I forgot that you were a prisoner; and you may be a Yankee, for aught I know." Before Christy had time to make any reply, the sentinel walked away, and the major was seen coming from his bed with Captain Pecklar.

They went to the wharf together, where they seated themselves on a box which lay there.

The prisoner turned away from them; and the major took no notice of him, and did not appear to see him, or he would certainly have identified him.
Christy's bed was just behind them, when they had seated themselves; and he dropped down on his blanket, rolled it about him as well as he could, and then pretended to be asleep, as Percy was still, in spite of the noise of the escaping steam on board of the boat.
"What have you done with your men, Captain Pecklar ?" asked the major.
"I have just told you that the steamer had changed her position," replied the captain.
"I did not understand you," returned the major.

"Do you mean that she has left the wharf ?" "I do: she was out at least two miles from the shore," added Captain Pecklar.
"Two miles from the shore!" exclaimed Major Pierson.

"What does that mean ?" "I don't know, sir.