“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, my boy; I’m glad to see you an officer.”  And the brave fellow actually shed tears, as he shook Frank’s hand.  “Now, when you are ordered to your ship,” he continued, “I wish you would speak a word for me.  I am very well contented here, but I had much rather sail with you.”

Frank promised to do his best, and, after putting on his “shore togs,” as Simpson called them, and giving the captain’s order to the paymaster, he started off to report to the Admiral.