him. Though he talked a great deal
about the favor of high officials in securing his promotion, he had never
hinted a wish that Somers should attempt to influence his powerful friend
to do anything for him.

Somers said nothing to the captain about the letter he had written. If
anything was done, he wished to have his friend surprised as he had been.
But he had only slight hopes that anything would be accomplished by his
application. Though Captain de Banyan had always behaved well in battle,
and had always faithfully discharged his duties in the camp and on the
march, there was something like a mystery hanging about him, which had a
tendency to prejudice the officers against him. While they admired his
bravery, and enjoyed his society, there was a certain lack of confidence,
resulting from a want of knowledge of his antecedents.

De Banyan always evaded any allusion to his former residence or
occupation. He desired to be regarded as a soldier of fortune, who had
fought with every nation that had a quarrel with its neighbors. Where he
was born, where he had lived, or how he obtained his commission, were
secrets locked up in his own breast. Somers had some doubts in regard to
him, and was constantly afraid that he should hear more of the captain
than it would be pleasant to know.

Captain Somers reported his arrangements in due form to the general, and
they were approved. About nine o'clock in the evening, he, with his
little party, embarked on the river, and the rowers pulled towards the
opposite shore. Of course, it was necessary to use the utmost caution;
for a rebel picket on the opposite bank of the river might suddenly put
an end to the career of some of the party.

"I think we are making a mistake, Captain Somers," said De Banyan in a
whisper, when they had gone about half way across the river.

"So do I; but it is not too late to correct the error," replied Somers,
as he turned the bow of the boat down the river.

"I believe you are my double, Somers; for you know my thoughts before I
utter them."

"I was just thinking, when you spoke, that we were running into a nest of
the enemy."

"Just before the battle of the Alma, I went on just such an expedition as
this; but we went down the river beyond the enemy's lines, and doubled up
in the rear of them; thus finding out all we wanted to know."

"That is what I propose to do."

"Captain Brickfield and myself landed, and walked sixty-four miles
between nine