It seems that the same mission absorbs the attention of the son, and that he has come on board to purchase the steamer." [Illustration: "Let Me alone, I am a Southern Gentleman" (Page 81)] "I told him that you wanted to get rid of her, and that you would do so soon, by which, of course, I meant that she was to go into the service of the Government," added Christy.
"I should not have taken this young man on board; but, as he is here, he may be of use to us.

But it is necessary to conceal from him the real character of the Bellevite, and we will keep up the farce as long as we please.

So far as he is concerned, Christy, you may be my nephew instead of my son." Captain Passford led the way back to the deck, where they found the first officer evidently on the best of terms with his prisoner.

But Mr.
Dashington had been as discreet as a man could be, and Percy had not obtained a particle of information from him.
"Now, Mr.Percy, I am at your service," said the owner, when he reached the deck.

"I think you said you had some business with me." "I have not the pleasure of knowing who or what you are, sir; and Mr.
Dashington and my friend Mr.Pierson are all I know on board by name," added Percy.
"Then you must be made better acquainted before any thing can be done," replied the owner, pointing to the captain of the steamer.