Christy Passford was quite as much astonished as the major when he learned that the steamer had left her berth at the wharf, and he was utterly unable to account for the change of position. The movement had been made since he left his uncle's mansion; for at that time the two brothers were still in the library, and he had no knowledge whatever of what was passing between them.
The major ordered all his men on board the Leopard, and directed the sergeant to conduct the prisoners to the deck of the tug. Percy was waked when he was wanted, and he had slept soundly till that time. With their hands still tied behind them, they were conducted to the after-deck of the tug, where there was a small space from which opened the stateroom of the captain.
"I might as well jump overboard first as last," said Percy bitterly, as he seated himself in the place assigned to him by Spottswood.
"It is hardly worth your while to do that, Percy. I don't think your brother is likely to do you any harm," replied Christy.
"I would rather be drowned in deep water than be sent into the army as a common soldier," said the victim, as he went to the rail and looked over into the water.
But his companion was perfectly confident that he would not jump overboard while his hands were tied behind him; for the chances were all against him, though he might be willing to punish his brother by making a demonstration in the direction indicated.
"The water is too cold at this time in the morning, Percy," said Christy with a smile. "I think you ought to give your brother the credit of having the reputation of your family at heart. If I had a brother, I had about as lief have him drown himself as desert from the army."
"I don't call it deserting," replied Percy rather warmly.
"You can call it what you like, but that is what it was."
"It is no use to talk with you about it. Where are we going now?" demanded Percy impatiently.