But who are these with you ?" "They are some of our soldiers, whom I met on the way down." Their story was very soon told.

When it became known that the rebel lieutenant who was talking with the captain was none other than Frank Nelson, the quarter-deck was filled with officers and men, who gathered around the young hero, congratulating him on his safe return.
He was compelled to relate the particulars of his escape over and over again; and, finally, he and his companions were taken down into the wardroom, and supplied with clothing more befitting their stations than that which they wore.
For two days Frank did nothing but answer questions and relate incidents that occurred during the flight from Shreveport.

But at length the reaction came, and he, with several of his companions, were seized with the fever.

For a month Frank was very ill; but he received the best of care, and, aided by his strong constitution, the progress of the disease was stayed.
One day the captain came into his room, and, seating himself by his bedside, inquired: "Well, Mr.Nelson, how do you prosper ?" "Oh, I am getting along finely, thank you, sir." "Do you think you will be strong enough to travel, soon ?" "Yes, sir," answered Frank, wondering what made the captain ask that question.
"How would you enjoy a trip home ?" "Oh, I should enjoy it above all things, sir I never was away from home so long before, in my life." "Well," said the captain, as he rose to go, "you must hurry and get well as fast as you can.

The doctor told me that he thought you ought to go North and recruit a little; so I wrote to the Admiral, and obtained you a sick-leave.