Frank on a Gun-Boat

Gun

in without ceremony, and was about to enter the steward's room, when he discovered a pair of patent-leather boots, which he thought he recognized, sticking out from under a mattre

asked, in a trembling voice,

rank, "and I would like to ha

sk of being shot? No, sir; I'll stay here, where I am safe;" and t

" said Frank; "the rebe

we are

t me alone," whi

oing to exp

Frank, now fairly aroused "

ebels back in their own coin; but the bullets came through the cabin so thick that I thought it best to

Frank, in a tone of voice which showed t

ve given them fits,

r gun when you found t

ack in the

ward would not have stopped to put the gun back in its place; and, in hi

out on deck, the stewar

safe to go out there just ye

ou can come down and attend to him, or not, just as you please." So saying, he opened t

hough a kind-hearted man, was a strict disciplinarian, and one who always took particular pains to see that his crew was well provided

een lain, with his elbows on his knees, and his head support

s shot pretty close to me;" and he showed Frank an ugly-looking woun

ning the wound, he pronounced it very severe,

y the bullets of the guerrillas, he was the only one hurt. Frank was excused from all duty, that he might act as Simpson's nurse; and he scarcely lef

by his friend's hammock, reading aloud a letter from Harry Butler, in which he gave a vivid description of a late battle in which his regiment had partic

liberty in a moment. I should like to finish this letter bef

ed Frank; and he seated

nk. What could it mean? The captain had always treated him with the greatest kindness; but, since the engagement with th

he had written, and giving it in charge of the orderly, to

e you this, for you deserve it;" and after unfolding

WASHINGTON, D.C

cting Master's Mate in the Navy of the United States, on temporary service. Report, without delay, to Actin

S, Secretary

NK NELSON, S.S. Milwauke

over three times, to make sure that he was not dreaming, a

, sir," answered Frank. "It

e it. If it hadn't been for you, we should all have been captu

duty to d

he paymaster," continued the captain, handing Frank an order for the settl

lated at his success; and when he app

my hearty? Yo

hat;" and he handed his appoin

my boy; I'm glad to see you an officer." And the brave fellow actually shed tears, as he shook Frank's hand. "Now, when you are ordered

re togs," as Simpson called them, and giving the captain's or

hip, he was met by the officer of t

sir" answered Frank; "I am

ng at the door of the cabin, who took his name and disappeared. In a mome

d his appointment to the Admira

that saved the Milwaukee, a

rders to report, witho

and as the Admiral hand

ou will have a chance to distinguish yourself.

duty, sir," answered Frank; and

er the paymaster paid him up in full, Frank started for the nearest clothi

s, superintending the loading of a vessel with provisions. It was Archie Winters; but it was plain that he did not recognize his

re I can find Mr. Winters?

ized his cousin's hand, and shook it heartily. "I've been on board the Milwaukee twice this morning, but you were off so

," answered Frank; "but I am ordered

hat lay alongside of the wharf boat. "I am just putting provisions o

d him the way into the cabin. After the captain had indorsed his orders, he strolled leisur

inch guns and four twelve-pounder howitzers. She had a heavy iron ram on her bow, and the turret was protected by three inches

d, although it was then the middle of winter, F

sail, the time was employed in getting every thing in order-i

od their duty; and by the time their sailing o

cer on board the ship-was to command the magazine. He learned very rapidly, and, as

who had sailed from Cairo about a week previous. They found him at Arkansas Post, where they arrived too late to take part in the fight.