Jack turned out of his hammock, eager to engage in the expedition which was to start at this time. Hastening to the spar-deck, he heard the order given to clear away the cutters. The men and material for the enterprise were ready. Boat-howitzers were placed in the bows of the cutters; a supply of ammunition, provisions, and water, was taken on board of them; and the men embarked. Mr. Granger, the second-lieutenant, was to command the expedition, with the fourth-lieutenant in the third cutter, and a master’s mate in the fourth. It was the first active service in which either officers or men had been engaged during the cruise; and everyone, from the second-lieutenant down to the powder-boys, was anxious to distinguish himself, and each one felt competent to whip two or three rebels in any fair encounter. There was pluck enough in the expedition to have supplied three times as large a company: and it was fortunate for them and for the Government that Mr. Granger was a prudent and sensible man; otherwise the expedition might have taken it into its head to attack the city of New Orleans or Mobile, or pitched into Fort Pike, Fort Gaines, or some other rebel stronghold in the vicinity. When the boats were ready to start, Mr. Granger ordered the second and third cutters alongside the first, in which he was seated himself. The officers in command of the other boats had already been instructed in regard to their duties; and Mr. Granger proceeded to give a few general directions for the conduct of the men. The oars had been “tossed,” and the crews listened in respectful silence to the remarks of the commander of the expedition. “Cast off!” said the cockswains of the cutters; and the three boats separated, so as to permit each to use its oars. “Let fall!” added the cockswains. “Give way!” The cutters dashed away, the men pulling with a will. As yet, they knew not where they were going; and, aside from the natural curiosity all men feel, it is not probable that they cared, provided they were introduced to some stirring scene which would enable them to do something for the old flag, and furnish an opportunity for the daring spirits to distinguish themselves in a hand-to-hand fight. Jack Somers stowed himself away under the lee of Tom Longstone, who was in the same boat with him; partly because the old quartermaster wished “to keep an eye on him;” and partly because the veteran was a sage and a prophet, and Jack wanted the benefit of his observations and instructions. “Do you know where we are going, Tom?” asked Jack in a low voice; for loud talking was not permitted. “Haven’t the least idea, my lad,” replied Tom in a whisper. “Where do you suppose?” “The likes of you and me, my darling, are not to know anything about it. Bless you, Jack, Mr. Granger hasn’t asked my opinion about anything, and hasn’t even told me where we are going!” “Can’t you tell in what direction we are pulling?”