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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12808 ***
+
+[Illustration: FRANK SAVING THE BOAT]
+
+
+
+THE GUN-BOAT SERIES.
+
+
+
+FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT
+
+BY
+
+HARRY CASTLEMON,
+
+AUTHOR OF "THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES," "THE GO-AHEAD SERIES," ETC.
+
+
+
+
+1892.
+
+
+
+
+Contents.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+IN THE NAVY.
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+LEARNING THE ROPES.
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+SQUARING THE YARDS.
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+A MIDNIGHT ALARM.
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+A DISCOMFITED REBEL.
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+FRANK'S FIRST EXPLOIT.
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+ON A GUN-BOAT.
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE STRUGGLE BETWEEN THE LINES.
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+A UNION FAMILY.
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+A SPUNKY REBEL.
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+FRANK A PRISONER.
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE ESCAPE.
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+THE FAITHFUL NEGRO.
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+CHASED BY BLOOD-HOUNDS.
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+THE RESCUE.
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+A FRIEND IN NEED.
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+THE SCENE AT THE PLANTATION.
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+ALMOST BETRAYED.
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+
+
+
+FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT.
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+In the Navy.
+
+
+"Well, Frank, did you bring home the evening's paper?" inquired Mrs.
+Nelson, as her son entered the room where she was sitting.
+
+"Yes, ma'am. Here it is!" answered Frank, producing it. "But there is
+no news in it. The Army of the Potomac has not moved yet. I don't see
+what makes them wait so long. Why don't McClellan go to work and thrash
+the rebels?"
+
+"You must remember that the rebels have about as many men as we have,"
+answered his mother. "Perhaps, if McClellan should undertake to 'thrash'
+the rebels, as you say, he would get whipped himself"
+
+"That makes no difference," answered Frank. "If I was in his place, and
+the rebels _should_ whip me, it wouldn't do any good, for I'd renew the
+battle every day, as long as I had a man left."
+
+It was toward the close of the first year of the war, during the "masterly
+inactivity" of the Army of the Potomac. For almost eight months McClellan
+had been lying idle in his encampment, holding in check that splendid
+army, which, with one blow, could have crushed out the rebellion, and
+allowing the rebels ample time to encircle their capital with
+fortifications, before which the blood of loyal men was to be poured out
+like water. The people of the North were growing impatient; and "On to
+Richmond!" was the cry from every part of the land.
+
+From the time Fort Sumter had fallen, Frank had been deeply interested in
+what as going on. The insults which had been heaped upon the flag under
+which his grandfather had fought and died, made the blood boil in his
+veins, and he often wished that he could enlist with the brave defenders
+of his country. He grew more excited each day, as the struggle went on,
+and the news of a triumph or defeat would fire his spirit, and he longed
+to be standing side by side with the soldiers of the Union, that he might
+share in their triumphs, or assist in retrieving their disasters.
+
+He was left almost alone now, for many of the boys of his acquaintance had
+shouldered their muskets and gone off with the others; and that very day
+he had met Harry Butler, who had enlisted as a private, wearing the
+uniform of a lieutenant, which he had won by his bravery at Fort Donelson.
+
+He had never said one word to his mother about enlisting, for he was an
+only son, and he dreaded to ask her permission. But that mother's quick
+eye easily read what was going on in her son's mind. She had Puritan blood
+in her veins; her ancestors had fought in the war of the Revolution, and
+she had resolved that, if Frank wished to go, she would give her full
+consent. A mother's heart alone can tell the struggle it had cost her to
+come to this determination.
+
+"I've got a letter from Archie, also," said Frank.
+
+His mother took it from his hand, and read as follows:
+
+    Portland, _March_ 18, 1862.
+
+
+    Dear Cousin:
+
+    I am about to tell you something which you will call strange news.
