"I am not a total stranger here," added the owner rather coldly.
"It affords me a degree of pleasure I cannot express to see you come here, as events are getting big all around us, and with such a fine steamer. I am sure the Government will regard you as one of its greatest and truest benefactors," continued Major Pierson.
"It is my intention to serve the good cause with whatever measure of ability I may possess; but I do not care to say any thing at all about my purpose till I have talked with my brother. I hope I shall find my brother Homer in full sympathy with me in my views," added the owner, though it was not a pleasure to him even to deceive an enemy.
"Colonel Passford!" exclaimed the major. "Have you any doubt about him?"
"Hardly any, though I prefer to talk with him before I say much on my own account."
"Colonel Passford is not a very demonstrative man, but no one in the vicinity of Glenfield has any doubt as to how he stands on the great question."
"I think no one will have any doubt as to how I stand, as soon as I take my position."
"Certainly, sir, you will give no doubtful sound."
"I hope not."
"I came on board to examine this steamer before we permitted her to pass the forts," continued Major Pierson. "I find her in charge of my brother, in the absence of any letter from my father or other Confederate agent. I humbly apologize for the rudeness of which I was guilty, though I assure you I have had abundant provocation for it."