“Shouldn’t wonder,” said Sam Rivers.  “Anyhow, he’s a fool to make such a fuss about it.  As for me,” he added, with a mirthful glance, “I am just as much disappointed as he is.  When I came here this afternoon I expected I should be elected captain, and I’d got my speech all ready, but now I’m sorry that it will have to be wasted.”

There was a general burst of laughter, for Sam Rivers, whom everybody liked for his good nature, was incorrigibly awkward, and had made a larger number of blunders, probably, than any other member of the company.”

“Give us the speech, Sam,” said Bob Ingalls.

“Yes, don’t let it be wasted.”

“Speech! speech!” cried Joseph Barry.

“Very well, gentlemen, if you desire it.”

Sam drew from his pocket a blank piece of paper, and pretended to read the following speech, which he made up on the spur of the moment.

“Ahem! gentlemen,” he commenced, in a pompous tone, assuming an air of importance; “I am deeply indebted to you for this very unexpected honor.”

“Oh, very,” said one of the boys near.

“I feel that you have done yourself credit in your selection.”

Here there was a round of applause.

“I am sorry that some of you are still very awkward, but I hope under my excellent discipline to make veterans of you in less than no time.”

“Good for you!”

“You cannot expect me to remain long with you, as I am now in the line of promotion, and don’t mean to stop short of a brigadier.  But as long as I am your captain I hope you will appreciate your privileges.”

Sam’s speech was followed by a chorus of laughter, in which he joined heartily himself.

As for John’s defection, nobody seemed to regret it much.  It was generally felt that the company would have no difficulty in getting along without him.

CHAPTER XXVI.  THE REBEL TRAP

On the first of April Frank received the following letter from his father.  It was the more welcome because nearly a month had elapsed since anything had been received, and the whole family had become quite anxious: 

“Dear Frank,” the letter commenced, “you are no doubt feeling anxious on account of my long silence.  You will understand the cause of it when I tell you that since the date of my last letter I have been for a fortnight in the enemy’s hands as a prisoner.  Fortunately, I have succeeded in effecting my escape.  You will naturally be interested to learn the particulars.

“Three weeks since, a lady occupying an estate about five miles distant from our camp waited on our commanding officer and made an urgent request to have a few soldiers detailed as a guard to protect her and her property from molestation and loss.  Our colonel was not at first disposed to grant her request, but finally acceded to it, rather reluctantly, declaring that it was all nonsense.  I was selected, with five other men, to serve as a guard.  Mrs. Roberts—­for this was her name—­appeared quite satisfied to find her request granted, and drove slowly home under our escort.