But Christy could not tell what his captor was thinking about, and he could not yet enlarge his plans for the future; but he was very certain in his own mind, that he should not let pass any opportunity to escape, even at great risk, from his present situation.
As the Leopard went off on her course, considerably shaken by the fresh breeze which had stirred up a smart sea, the acting captain of the tug saw that all the men who had been on the forecastle had disappeared, with a single exception.

The major was not to be seen, and doubtless he was taking care of the sick captain, or arranging his plan for the interview with the people of the Bellevite.

In a few minutes more, this last man disappeared, and Percy Pierson took his place on the forecastle.
"So you are a Yank, are you, Mr.Pierson ?" said he of that name, looking up to the window at which Christy stood.
"Whatever I am, I am in command of a Confederate steamer," replied Christy, laughing.

"What is your brother doing, Mr.Percy ?" "I am sure I don't know: he is only talking to the men," answered the young man, who had evidently been put there to act as a lookout.
At that moment a voice was heard from farther aft, and Percy went towards the stern of the boat.

A few minutes later he ascended to the pilot-house.