"I was a boy, Captain. One expects such things from a lad but a tender, delicate little girl,"--and he smiled such a winning smile at Jeanne that she involuntarily drew closer to him,--"that is decidedly different. Boys take to such things naturally unless they are molly coddles. Were you not afraid, little girl?" "Not until it was over," answered Jeanne shyly. "But it was a dreadful time. I can't help thinking of those poor men on the gunboat----" Her voice faltered and her eyes filled with tears. "Yes, child." The Admiral pressed her hand warmly. "That is the worst part of it. To lose such gallant fellows is one of the hard things of war. And yet--there is no nobler death than to fall in defense of one's country. But the Captain tells me that you have a message for me." "Yes, sir. I have a letter from my father to Commodore Porter, and General Wallace added a few lines for you. I will get it." She ran to her stateroom and soon returned with the letter. "It is for any one on our side to read," she said, as Farragut hesitated slightly. "In that case," smiled the Admiral. "I will read it. So, my little one, it is very necessary for you to get to New Orleans? You are young to be sent on business for the government. Tell me what led you to undertake such a thing." "Because I love my country and wished to do something for her," replied Jeanne so fervently that Farragut's face kindled in response. "Well said," he exclaimed enthusiastically. "That's the stuff I wish that all Americans were made of. But have you no mother?" "I have a dear mother," answered Jeanne quickly. "She was quite willing for me to come as it was necessary. She made me this flag," drawing it from her bosom, "and told me that not even for life itself must I betray it. I have kissed it every night," continued the girl caressing its folds fondly, "and I keep it right over my heart that no traitorous thought may enter there." "My dear child," a tear glistened in the Admiral's eye, "you are a brave girl and have a noble mother. So long as America can produce such women there will be no fear for the Union. You shall get to New Orleans as quickly as possible. If it were needful I would clear a passage with my guns. But that will not be necessary. You will soon see the end of your journey. Would that all messengers were as brave as you have shown yourself." "Perhaps they would be if they could meet with such treatment as I have, sir. Some of them are very bold and daring, and run fearful risks. I have heard my father tell of their narrow escapes. And some of them," and her eyes grew sorrowful, "never get back. I have done nothing compared with what many of them have done." "It is a great deal," said Farragut kindly. "More than most girls could do."