celebrate the arrival of your commission by
active duty. I wish the generals would think of me when they want
something handsome done."

"What do you say to going with me?"

"I would thank my stars for the chance."

"Well, then I have orders for you."

"Somers, my dear fellow, you touch my heart-strings!" cried the captain,
jumping up, and throwing his arms around Somers in the most extravagant
manner.

"On one condition," added Captain Somers.

"Any condition you please."

"You are my superior; but----"

"I know all about it. I will go as a volunteer, and you shall command the
expedition."

"We will work together."

"With all my heart."

Somers then selected six men for the service, with special reference to
their skill as boatmen, and ordered them to make the necessary
preparations for duty. As there were still several hours to spare before
dark, he used a portion of this time in writing a letter to his mother,
informing her of the remarkable fortune that had attended him; and
another to Senator Guilford, thanking him for the kind interest he had
manifested in his welfare, in the postscript of which he wrote the
history of Captain de Banyan's valuable services, and modestly added that
any favor conferred on his friend would ever be gratefully remembered by
the writer.

CHAPTER XIX

OVER THE RIVER

Captain Somers, as we are hereafter to call him, was proud and happy in
the distinction which had been bestowed upon him; but he had some doubts
whether he had fully earned his promotion. He had done as much as any,
and more than some. Yet it seemed to him just as though nothing short of
the capture or annihilation of a whole brigade of the enemy's forces
could entitle him to such a distinguished honor, especially as he was
only eighteen years of age. He was afraid that Senator Guilford had
exerted too much influence in his favor; but the general of the division
had assured him he had won his promotion, and would have received it in
time, even without the powerful aid of the honorable gentleman at
Washington.

This thought comforted him; and he only hoped that his friend De Banyan
would be as highly favored as he had been. The valiant captain, in spite
of his glaring faults, was a good fellow, a fine officer, and very
popular with his inferiors as well as his superiors. He had become very
much attached to Somers, and had proved by many substantial acts that he
was animated by a warm regard for