"Dangerously?" whispered the first lieutenant. The surgeon shook his head. "Speak out, doctor," said the patient, faintly. "I am not afraid to die for my country. Please tell me the truth." "I cannot tell yet, Mr. Somers. Three of the ribs are fractured, but if he is not injured internally, he will do very well," added the surgeon, to Mr. Hackleford. "I have but little pain," said the patient. "You will have more, Mr. Somers, by night," continued Dr. De Plesion. "I do not discover any internal injury." "I hope there is none," said the first lieutenant. "You are too good an officer to be spared, Mr. Somers,--I mean for even a brief period, of course." The report of the surgeon was anxiously awaited by the captain and all the ward-room officers, for the third lieutenant had been a universal favorite, and his capture of the Ben Lomond, and his gallant conduct during the action with the forts and the Tennessee, had not diminished his popularity. Of all who waited the doctor's decision, none took the matter so much to heart as the boatswain, who had saved him from drowning while he was helpless in the water. Mr. Hackleford noticed him at his duty, still wet to the skin, and kindly gave him permission to visit his young friend. "I shall not go by the board, Tom," said Somers. "You and I may yet make another cruise together." "Thank God! I hope so," exclaimed the boatswain, encouraged by these cheerful words. "Tom, I owe my life to you." "O, never mind that, my darling! What would I have done if you had slipped your wind?" "You would have done your duty, as you always do, my good fellow." "I dare say I should, Mr. Somers, but I can only thank God that you are alive now," replied the boatswain, as the tears flowed down his bronzed cheek, and he turned to leave the room. CHAPTER XXVI. IN THE HOSPITAL. Under the arrangement made by Admiral Farragut with the commander of Fort Morgan, the wounded of both sides were sent in the Metacomet to Pensacola. Somers was of the number, and he was borne from his berth in the Chatauqua to the steamer, though the removal caused him great pain. The numbness of his side was beginning to pass away, and the parts to become very sensitive. "Mr. Somers, I am sorry to see you in this condition," said "Brave Old Salt," who was present with a kind word for the suffering heroes of the battle. "You behaved nobly during the fight, as I am told you always do." "Thank you, sir. You are very kind," moaned Somers, in his pain and weakness. "I have not forgotten you, my brave fellow," continued the admiral. "The capture of the Ben Lomond was a matter of more consequence than you can appreciate, perhaps; and your faith and skill in doing this work entitle you to the gratitude of your country." "I am happy in having merited your approbation." "You have behaved gallantly in the action; and, I repeat, you shall be remembered. What can I do for you, Mr. Somers?"