but when Frank presented himself and produced his orders, that gentleman
was astonished. After regarding the young officer sharply for a moment,
he said:

"The admiral, no doubt, knows his own business, but let me tell you,
young man, that you have no easy task before you."

He no doubt thought that a person of Frank's years was utterly incapable
of filling so responsible a position. The latter, with his usual
modesty, replied that he would endeavor to do his duty, and after he had
seen his baggage taken care of, he went into the wardroom, where he
found a young officer seated at the table reading. He arose as Frank
entered, and thrusting out his hand, greeted him with--

"I'm glad to meet you again, Mr. Nelson, and among friends, too."

It was George Le Dell, the escaped prisoner, whom he had met during his
memorable flight from Shreveport. Frank had not seen him, nor even heard
of him, since he had left him on board the Ticonderoga; but here he was,
"among the defenders of the Old Flag" again, in fulfillment of the
promise he had made his rebel father, in the letter which Frank had read
to his fellow fugitives in the woods, where they had halted for the day.
He was not changed--his face still wore that sorrowful expression--and
Frank found that he rarely took part in the conversation around the
mess-table. He was an excellent officer, the especial favorite of the
captain, and beloved by all his messmates, who, very far from suspecting
the cause of his quiet demeanor, called him "Silence."

Frank heartily returned his cordial greeting, and the two friends talked
for a long time of scenes through which they had passed