"Hardly to my reward, for I neither desire nor expect any further
promotion," replied Christy. "I am not yet twenty years old."
"But God makes some fully-developed men before they are twenty-one, and
you are one of them."
"Thank you, Captain."
"I am willing to wager the salary I have lost that you will be promoted
whether you desire it or not."
"I hope not," replied the lieutenant, as he went to the temporary
stateroom which had been prepared for him.
The apartment was much larger than the permanent ones, and it was
provided with everything that could contribute to his comfort. While Mr.
Graines was assisting him to arrange his baggage, the steamer got under
way.
CHAPTER XXIII
THE WELCOME HOME AT BONNYDALE
Even with the West Wind in tow, the Tallahatchie could make fifteen
knots an hour; for the sea was smooth, with every prospect of continued
fine weather. Dr. Davidson was a prisoner of war, but he remained on
board in charge of the wounded of both sides. He was very devoted to
Christy, and dressed his wound every morning as tenderly as his mother
could have done it. He was a gentleman in the highest sense of the word,
and belonged to one of the best families in the South.
Captain Rombold was a very agreeable person; and most of the
conversation in the cabin was carried on in French, for the commander
was delighted when he could obtain an opportunity to practise the
language, and Dr.
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