It is possible that, if the exigencies of the coming war permit, I may desire to address a communication to you at no distant day," said Major Pierson, with considerable embarrassment in his manner.
Captain Passford made no reply to this remark; for he thought it was entirely out of place under present circumstances, and hoped matters had not gone far enough even to think of future formalities.

The major shook hands with the owner and his son, and then with the commander, and went over the side.

As he did so, he requested Captain Breaker not to advance till he reached the fort, or at least not to attempt to pass it.
The tug-boat went off on its course, but it was nearly half an hour before it got near enough to the fort to allow the Bellevite to start her screw.

As there was nowhere less than three fathoms of water, and Captain Breaker knew every inch of bottom, he directed Mr.Vapoor to hurry the engine, so that no one should have time to change his mind.
The steamer shot by the fort as though she did not like the looks of it, and in another half an hour she was out of the reach of its guns.
The commander had piloted the steamer to her present destination before; and there was plenty of water till she nearly reached the wharf, where the planter could load small vessels with cotton.

It was not within the city of Mobile, though it was not far from it; and it was a sort of low-ground paradise, which money and taste had made very beautiful.
"What am I to do now, Mr.Pierson ?" asked Percy, when the steamer had come to her moorings alongside the wharf.
"That will be for you to decide, Mr.Percy: but you had better take that uniform off before you live any longer, for I am afraid some one will mistake your character if you wear it on shore," replied Christy.
"I don't know that I shall go on shore," replied the agent doubtfully.
"I got by my brother very nicely, thanks to Captain Breaker; for I should have been sent to the fort if he had not started the screw." "Do you think you are in any danger here ?" asked Christy.
"I know I am.