You will excuse me, will you not?"

"Certainly, sir," answered Frank; and he seated himself, lost in wonder.

The captain had addressed him as _Mr._ Nelson, while heretofore he had
always been called, by the officers, Nelson, or Frank. What could it mean?
The captain had always treated him with the greatest kindness; but, since
the engagement with the guerrillas, all the officers had shown him more
consideration than ever. He had noticed the change, and wondered at it.

At length the captain, after hastily directing the letter he had written,
and giving it in charge of the orderly, took an official document from his
desk, saying, as he did so:

"I am greatly pleased, Mr. Nelson, to be able to give you this, for you
deserve it;" and after unfolding the letter, he gave it to Frank, who read
as follows:

NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 18, 1862.

Sir: For your gallantry in the late action at Cypress Bend, on the
1st inst., you are hereby appointed an Acting Master's Mate in the
Navy of the United States, on temporary service. Report, without
delay, to Acting Rear-Admiral David D. Porter, for such duty as he
may assign you. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GIDEON WELLES, _Secretary of the Navy,_

Acting Master's Mate FRANK NELSON,
_S.S. Milwaukee, Mississippi Squadron._

"Well," said the captain, after Frank had read the letter over three
times, to make sure that he was not dreaming, and that he was really an
officer, "what do you think of it?"

"I hardly know what to think, sir," answered Frank. "It is an honor I did
not expect."

"Very likely," said the captain, with a laugh; "but you deserve it. If it
hadn't been for you, we should all have been captured. I saw the whole of
the transaction from the pilot-house."

"It was my duty to do it, sir."

"It was a brave act, call it what else you will. Now go and give this to
the paymaster," continued the captain, handing Frank an order for the
settlement of his accounts, "and then go immediately and report to the
Admiral."

Frank left the captain, a good deal elated at his success; and when he
approached Simpson, the latter exclaimed:

"What is it, my hearty? Your promotion?"

"Yes," answered Frank; "read that;" and he handed his appointment to his
friend, who said:

"I knew you would get it. The captain isn't the man to let such a thing as
you did at Cypress Bend pass unnoticed. Give us your flipper, m