merriment at the breakfast-table.

Frank went ashore in the ten-o'clock boat, and, after strolling about
with his companions for a short time, invented a satisfactory excuse for
his absence, and started toward Mr. Abbott's house, which, to his joy,
he found open, with a negro engaged in sweeping the steps.

"Boy, who lives here?" he inquired.

The negro gave the desired information, adding: "He ain't hyar though,
but missus will be home dis arternoon."

"Where's your master?"

"Oh, he done gone off somewhar. I 'spects he don't like for to see you
Yankee sogers hyar."

As the negro ceased speaking, having finished his work, he turned and
went into the house, while Frank was about to move away, wondering what
was the next thing to be done, when a boy approached and opened the
gate.

"What do you want?" asked Frank.

The boy held up a letter which he carried in his hand, and Frank, seeing
that it was addressed to Mrs. Abbott, at once concluded that it
contained information which might be of the greatest value to him.

"It is all right," said he; "I'll attend to it;" at the same time taking
the note and handing some money to the boy, who departed well satisfied.