the entrance to Mobile Bay, was reported
by the lookout, and the captain was called.

On the passage from Nassau, the guns of the steamer had been mounted;
for, as a measure of prudence, they had been put in the hold. Though the
owner hoped to avoid any close scrutiny of his outfit, and had succeeded
in doing so, he was not inclined to tempt fate by any carelessness. But
when the first watch was called, the night before her arrival off the
bay, every thing was in condition for active service.

Captain Passford had not a particle of the foam