the expedition, supposing that they were to accompany Frank wherever he
went. During the short time the latter had been on board the Boxer, they
had become very much attached to him. Although he was a very strict
officer, and always expected every man to do his duty promptly, he
always treated them with the greatest kindness, and never spoke harshly
to them. This was so different from the treatment they had usually
received at the hands of their officers, that it won their hearts; and,
although they admired his courage, they would have felt much better
pleased had they received orders to accompany him.

"Don't you understand, Tom?" again asked Frank, seeing that the coxswain
hesitated.

"Oh, yes, sir," replied the sailor, touching his hat; "I understand,
sir. But, Mr. Nelson, may I be so bold as to ask one question--one
favor, I may say?"

"Certainly; speak it out," answered Frank, who little imagined what
thoughts were passing through the minds of his men. "What is it? Do you
wish to go back to the ship, and leave us here alone?"

"No, sir," answered all the men in a breath.

"Mr. Nelson," said the coxswain, "I never yet refused duty because there
was danger in it, and I'm too old a man to begin now. You have here,
sir, twelve as good men as ever trod a ship's deck, and you know, sir,
that when you passed the word for volunteers for this expedition, you
didn't have to call twice. But we all thought that we should go with you
to the end; and, to tell the truth, sir, we don't like the idea of you
and the paymaster going off alone among them rebels. You are sure to get