ke Major Pierson," said Florry.

"Then it was the major's brother, and he came from Nassau with us on
board of the steamer. I hope neither of them will get into any trouble,
for all this country is in a very excited condition," said the captain,
as he carefully opened the window at the side of the apartment.

This was quite as singular a movement as bolting the door; and the fair
girl, who had heard some of the energetic conversation in the hall,
began to think that something strange was about to transpire in the
mansion. Her father spent some time in looking out the window; for it
was now quite dark, and he could not make out objects outdoors very
readily.

The window opened upon a lawn covered with orange, magnolia, and other
ornamental trees. The house was low on the ground, and it was not more
than three feet from the window-sill to the lawn. Without explaining any
thing, Captain Passford took his daughter's trunk, carried it to the
window, and then dropped it upon the lawn beneath.

"Now, Florry, I want you to get out at this window; and you can easily
step down upon the trunk," continued the owner of the Bellevite.

"Get out of the window, papa?" demanded the maiden, with a look of
intense astonishment at her father.

"Do just as I tell you, my child, and don't ask any questions now; for
all will be explained to your satisfaction," replied he, as he assisted
her to a chair, by which she mounted to the window-stool.

She dropped lightly down upon the trunk, which had been placed in a
convenient position for her, and then to the ground. Her father followed
her; though he stopped long enough to close the window after him, and
leave every thing as it had been before.

"I think I can understand something about it, papa," said Florry, as the
captain joined her. "But am I to leave this house, where I have been for
six months, without saying good-by to uncle or aunt?"

"Not a word to any one, my child. I am sorry it must be so; but this is
a time of war, and I have no time to stand on ceremonies," replied her
father, as he picked up the trunk, and tossed it on his shoulder as
though he had done that kind of work before.

He walked off with a firm step, in spite of his burden, taking the
nearest way to the wharf where he had left the Bellevite. The distance
was considerable, and the millionnaire was obliged to stop and rest two
or three times; and, though Florry insisted upon helping him, he would
not allow her