"But your mother is at home."
"Lindley don't care a rush for what she says in this matter, for he insists that a boy of eighteen ought not to be tied to his mother's apron-strings when his country needs his services, I may see my brother before we get fairly into the bay."
"Where in the world are you going to see him before you get on shore?" asked Christy, becoming more interested in the conversation.
"I believe he is in command of the garrison at Fort Gaines, though I am not sure," replied Percy, suddenly looking more disconsolate than ever at the prospect of meeting his patriotic brother.
"What makes you think he is?" asked Christy, with the feeling that he might be on the point of obtaining some useful information.
"They talked of sending him there before father and I left for New Providence."
"I supposed your brother was a young fellow like yourself."
"I believe he is twenty-six years old; but he has been two years in a military school in North Carolina, and they say he is a good soldier, and knows all about guns and forts and such things."
"Where do you think we are likely to overhaul him?"
"I don't know much about this business; but don't a boat have to come out from the fort and see that this vessel is all right before she can go into the bay?" asked Percy.