"'It isn't me, sir.' said the orderly; 'it's a gentleman out here waiting to see you, sir.' "'Then send him in--send him in at once, so that I can get rid of that noise.' "The man was accordingly shown into the presence of the captain, while I listened with both ears to hear what was said. "'Mornin', cap'in,' he began; 'I reckon I'm here on time.' "'Time! what time? What do you want?' inquired the captain, who always spoke very fast, as though he were in a hurry to get through with what he had to say. 'What do you want, my good man. Be lively now.' "'Why, cap'in, I come here to get that appointment for my son in this ere navy.' "'Appointment! For your son!' repeated the captain. 'Who is he? I never heard of him.' "'Wal, really now, cap'in, I'll be shot if you didn't tell me last night that you would make my son an officer. The wages are good, I hear, an' as I've a debt to pay off on the farm'-- "'Don't bother me!' interrupted the captain, beginning to get impatient. "'But, cap'in,' urged the man, 'you can't bluff me off this 'ere way. You told me last night that you wanted officers; you know I met you on the stairs, and you promised, honor bright.' "'Eh!' ejaculated the captain, in surprise,'my good man, allow me to know what I'm about, will you? _Will_ you allow me to know myself? Orderly,' he continued, turning to that individual, who had stood by, convulsed with laughter, which he was vainly endeavoring to conceal, 'orderly, do you think this man is in his right mind?' "The orderly said he didn't know; but, taking the man by the arm, showed him out of the office, telling him to come again, when the captain was not quite so busy. "The conversation had been carried on in a loud tone, and all the occupants of the different offices had heard it, and were highly amused, for they knew that somebody had been playing a joke on the countryman; but it was a long time before I told anyone of the share I had had in the affair." CHAPTER II. A Night Expedition. "The captain wishes to see you, gentlemen!" said the orderly, stepping up and saluting. The cousins repaired to the cabin, and after Archie had been introduced to the captain (for being utterly ignorant of the manner in which things were conducted on shipboard, he had not yet reported his arrival), his orders were indorsed, and the captain, turning to his desk, ran his eye hastily over an official document, and said: "Mr. Nelson, I have received instructions from the admiral to make you the executive officer of this vessel. Mr. Kearney's resignation has been accepted, and you will take his place. I am certain, from what I know and have heard of your past history, that I shall have no cause to regret the change." After a few moments' conversation with the captain upon unimportant matters, the cousins returned to the wardroom.