job? Who's to go out there, in the face of three or four hundred rebels,
and do it? _I_ can't, with a crew of only fifty men."

"I didn't suppose it could be done openly, sir; but couldn't it be
accomplished by stratagem in the night, for instance?"

The captain shook his head; but Frank, who was not yet discouraged,
continued:

"I have not made this proposition, captain, without thinking it all
over--without taking into consideration all the chances for and against
it--and I still think it could be accomplished."

"Well, how would you go to work?" asked the captain, settling back in
his chair with the air of a man who had made his decision, from which he
was not to be turned.

Frank then proceeded to recount the plans he had laid for the
accomplishment of his object, to which the captain listened attentively,
and when Frank had ceased, he rose to his feet and paced the cabin. He
knew that the young officer had before engaged in expeditions similar to
the one he now proposed, when, in carrying out his designs, he had
exhibited the skill and judgment of a veteran. In the present instance,
his plans were so well laid, that there appeared to be but little chance
for failure. After a few moments' consideration, the captain again
seated himself, and said:

"Well, Mr. Nelson, it shall be as you propose. If you succeed, I am
certain that this guerrilla station will be broken up; if you fail, it
will only be what many a good officer has done before you."