"The captain wishes to see you, gentlemen!" said the orderly, stepping
up and saluting.

The cousins repaired to the cabin, and after Archie had been introduced
to the captain (for being utterly ignorant of the manner in which things
were conducted on shipboard, he had not yet reported his arrival), his
orders were indorsed, and the captain, turning to his desk, ran his eye
hastily over an official document, and said:

"Mr. Nelson, I have received instructions from the admiral to make you
the executive officer of this vessel. Mr. Kearney's resignation has been
accepted, and you will take his place. I am certain, from what I know
and have heard of your past history, that I shall have no cause to
regret the change."

After a few moments' conversation with the captain upon unimportant
matters, the cousins returned to the wardroom.

Frank's constant attention to his duties had again been rewarded, and he
was now the second in authority on board the vessel. All orders from the
captain must pass through him, and in the absence of that gentleman he
became commander. To say that Frank was delighted would but feebly
express his feelings; he was proud of the honor, and determined that he
would prove himself worthy of it. In fact, he had now reached the height
of his ambition, although he had little dreamed that it would come so
soon. He asked nothing more. He had worked hard and faithfully ever
since he had entered the service, but in receiving the appointment of
executive officer he felt amply rewarded.

He was young in years for so responsible a position, but he had no fears