Frank almost cried with joy when he found himself once more on his own ship; and all the dangers he had undergone were forgotten in a moment.  He saw many new officers on board, and a master’s mate met them at the gangway, who, probably, held the position he once occupied.

The captain stood on deck, but did not recognize him; and even the old mate, with whom Frank had been an especial favorite, gazed at him as though he were a perfect stranger.

“Walk up on deck, men,” said the officer who received them, and who, doubtless, took them for rebel deserters, “the captain wants to see you.”

Frank led the way up the ladder, and as they filed, one after the other, on to the quarter-deck, the captain inquired: 

“Where do you belong, men?”

“I formerly belonged here, sir,” answered Frank, raising his hat; “and I have the honor to report myself on board.”

“Report yourself on board!” repeated the captain, in a tone of surprise.

“Yes, sir.  I haven’t been on board since we were down Yazoo Pass.  I did not intend to remain away so long, when I left the ship, but I couldn’t help it.”

“Explain yourself,” said the captain, growing impatient; “I don’t know what you mean.”

“My name is Nelson, sir; I was captured at”—­

“Why, Mr. Nelson!” exclaimed the captain, seizing his hand with a grip that almost wrung from him a cry of pain, “is it possible this is you?  I never expected to see you again.  But who are these with you?”

“They are some of our soldiers, whom I met on the way down.”

Their story was very soon told.  When it became known that the rebel lieutenant who was talking with the captain was none other than Frank Nelson, the quarter-deck was filled with officers and men, who gathered around the young hero, congratulating him on his safe return.  He was compelled to relate the particulars of his escape over and over again; and, finally, he and his companions were taken down into the wardroom, and supplied with clothing more befitting their stations than that which they wore.

For two days Frank did nothing but answer questions and relate incidents that occurred during the flight from Shreveport.  But at length the reaction came, and he, with several of his companions, were seized with the fever.  For a month Frank was very ill; but he received the best of care, and, aided by his strong constitution, the progress of the disease was stayed.

One day the captain came into his room, and, seating himself by his bedside, inquired: 

“Well, Mr. Nelson, how do you prosper?”

“Oh, I am getting along finely, thank you, sir.”

“Do you think you will be strong enough to travel, soon?”

“Yes, sir,” answered Frank, wondering what made the captain ask that question.

“How would you enjoy a trip home?”

“Oh, I should enjoy it above all things, sir I never was away from home so long before, in my life.”