business with the captain. Frank, who thought he had accomplished
sufficient to satisfy him to remain on board, sat in the wardroom
reading, when the orderly entered and informed him that the captain
desired his presence in the cabin.

"Mr. Nelson," said he, "here's an order from the admiral, directing me
to furnish you with a cutter and an armed crew, and to send you to the
flag-ship for orders. I am also instructed to appoint an executive to
fill your place during your absence. I expect you will be sent off on
some expedition; so you had better prepare for a long trip."

The officer who brought the order having returned to his vessel, the
captain accompanied Frank on deck, and ordered the second cutter to be
called away and furnished with a crew well armed. In a short time the
boat was ready, and Frank, buckling on his side-arms, took leave of the
captain and started toward the flag-ship, wondering what duty he was now
called upon to perform, and fully determined that whatever orders he
might receive, however dangerous or difficult, should be executed, if
within the bounds of possibility.

When he arrived on board the Blackhawk, an officer, who appeared to be
waiting for him, conducted him into the cabin, where the admiral sat
writing at his desk.

"Good morning, Mr. Nelson," said he; "take a chair, sir."

Frank took the seat pointed out to him, and the admiral, taking from his
desk a bundle of papers, carefully tied up, continued:

"It has always been my habit, Mr. Nelson, not to let a brave or skillful