"'Don't bother me!' interrupted the captain, beginning to get impatient.

"'But, cap'in,' urged the man, 'you can't bluff me off this 'ere way.
You told me last night that you wanted officers; you know I met you on
the stairs, and you promised, honor bright.'

"'Eh!' ejaculated the captain, in surprise,'my good man, allow me to
know what I'm about, will you? _Will_ you allow me to know myself?
Orderly,' he continued, turning to that individual, who had stood by,
convulsed with laughter, which he was vainly endeavoring to conceal,
'orderly, do you think this man is in his right mind?'

"The orderly said he didn't know; but, taking the man by the arm, showed
him out of the office, telling him to come again, when the captain was
not quite so busy.

"The conversation had been carried on in a loud tone, and all the
occupants of the different offices had heard it, and were highly amused,
for they knew that somebody had been playing a joke on the countryman;
but it was a long time before I told anyone of the share I had had in
the affair."




CHAPTER II.

A Night Expedition.