+    Father has at last given his consent to my going to war, provided
+    you will go too. He says that if I go, I must have you with me, to
+    take care of me, and keep me straight. I suppose he thinks I will
+    never go if I am obliged to wait for you, for he says your mother
+    will not consent to your going. You can ask her, any way. You know
+    you always wanted to have a hand in putting down this rebellion.
+
+    If we go at all, I think the best plan is to enter the navy. It is a
+    much better branch of the service than the army--the discipline is
+    better; there are no long marches to endure; and, wherever you go,
+    your house goes with you.
+
+    Now, be sure and do your best, for now is our chance, if ever.
+    Please write immediately, for I am afraid father will change his
+    mind.
+
+    Yours, in haste, Archibald Winters.
+
+When Mrs. Nelson had read the letter, she handed it back to her son
+without saying a word.
+
+"Well, mother, what do you think of it?" inquired Frank.
+
+"The matter rests entirely with you, my son," answered Mrs. Nelson,
+dropping her sewing into her lap. "Do just as you think best."
+
+"Do you say I may go?" inquired Frank, joyfully.
+
+"Certainly. You have my full consent to go, if you wish to."
+
+"Oh, mother," exclaimed Frank, springing up and throwing his arms around
+her neck, "I wish I had known, long ago, that you were willing to have me
+go."
+
+"Where are you going, Frank?" inquired Julia, who had a vague suspicion of
+what was going on.
+
+"I'm off to the war," answered her brother. "I am going into the navy with
+Archie."
+
+"Oh, Frank," she exclaimed, bursting into tears, "you must not go. There's
+enough in the army without you. You will certainly get shot."
+
+"I'll never be shot in the back," said Frank; "you may rely on that. But
+you don't suppose that every one who goes to war gets shot, do you? I may
+be one of the lucky ones; so don't cry any more."
+
+But Julia could not control her feelings. The thought that her brother was
+to be exposed to the slightest danger was terrible; and Frank, seeing that
+it would do no good to talk to her, left the room, and went into his
+study, where he wrote to Archie, stating that he would start for Portland
+the next day. He spent the forenoon in wandering about the house and
+orchard, taking a long and lingering look at each familiar object. He
+locked the museum, and gave the key to Julia, who was close at his side
+wherever he went. Even Brave seemed to have an idea of what was going on,
+for he followed his master about, and would look into his face and whine,
+as though he was well aware that they were about to be separated.
+
+Immediately after dinner, the carriage which was to convey Frank and his
+baggage to the Julia Burton drew up before the door. The parting time had
+come. "Good-by, mother," said Frank, as he stood at the door, ready to go.
+
+"Good-by, my son," said Mrs. Nelson, straining him to her bosom, and
+struggling hard to keep back a sob. "We may never see you again, but I
+hope I shall never hear that you shrunk from your duty."
+
+Frank could not reply--his breast was too full for utterance: and hastily
+kissing his sister, and shaking Hannah's hand, he hurried down the walk
+toward the gate. He had not gone far before Brave came bounding after him.
+
+"Go back, old fellow," said Frank, caressing the faithful animal; "you
+can't go with me this time. It will be a long while before you and I will
+go anywhere together again. Go back, sir."
+
+Brave understood his master perfectly; and he turned and trotted toward
+the house, looking back now and then, and whining, as if urging his master
+to allow him to go too. Frank did not stop to look back, but sprang into
+the carriage, and the driver closed the door after him, and mounted to his
+seat and drove off. He had scarcely time to get his baggage on board the
+steamer before she moved off into the stream. And Frank was glad it was
+so, for the longer he remained in sight of the village, the harder grew
+the struggle to leave it. But, at length, every familiar object was left
+behind, and being surrounded by new scenes, Frank gradually recovered his
+usual spirits.
+
+In two days he arrived at Portland, and as he was getting off the cars, he
+was seized by Archie, who had come to the depot to meet him.
+
+"I'm glad to see you," said the latter; "it is lucky that you wrote just
+as you did, for father has said a dozen times that I can't go. But I guess
+he will not refuse me, now that you are here."
