meant."

"That is the proper view to take of it, Mr. Percy."

"It was simply said that my brother Lindley was strongly attracted to
your brother's house by the presence of your daughter. That is all."

But the fond father was very anxious. Of course the major was a
Confederate.

CHAPTER VIII

A DISCONSOLATE PURCHASER OF VESSELS

The information in regard to Florry was very meagre and very indefinite.
She was a very beautiful young lady of eighteen; and it was not at all
strange that a young Confederate officer should be attracted to her,
though the thought of it was exceedingly disagreeable to her father,
under present circumstances.

Percy evidently was not satisfied with the situation; and after he had
given the information which had so disturbed the owner of the steamer,
he desired to change the subject of the conversation, to which Captain
Passford only assented after he realized that nothing could be
ascertained from him in regard to his daughter.

"I don't think I quite understand the situation on board of this
steamer," said Percy, when he had told all he knew about the visits of
his brother at Glenfield.

"What further do you desire to know in regard to her?" asked Captain
Passford; for the commander, when he saw that there was a family matter
involved in the conversation, was disposed to be very reticent.

"I did not come on board of this vessel in the manner I did--I do not
even know her name yet," continued Percy; and when he found that he was
talking to a brother of Colonel Passford, he dropped all his rather
magnificent airs, and became quite sensible.

"The steamer is called the Bellevite," replied the owner.

"The Bellevite. It is an odd name, but I think I can remember it. I was
about to say that I did not come on board of her, as I did, without an
object; for I assure you that I am high-toned enough not to do any thing
in an irregular manner unless for the most weighty reasons," said Percy,
with an anxious look directed towards the island, which was now almost
out of sight.

"I do not ask your reasons; but, if you wish to give them, I will hear
all you have to say, Mr. Percy," replied the owner.

"I talked with Mr. Pierson on shore; and though he was disposed at first
to chaff me, and avoid giving me any information in regard to this
steamer, he afterwards informed me that the gentleman who owned her
intended to get rid of her as soon as he could."

"And you came on board for