"But, my dear Mr. Percy, the Bellevite will not go within fifty miles of Key West; and if she did, I should not dare to put in there, for the port is a naval station of the United States, and my vessel might be taken from me in the absence of any regular papers to explain her character." "I suppose you are right," added Percy gloomily. Captain Passford was really more afraid of falling in with any naval vessel of the nation than of meeting any of the Confederate tugs or other vessels which had been hurriedly 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.