an to stay on board of the Bellevite; and I shall take
my chances of getting a position of some kind on board of her."

"What kind of a position do you desire?"

"I am willing to be one of the lieutenants, or something of that kind,"
replied Percy with becoming condescension.

"One of the lieutenants!" exclaimed Christy. "Of course you know all
about handling a ship or a steamer."

"I can't say I do. In fact, I never went on the sea till I went to
Nassau with my father," replied Percy candidly. "But I can soon learn
all about it."

"A nice lieutenant you will make! Why don't you apply for the position
of commander of her?"

"I am willing to take a subordinate position till I learn something
about the business."

"That's right! Be humble at first, and you will be great afterwards."

"I should have been willing to go into the army as a captain, or even
as a lieutenant; but I couldn't quite stand it to go in as a common
soldier, while my brother made a beginning as a major."

"I think I will not go any farther, Mr. Percy," said Christy, as he
halted near the gate.

"Oh, don't leave me now, Mr. Pierson! We are half way to my father's
house," Percy objected.

"I can't go any farther, for I may be wanted."

"You will be safe enough, Mr. Pierson, My mother is at home, and she
will be glad to see you."

"I think I will not see your mother to-night," added Christy, as he
turned, and began to retrace his steps towards the mansion of his uncle.

[Illustration: Four Men Sprang in Front of Him (Page 183)]

They had halted in the road near the gate, and on both sides of it was
a thick undergrowth of small trees and bushes; and in the shade of this
foliage it had become quite dark. Christy had not taken three steps
before four men sprang out of the thicket in front of him, all of them
armed with muskets, and wearing a uniform of gray. Two placed themselves
in front of Christy; while the other two rushed after Percy, who took to
his heels as soon as he saw them.

The gate was an impediment to the latter; and before he could get over
or through it, the two soldiers had laid violent hands on him. He could
offer no effectual resistance, and it was evident that he was frightened
out of his wits; for he looked and acted like the ghost of despair
itself. The two men immediately tied his hands behind him; and, though
they did not use any undue harshness, they did their work thoroughly.

Christy was even more astonished