Mr. Dickey placed himself at Jack’s side at the wheel, and the steamer went ahead again. Her progress was necessarily very slow: but the lantern in the cutter was a safe guide; and, in due time, she reached the mouth of the bayou. The boat was then recalled, Raymond taken on board, and the steamer emerged into the great river. The commander was relieved from his nervous anxiety, and his remarks became more brilliant, though he displayed less of the self-sufficiency of his nature than might have been expected under the circumstances. The events of the night had inspired him with no small degree of respect for Quartermaster Somers, and he was less haughty than on former occasions. The cotton-steamer had proceeded but a short distance down the river before the Middy was discovered steaming up. It is quite likely that Captain Bankhead suffered a great deal during the absence of the expedition, from anxiety for the safety of his men. The appearance of the prize must have been a great relief to him: for it removed from his mind a burden equal in weight to the whole cargo of cotton. The Middy ran up alongside the Kenshaw,--which was the cotton-steamer’s name,--after hailing her, and learned that she was indeed the expected prize. “Captain Bankhead. I have the honor to report the entire success of the expedition,” said Mr. Dickey, as he stepped on board the Middy. “I congratulate you upon your success, Mr. Dickey,” replied the captain, grasping the hand of the proud and happy young officer. “I have been trembling for you every moment since your departure.” “I am happy to say, sir, that everything has worked to my entire satisfaction. The men behaved themselves with great discretion and gallantry; and I would particularly recommend Quartermaster Somers to your favor.” “Somers again!” laughed Captain Bankhead. “He conducted himself with remarkable skill and gallantry, sir; and his conduct merits my entire approbation. I take great pleasure in reporting his excellent conduct to you, sir; and trust that his merit will not be overlooked.” “It shall not be, Mr. Dickey. He shall be particularly mentioned in my despatch to the flag-officer,” replied the captain, who could hardly help laughing at the high-flown speech of Mr. Dickey. The Kenshaw was run up to the bank of the river, and moored to a tree; for Captain Bankhead did not think it prudent to start for New Orleans without a pilot. The Middy came to anchor in a position where she could defend her from any attack from the shore. Litchfield, the pilot, had been put in irons, and conveyed on board the Middy. He was silent and sullen, refusing to answer any questions put to him by the captain. In the morning, however, he appeared to be more tractable, and expressed his regret for his past conduct. “I’m true to the Gover’ment, cap’n, and have been from the beginning,” said he. “And for that reason you attempted to destroy my vessel!”