+
+"I hope not," said Frank; "we can go as well as any one else. If every one
+was to stay at home, we shouldn't have any army at all."
+
+"That's just what I told father; but he didn't seem to see it. He says
+there are some who ought to go, for they are of no earthly use here; but
+he thinks that boys like you and me ought to stay at home until we know
+enough to take care of ourselves."
+
+But Mr. Winters did not raise many objections when he found that Frank had
+obtained his mother's consent; and, on the next day but one after Frank's
+arrival, he accompanied the boys on board the receiving-ship, where they
+were speedily examined and sworn in. Each was then supplied with a bag
+and hammock, and two suits of clothes; and, when they were rigged out in
+their blue shirts and wide pants, they made fine-looking sailors. At Mr.
+Winters' request they were granted permission to remain on shore until a
+raft of men was ready to be sent away. The boys were allowed to do pretty
+much as they pleased while they remained, for, as they were to leave so
+soon, Mr. Winters could not find it in his heart to raise any objections
+to the plans they proposed for their amusement. Besides, he knew that
+Archie was in good hands, for Frank was a boy of excellent habits, and
+possessed sufficient moral courage to say _no_, when tempted to do
+wrong; and, as he had great influence over his cousin, Mr. Winters knew
+their conduct would be such as he could approve.
+
+At length, one morning, when they went on board the receiving-ship to
+report as usual, they were ordered to present themselves at the depot at
+two o'clock that afternoon, with their bags and hammocks, in readiness to
+take the train for the West. The boys were a good deal disappointed when
+they heard this, for the idea of serving out their year on the Mississippi
+River was not an agreeable one. They had hoped to be ordered to the coast.
+But, as Archie remarked, it was "too late to back out," and they were
+obliged to submit. When Archie came to bid farewell to his parents, he
+found it to be a much more difficult task than he had expected. The tears
+would come to his eyes, in spite of himself, as he embraced his mother;
+and, as soon as he could disengage himself from her arms, he seized his
+bag and hammock, and rushed out of the house to conceal his emotion. When
+they reached the depot, they found that the draft to which they belonged
+numbered nearly two hundred men, some of whom were old sailors, while
+others, like themselves, were entirely unacquainted with the life they
+were about to lead.
+
+The journey to Cairo--which was then the naval depot of the Western
+rivers--was a long and tedious one. They were treated with the greatest
+kindness by the officers who accompanied them, and at almost every station
+the people would flock around the cars with baskets of provisions, which
+were freely distributed.
+
+Early on the fifth morning they reached their destination, and were
+immediately marched on board a small steamer which lay alongside of the
+naval wharf-boat, and carried to the receiving-ship, which lay anchored in
+the middle of the river.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+Learning the Ropes.
+
+
+As they came on board the receiving-ship they were all drawn up in a line,
+the roll was called, and they were divided off into messes. The mess to
+which Frank and his cousin belonged was called "Number Twenty-five." As
+they were about to be dismissed, the officer who had called the roll said
+to Archie:
+
+"You will be cook of this mess."
+
+"Sir?" said Archie, in surprise.
+
+"You will be cook of this mess," repeated the officer, in a louder tone.
+"But what is the matter with you? Are you hard of hearing?"
+
+"No, sir; but I can't cook."
+
+"Never mind; you can try. You may go below, lads."
+
+The men did as they were ordered, and our heroes seated themselves on one
+of the broadside guns, and Archie said:
+
+"I'm in a nice fix, ain't I? I don't know any more about cooking than a
+hog does about gunpowder."
+
+"I will assist you all I can," said Frank; "but I wonder what we shall
+have for dinner? I hope it will be something good, for I'm as hungry as a
+bear."
+
+At this moment the whistle of the boatswain's mate sounded through the
+ship, and that personage passed them and called out, in a low voice:
+
+"Mess cook Number Twenty-five!"
+
+"He means me, don't he?" inquired Archie, turning to his cousin.
+
+"I don't know, I'm sure. Ask him."
