The latter listened to his cousin's narration of the part he had borne
in the expedition, and in admiration of Archie's bravery, forgot the
lecture he had intended to administer. The officers, who had not
expected such an exhibition of courage in one whose cheek had blanched
at the whistle of a rebel bullet, were astonished, and it is needless to
say that no more jokes were indulged in at the expense of the "green
paymaster."

For two months Frank held his position as executive officer of the
Boxer, during which time the vessel was twice inspected by the admiral.
He now had little to do beyond the regular routine of ship duties, for
the guerrilla-station had been broken up by the burning of the
plantation-house, and vessels were seldom fired into on the Boxer's
beat. But this was not to continue long, for, one day, the dispatch-boat
brought orders for him to report on board the Michigan--which lay at the
mouth of Red River--as executive officer of that vessel.

This was still another advancement, for the Michigan was an iron-clad,
mounted fourteen guns, and had a crew of one hundred and seventy men.
But Frank would have preferred to remain in his present position. After
considerable hard work, he had brought the Boxer's crew into an
admirable state of discipline; every thing about decks went off as
smoothly as could be desired, and besides, Archie was on board, and he
did not wish to leave him. But he never hesitated to obey his orders,
and as soon as he had packed his trunk, and taken leave of his
messmates, he went on board the dispatch-boat, and in a few days arrived
at his new vessel.

The captain of the Michigan had written to the admiral, requesting that
a "first-class, experienced officer" might be sent him for an executive,