"Perhaps we can save you from such a fate in some way," suggested Christy, who was already doing some heavy thinking on his own account.
"I wish you would!" exclaimed Percy, catching at the straw held out to him.
"There is time enough, and I will see you again," added Christy, as he joined his father on the forecastle, where lie was taking a survey.
The owner's son had an idea, and he thought it was a good one. Without losing any time, he laid it before his father, explaining it in detail. He was even ready to remove objections to the scheme, and was confident that it would succeed. Captain Passford called the commander, and informed him what his son had suggested. Captain Breaker heartily approved it; for, if it failed, it would leave the steamer in no worse position than before, with all her chances of running the gauntlet successfully still open to her.
Christy was the best person on board to manage the details, for he was the most intimate with the son of the purchaser of vessels. He returned to that part of the deck where he had left his companion. He found that Percy was very anxious to see him again, for he had founded a hope on what had been said before.
"I think we can manage it, Mr. Percy, if you will do just what you are told to do," Christy began.
"I will do all that to the letter," protested Percy; and a smile actually lighted up his face at the prospect of escaping the fate to which his father and mother objected so strongly.
"You see the trouble with the Bellevite is that she has no papers; not even a letter from the Confederate agent who is picking up vessels for the navy. But I think we can manage it if you will learn your part correctly."
"I will do that. Do you think you can really keep my brother from taking me to the fort?" asked Percy, his tones and manner burdened with anxiety.
"I feel almost sure of it."