+
+"Mess cook Number Twenty-five," again shouted the mate.
+
+"Here I am," said Archie.
+
+"Well, you ought to be somewhere else," said the mate, sharply. "Why don't
+you go and draw your rations?"
+
+"I don't know where I should go," answered Archie.
+
+"Then fly around and find out;" and the mate turned on his heel and
+walked away.
+
+"Now, that's provoking," exclaimed Archie. "Why couldn't he tell a fellow
+where to go? I'll tell that officer that I didn't ship for a cook; I
+shipped to fight. I wish I was at home again."
+
+But regrets were worse than useless, and Archie began to look around to
+find some one who could tell him where to go to draw his rations. At
+length he met one of the men who belonged to his mess, whose name was
+Simpson, who told him that he must go to the paymaster's store-room, and
+offered to show him the way; and, as he saw that Archie was entirely
+unacquainted with life on shipboard, Simpson told him to come to him
+whenever he wanted any advice.
+
+As Archie entered the store-room, the paymaster's steward, a boy about his
+own age, who was serving out the provisions, after inquiring the number of
+his mess, said:
+
+"It's lucky that you came in just as you did, for I have sent the
+master-at-arms after you. If you don't attend to your business better than
+this, I shall have you put on the black-list for a week or two."
+
+Now, Archie had never been accustomed to being "ordered about by any boy
+of his size," as he afterward remarked, and he felt very much like making
+an angry reply. But he knew it would only get him into trouble, and,
+choking down his wrath, he answered:
+
+"If any one will tell me what my duty is, I shall be glad to do it."
+
+"You haven't been in the navy a great while, have you?" inquired the
+steward, with a laugh.
+
+"No; this is my first attempt at learning to be a sailor."
+
+"Well, all I have got to say," continued the steward, "is, that you will
+soon be sorry that you ever made the attempt."
+
+"I am sorry now," said Archie; "and if I ever get home again, you'll never
+catch me in another scrape like this. I don't like the idea of having
+everybody order me around, and talk to me as though I was a dog."
+
+"No reflections," said the steward sharply. "Better keep a civil tongue in
+your head. But now to business. In the first place, here are your dishes,"
+and he handed Archie a number of tin pots and plates, a large pan, and a
+mess-kettle.
+
+"What shall I do with these?" asked Archie.
+
+"Why, eat out of them, to be sure," answered the steward; "what else would
+you do with them? I shall hold you responsible for them," he continued;
+"and if any of them are lost, they will be charged to your account. Now go
+and put them away in your mess-chest, which you will find on the
+berth-deck, and then come back, and I will give you your rations."
+
+Archie accordingly picked up his dishes, and started--he knew not whither,
+for he had no idea to which part of the vessel he should go in order to
+find the berth-deck. But he had often boasted that he would have no
+difficulty in getting along in the world while he had a tongue in his
+head; so he made inquiries of the first man he met, who told him to go up
+to the captain, who was always ready to send the executive officer to show
+landlubbers over the ship. If there was any joke in this, Archie was too
+angry to notice it, and he was about to make a suitable rejoinder, when a
+voice close behind him said:
+
+"Now, shipmate, what's the use of being so hard on the boy?"
+
+Archie turned, and found Simpson at his side.
+
+"The youngster hain't been to sea as long as you and I have," continued
+the latter. "If we were ashore, he would stand a better chance of gettin'
+along than you nor me."
+
+"Then, shiver his tim'ers, why didn't he stay ashore, where he belongs?"
+asked the man, gruffly.
+
+"Oh, he's got the right stuff in him, and will soon learn the ropes,"
+answered Simpson. "Come, now, my little marlinspike," he continued,
+turning to Archie, "follow in my wake, and I'll show you where our
+mess-chest is;" and the kind-hearted sailor led the way to the berth-deck,
+and showed Archie the mess-chest, which had "No. 25" painted on it. Archie
+put all his dishes into it, with the exception of the mess-kettle and two
+plates, which, according to Simpson's directions, he took back to the
+store-room, to put his rations in. The steward then gave him a large piece
+of salt beef, some coffee, sugar, butter, and sea-biscuit.
