e, and our two
passengers were in high spirits. Henry was not a little fearful that the
boat would resume her long-occupied position at the levee; the very
thought of such a calamity was painful in the extreme. But this fear was
not realized; the Chalmetta gave the levee a wide berth. The Rubicon was
passed; the shades of doubt and anxiety were supplanted by the clear
sunshine of a bright prospect.

"We are at last fairly started," said Henry, seating himself by the side
of Uncle Nathan, on the boiler deck.

"Thank fortin, we are!" responded the farmer, heartily. "We are fast
getting away from that den of sin."

"And you may preserve your morals yet," said Henry, with a pleasant
laugh.

"My morals are safe enough, thank the Lord!" answered Uncle Nathan, a
little touched at this reflection upon his firmness; "but I don't like
the place, to say nothing of its morals."

"Very likely. But see that Irishman--the fellow who had charge of the
box. He looks poorly enough, as far as this world's goods are concerned,
but happy and full of mirth, for all that."

"He looks as though he had seen hard times," added Uncle Nathan,
indifferently.

"He does, indeed, like many other of the poor soldiers; but, I warrant
me, he has a stout will, and an honest heart. I say, my fine fellow,"
said Henry, addressing Pat, "come up here."

"Troth I will, then, for I see yous wear the colors of Uncle Sam,"
replied the Irishman, making his way to the boiler deck.

"Long life to your honor!" continued Pat, as he reached the deck, and
making a low bow, as he doffed his slouched hat,--"but I wish I had the
money to trate your honor."

"Which means," replied Henry, "as you have not, I should treat you?"

"That's jist it, your honor. I persave your honor is college-larnt by
the way yous see into my heart."

Henry laughed heartily, and so did Uncle Nathan; though, to tell the
truth, our moralist of the North was sorry to see his companion hand the
man a "bit" to drink with, for he was a member of the temperance
society.

Pat got the "smile," and with a grateful heart returned to his patron.

"Thank your honor, kindly," said Pat.

"Now tell me, Pat, what regiment you served in," said Henry.

"In the first Pennsylvanians,--Captain Farrell's company."

"Captain Farrell's! I knew him well,--a fine fellow and a gallant
officer! Many were the tears shed when the vomito carried him off," said
Henry, with much feeling. "And you were one of