"I told you the vessel was from Nassau." "But she don't hail from Nassau. Where did she come from before that?" "From Bermuda," answered Percy, as instructed. "But she don't belong to Bermuda." The volunteer agent of the Confederate cause was not able to answer any questions in this direction, and the commander did not tell him what more to say. "Can you tell me who is in command of Fort Gaines at the present time?" demanded Percy, branching out on his own account. "I can; but I want you to tell me something more about the steamer, before I answer any questions. Is the steamer armed?" "She is armed; and she could blow your tug into ten thousand pieces in four minutes if she should open upon you," added Percy; and the listeners were of the opinion that he was beginning to use strong speech. "That may be; but with a fort on each side of you, I don't think you will get into the bay in broad daylight," said the captain of the tug. "The commander of Fort Gaines is in that boat, and I suppose he is coming off to examine the steamer. As you are not disposed to answer my questions, you can wait for him; but if you try to get into the bay, you will find that a shot from both forts can reach you." "I am an agent of the Confederate government, and my father has been sent to Nassau to obtain vessels for our navy," continued Percy, as he saw that the boat from the fort was still some distance from the vessel. "Why didn't you say so before?" demanded the captain of the tug rather impatiently. "Of course you have some papers from the agent at Nassau, to show what the vessel is." "Not a single paper; he had no time to give me any." "Who is the agent?" The question was evidently put as a test; for if the young agent, as the captain could see that he was, gave a known name, it would be some evidence that he told the truth. "Colonel Richard Pierson; and he is my father." "Your father!" exclaimed the other, evidently impressed with the fact, and his tone was more respectful. "You can come on board and see her for yourself," suggested Percy, prompted by the commander; for there was nothing on board to betray her true character, the guns having been concealed. "I will not do that, as the commander of the fort will soon be here, and he may make the examination for himself. But perhaps you will be willing to give me your name?" added the captain. "My name is Percy Pierson; and, as I told you, I am the son of Colonel Richard Pierson." "Then you are the brother of Major Pierson, who is in command of Fort Gaines. I think it must be all right." "Of course it is all right. Do you think I would bring a vessel into this bay if she were not all right?" inquired Percy with becoming indignation. "I suppose you have heard there is going to be a war, and it is necessary to find out what vessels go into the bay," said the captain of the tug, when he had brought his craft quite near the steamer. "That is a very fine vessel."