smiled, and, turning to the officers, said:

"They are fine fellows; the experiences have been most trying, and would
test the mettle of most men; but they went through with it, obeyed all
orders, without asking why, and never showed the white feather."

"Who are they?" asked one of the cruiser's officers.

"American boys, caught in the war, where they helped the fighting until
two months ago, and were just returning to the United States on my ship.
That is how I happened to meet them and learned to love them," replied
the captain with pride in his voice.

As they were leaving the cabin, Alfred awoke. "Are we near Havre?" he
asked anxiously.

"We are now turning the point; we expect to reach the dock in a
half-hour," answered the officer.

Every one crowded the rails and watched the ever-changing panorama, for
Havre is the second seaport in France, has the largest foreign trade,
especially with America, and is noted for its great docks, and
ship-building facilities.

"Hurrah for the Stars and Stripes!" shouted Ralph, as he pointed to the
banner above the mast on a ship, which was just being warped out of the
dock.

The passengers, as well as officers and seamen of the cruiser, took off
their hats and cheered. Ralph blushed at the hearty response, but he
knew that it was a tribute which they were paying to America, about to
become a new ally. The seamen on board the American ship gave a hearty
response to the salute, and this swelled the pride of the boys beyond
measure.

How slowly the ship moved, now that they were nearing the end of their
journey from the perils of the sea. How anxiously they awaited the time
they could step ashore and visit the consul's office, there to learn, if
possible, the fate of their parents.

"They are going to take us to the main foreign dock," said the captain,
as he approached. "And I want to say that you must not get away from me
in your eagerness. There are some people who want to talk to you and
tell you how they appreciate your bravery and good work."

"Thank you, Captain," said Alfred. "We had no cause to fear, as long as
you commanded."

"Indeed not," chimed in Ralph. "Even if we knew other perils that might
come to us, we would be glad to follow you again wherever you ordered us
to go; that's the way we feel about it."

"That is, indeed, a compliment," replied the captain.

"We have never felt the slightest fear or doubt," said Alfred, "but, of
course, we have been