“I endeavored to do my duty, general.”
“You did well on that scout, too; and I’m going to send you out on another, if you have any fancy for such work.”
“I will do the best I can.”
“But, my brave fellow, I wish you to be very careful; for we can’t afford to lose officers like you.”
“I am always careful, general,” said Somers with a smile.
“Can you handle a boat?”
“Yes, sir; I was brought up among boats.”
“You will go over the river. There is rebel cavalry over there, and very likely a considerable force of infantry. I am inclined to think they are building batteries in the woods, to close up the navigation of the river, or perhaps to shell us out of our position. In a word, I am instructed to solve the problem, and I have selected you to do the work. What do you say?”
“I am all ready, sir, to undertake that, or any service to which I may be ordered.”
“That’s the right spirit, Captain Somers; and I thank you for the promptness with which you enter into my plans. I am satisfied, captain, that you will discharge the duty to my entire satisfaction.”