office, and so busy that he hardly knew what he was about, spoke in a
sharp tone:

"'Orderly, pull off those squeaking boots!'

"'It isn't me, sir.' said the orderly; 'it's a gentleman out here
waiting to see you, sir.'

"'Then send him in--send him in at once, so that I can get rid of that
noise.'

"The man was accordingly shown into the presence of the captain, while I
listened with both ears to hear what was said.

"'Mornin', cap'in,' he began; 'I reckon I'm here on time.'

"'Time! what time? What do you want?' inquired the captain, who always
spoke very fast, as though he were in a hurry to get through with what
he had to say. 'What do you want, my good man. Be lively now.'

"'Why, cap'in, I come here to get that appointment for my son in this
ere navy.'

"'Appointment! For your son!' repeated the captain. 'Who is he? I never
heard of him.'

"'Wal, really now, cap'in, I'll be shot if you didn't tell me last night
that you would make my son an officer. The wages are good, I hear, an'
as I've a debt to pay off on the farm'--