"In spite of your present, unfortunate position, Horatio, I believe you are still a man of truth, honor, and integrity."
"Thank you, Homer."
"I do not wish to keep Florry here when her mother desires so much to see her, and I have hit upon a plan by which you can do this without making me a traitor to my country."
"It must have been a happy thought," added Horatio, somewhat interested in what the other was saying.
"I think it was a happy thought, and I sincerely hope you will be able to accept the plan. I have some little influence in this section, and I have no doubt I can procure a pass for your steamer to go to sea," continued Homer, pausing to study the expression of his brother.
"Do I understand that you propose to do this, Homer?" asked Captain Passford, not a little astonished at the apparent change his brother had made in his position.
"On a certain condition, which you can easily meet."
"It looks as though you were becoming more reasonable. What is the condition on which you will do this? For I should certainly prefer to have no shots fired at the Bellevite while Florry is on board of her."
"As I have said, your word is as good as your bond; and I am willing to accept the consequences of the step I propose to take, since the Confederacy will not suffer any loss or detriment on account of it."
"It will not!" exclaimed the captain, beginning to see that he could not accept the conditions.