The young man's father was Colonel Richard Pierson, a neighbor of Homer Passford; and he was a Confederate commissioner for the purchase of vessels for the rebel navy, for running the blockade.

Doubtless the son was his father's assistant, as he had been at the time of Christy's first visit.
Percy was not a person of very heavy brain calibre, as his companion had learned from an association of several weeks with him.

Christy believed that he might obtain some useful information from him; and he decided, since it was impossible to escape the interview, to make the best of it, and he accepted the offered hand.

He did not consider the young Southerner as much of a rebel, for he had refused to shoulder a musket and fight for the cause.
"I begin to see your former looks, and particularly your expression," said Christy.

"I am very glad to see you, and I hope you have been very well since we met last." "Very well indeed." "Do you live here, Percy ?" "I have lived here most of the time since we parted on board of the Bellevite, and you put me on board of a schooner bound to Nassau.