What could it mean?
The captain had always treated him with the greatest kindness; but, since the engagement with the guerrillas, all the officers had shown him more consideration than ever.

He had noticed the change, and wondered at it.
At length the captain, after hastily directing the letter he had written, and giving it in charge of the orderly, took an official document from his desk, saying, as he did so: "I am greatly pleased, Mr.Nelson, to be able to give you this, for you deserve it;" and after unfolding the letter, he gave it to Frank, who read as follows: NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec.

18, 1862.
Sir: For your gallantry in the late action at Cypress Bend, on the 1st inst., you are hereby appointed an Acting Master's Mate in the Navy of the United States, on temporary service.

Report, without delay, to Acting Rear-Admiral David D.Porter, for such duty as he may assign you.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, _Secretary of the Navy,_ Acting Master's Mate FRANK NELSON, _S.S.Milwaukee, Mississippi Squadron._ "Well," said the captain, after Frank had read the letter over three times, to make sure that he was not dreaming, and that he was really an officer, "what do you think of it ?" "I hardly know what to think, sir," answered Frank.