"Certainly I do; that is the dearest wish of my heart. But my father would not let me, and what could I do?" "If you were bent on it, like a patriot, as you must be, you could run away and enlist. I don't know but I shall do that when I get back to China." "I don't like to do any thing to make my poor father unhappy. I am afraid my absence now, without his knowing where I am, or whether I am dead or alive, will bring on a fit of sickness." "But I am sure he would be very proud of you if you should run away and join the army." "Perhaps he would; but I should not feel very proud of myself if I did a thing like that. I am only afraid I shall meet my brother, Major Pierson, and that he will make me go into some regiment against the wishes of my father and mother. He is not willing to hear a word from either of them," replied Percy, disgusted with the prospect before him. "He is very patriotic," suggested Christy. "He is altogether too patriotic for me. But don't misunderstand me: I am really very anxious to go into the army, and fight the enemies of my country." "I see that you are, and perhaps you and I had better run away and enlist." "My conscience would not let me do that contrary to the wishes of my parents," replied Percy, shaking his head vigorously. "But you may not see your brother the major; for probably he has been ordered away with his regiment before this time," said his companion in comforting tones, though he was not as sincere as he generally was. "I am afraid I shall; and I fear, that, in the absence of my father, he would put me into the ranks in spite of all I could do." "But your mother is at home." "Lindley don't care a rush for what she says in this matter, for he insists that a boy of eighteen ought not to be tied to his mother's apron-strings when his country needs his services, I may see my brother before we get fairly into the bay." "Where in the world are you going to see him before you get on shore?" asked Christy, becoming more interested in the conversation. "I believe he is in command of the garrison at Fort Gaines, though I am not sure," replied Percy, suddenly looking more disconsolate than ever at the prospect of meeting his patriotic brother. "What makes you think he is?" asked Christy, with the feeling that he might be on the point of obtaining some useful information. "They talked of sending him there before father and I left for New Providence." "I supposed your brother was a young fellow like yourself." "I believe he is twenty-six years old; but he has been two years in a military school in North Carolina, and they say he is a good soldier, and knows all about guns and forts and such things." "Where do you think we are likely to overhaul him?" "I don't know much about this business; but don't a boat have to come out from the fort and see that this vessel is all right before she can go into the bay?" asked Percy.