"Yes, sir, I am here; and I have two prisoners. One of them is your brother, and I don't know who the other is," replied the sergeant. "Are you sure that one of them is my brother?" asked the major. "I am as sure as I can be, for I heard the other fellow call him Percy two or three times before I stepped in front of them." "Don't you know who the other one is?" "I haven't the least idea. I arrested him as you told me, but I did not question him." The major ordered him to put his prisoners into the wagon. CHAPTER XVII MAJOR PIERSON IS PUZZLED Two of the soldiers were placed at the rear of the wagon, one took his place on the hay with Percy, while the major and the sergeant seated themselves on the cushion in front. Spottswood took the reins; and the officer told him to drive on, without saying a word to the prisoners. It was quite dark; and Christy had not the least idea where he was, or where he was going. He could see that Major Pierson had sent this party to arrest his brother, as Percy seemed to fear that he would do, and had remained and slept away the time in the wagon himself. He had been introduced to the major, and had been treated with "distinguished consideration" by him. In view of the possible relations between him and Florry, he did not feel much concerned about his own safety, though he was sorry to have his father and sister worry over his absence. "Then, it seems you have been in the army, after all," said he to his fellow-prisoner, after they had gone some distance. "I never belonged to the army," he replied decidedly. "Did you put your name down?" "Yes, I did; but I supposed I was to be a captain, or something of that sort. When I found I must go as a common soldier, mixed up with all sorts of people, I couldn't stand it. I applied for my discharge; but they would not give it to me, and I went home without it." "That looks very much like desertion," added Christy, and the major went up somewhat in his estimation. "But it was not desertion; for I applied for my discharge, and all they had to do was to give it to me. They understood it so, for they did not come to the house after me," argued Percy. "Then, when my father went to Nassau, he took me with him. But the surgeon said I was not fit for the army, for I had indications of varicose veins. My father sent the certificate to the authorities, and applied for my discharge." "Was it ever granted?" "I suppose it was, but I don't know." "If it had been, your brother would know about it." "Will your uncle make you join the army, Mr. Pierson?" "No: my uncle has no authority over me, and he cannot make me join the army," replied Christy. "Where is your father?" "He was at my uncle's plantation. I think we have kept up this farce long enough, Percy," said Christy, laughing. "My father is the owner of the Bellevite." "What did you tell me your name was Percy Pierson for?" demanded the other prisoner.