"But you will hear me a moment or two, will you not, Horatio?" asked Homer; and his lips quivered under the influence of his active thought.
"I will as long as that," replied Horatio.
"I have been thinking of the subject of our conversation in relation to the Bellevite; and I have something to propose to you, which I hope will satisfy you, and at the same time will not rob our Government of what now belongs to it."
"I am listening," added Horatio, as Homer paused to note the effect of his proposal.
"You did not tell me how you got by the forts in your steamer, and perhaps you are ready to do so now."
"I am not ready now; and I am not likely to be ready at any future time to do so, Homer. You have indicated that we are enemies, and each should keep his own counsels."
"Of course you will do as you think proper. I cannot reconcile myself to the idea of permitting a fine steamer like the Bellevite, now virtually in possession of the Confederacy, to sail away out of the bay. I feel that I should be guilty of treason to my country to do so."
"And you propose to steal her from your own brother, if you can. You have done a large business in stealing forts, and one ought not to be surprised when you propose to steal a ship," replied Horatio mildly but sternly.
"I pass over the injustice and unkindness on your part of that remark, and I hope you will accept my offer."
"Let me hear it as soon as possible."