I wish I was in New Providence again," continued Mr.Percy, looking very much discontented with himself.
"I am sorry you did not speak to me on shore as your father did, and that would have saved you from all annoyance." "But I must beg you to do me the favor to put me ashore again, for my father will suffer untold agonies when he misses me to-night." "Put you on shore!" exclaimed Captain Passford.

"You are a sensible and reasonable young gentleman, and you will readily see that this is quite impossible." "We have not been out above two hours, sir," suggested Percy.
"But we have made thirty-six miles, at least, in that time; and to return would delay me about four or five hours,--long enough, perhaps, to defeat the object of my voyage.

I assure you that it is wholly impossible for us to return." "Do you think so, sir ?" asked the enterprising purchaser of vessels, looking very disconsolate indeed.
"I not only think so, but I am perfectly sure on this point.

You can see for yourself that I cannot sacrifice the object of my voyage--for the vessel has a special mission at her destination--by a delay of some hours.

I am not responsible for your being on board, and I am sorry that I cannot do any thing for you." "But you can put me ashore at Key West, and I may find some vessel bound to Nassau," suggested Percy, becoming more and more disconsolate, as he realized the difficulties of his situation, for he was plainly very much averse to returning to his home.
"But, my dear Mr.Percy, the Bellevite will not go within fifty miles of Key West; and if she did, I should not dare to put in there, for the port is a naval station of the United States, and my vessel might be taken from me in the absence of any regular papers to explain her character." "I suppose you are right," added Percy gloomily.
Captain Passford was really more afraid of falling in with any naval vessel of the nation than of meeting any of the Confederate tugs or other vessels which had been hurriedly fitted out, even at this early period of the war; for he knew that his mission, however justifiable under the circumstances, was quite irregular.