He had decided to keep at least fifty miles from Key West, and the usual course of vessels bound into the Gulf of Mexico.
"We may meet some vessel, and you could put me on board of her," the disconsolate young man proposed.
"My mission compels me to give every vessel a wide berth, and I can incur no risks.

But it cannot be a great hardship for you to be conveyed back to your own home." "But my father needs me with him, and he will suffer terrible anxiety when he fails to find me.

He will even think I am dead." "I know he must be anxious, but I think some way will be found to send a letter to him." "But I shall be compelled to go into the army, and my father is utterly opposed to that." "But you have a brother who is a major in the army, and I should say that he will be able to save you." "My brother is the one who insists that I shall go into one of the regiments forming in the State.

He called me a coward because I yielded to my father and mother." "All that is your own family affair, and I am sorry that I can do nothing for you, Mr, Percy .-- Mr.Watts," he called to the chief steward, who was planking the lee-side of the deck.
"Here, sir," replied the official.
"Give Mr.Percy the best stateroom available, and see that he is made as comfortable and happy as possible," added the owner.
The involuntary guest on board was conducted to the cabin..