“I never heard that you were deficient in this quality,” said the Captain. “Seems to me that I’ve heard of a number of your exploits when you were a lad.”
“I was a boy, Captain. One expects such things from a lad but a tender, delicate little girl,”–and he smiled such a winning smile at Jeanne that she involuntarily drew closer to him,–“that is decidedly different. Boys take to such things naturally unless they are molly coddles. Were you not afraid, little girl?”
“Not until it was over,” answered Jeanne shyly. “But it was a dreadful time. I can’t help thinking of those poor men on the gunboat––” Her voice faltered and her eyes filled with tears.
“Yes, child.” The Admiral pressed her hand warmly. “That is the worst part of it. To lose such gallant fellows is one of the hard things of war. And yet–there is no nobler death than to fall in defense of one’s country. But the Captain tells me that you have a message for me.”
“Yes, sir. I have a letter from my father to Commodore Porter, and General Wallace added a few lines for you. I will get it.”
She ran to her stateroom and soon returned with the letter. “It is for any one on our side to read,” she said, as Farragut hesitated slightly.
“In that case,” smiled the Admiral. “I will read it. So, my little one, it is very necessary for you to get to New Orleans? You are young to be sent on business for the government. Tell me what led you to undertake such a thing.”
“Because I love my country and wished to do something for her,” replied Jeanne so fervently that Farragut’s face kindled in response.
“Well said,” he exclaimed enthusiastically. “That’s the stuff I wish that all Americans were made of. But have you no mother?”
“I have a dear mother,” answered Jeanne quickly. “She was quite willing for me to come as it was necessary. She made me this flag,” drawing it from her bosom, “and told me that not even for life itself must I betray it. I have kissed it every night,” continued the girl caressing its folds fondly, “and I keep it right over my heart that no traitorous thought may enter there.”