+
+"Is this all we have to eat?" inquired Archie, as he picked up his rations
+and followed Simpson back to his mess-chest.
+
+"All!" repeated Simpson; "yes, my hearty, and you may thank your lucky
+stars that you have got even this. You'll have to live on worse grub nor
+this afore your year is out. But I see you don't like the berth of cook,
+so I'll take it off your hands. Give me the key of the chist."
+
+Archie accordingly handed it over, and then went in search of his cousin,
+whom he found perched upon a coil of rope, engaged in writing a letter.
+
+"Well," exclaimed the latter, as Archie came up, "how do you get along?"
+
+"I don't get along at all," said Archie; "I tell you, we've got ourselves
+in a fix. What do you suppose we are going to have for dinner?"
+
+"I don't know," answered Frank. "Well, we will have a chunk of salt beef,
+coffee without any milk, butter strong enough to go alone, and crackers so
+hard that you couldn't break them with an ax. I tell you, the navy is
+played out."
+
+"Well, it can't be helped," said his cousin. "We are in for it. But we'll
+soon get accustomed to the food; we are seeing the worst of our year now."
+
+"I certainly hope so," said Archie; "but I know I can stand it if any one
+else can; and when I fairly get started, I won't ask favors of any one."
+
+Frank made no reply, but went on with his letter, and Archie leaned on one
+of the guns and gazed listlessly into the water. At length they were
+interrupted by the boatswain's whistle, blown three times in succession,
+long and loud.
+
+"What's the matter now, I wonder," said Frank, as the sailors commenced
+running about the ship in all directions.
+
+"I know," answered Archie, as he saw Simpson dive into the cook's galley
+and reappear bearing the mess-kettle, filled with steaming coffee, in one
+hand, and a large pan, containing the salt beef, in the other--"dinner is
+ready."
+
+The cousins walked aft to their mess-chest, and found the berth-deck
+filled with men, who were sitting around the chests, brandishing their
+sheath-knives over plates fall of salt beef and "hard-tack."
+
+Coming directly from home, where they had been accustomed to luxurious
+living, our young sailors thought they could not relish this hard fare
+but, as they had eaten no breakfast, they were very hungry, and the food
+tasted much better than they had expected.
+
+When dinner was ended, Simpson began to gather up the dishes belonging to
+his mess, preparatory in washing them. Frank and Archie offered their
+assistance, and Simpson directed the former to take the mess-kettle and go
+up to the galley after some hot water. When he was returning, he saw a man
+stealing around the deck, holding something behind him that looked very
+much like a bundle of rope, and keeping a close watch on every one he met.
+Frank did not know what to make of this, and stepping up to the
+boatswain's mate, he inquired:
+
+"What is that man doing with that bundle of rope behind him?"
+
+"That ain't a bundle of rope, you landlubber," replied the mate; "that's a
+swab."
+
+"Well, what is he doing with it?"
+
+"The best way for you to learn would be for you to spill some of that
+water you have got in your kettle on the deck."
+
+Frank, without stopping to think, tipped up his kettle, and turned out
+some of the water; and the man, who had been watching his every movement,
+sprang toward him and threw down the swab, exclaiming, "I've caught you,
+my hearty; now you may log this bit of rope for awhile."
+
+"What do you mean?" inquired Frank, amid a roar of laughter from every
+sailor who had witnessed the performance. "What does he mean?" repeated
+the mate; "why, he means that you have got to wipe up that water you have
+spilt on deck, and carry that swab until you can catch some one else doing
+the same thing."
+
+For the benefit of the uninitiated, we will make an explanation. It often
+happens on shipboard, especially receiving-ships, that the men become very
+careless; and in carrying water, paint, or grease about the ship,
+frequently spill some of it on deck. While this state of things continues,
+it is impossible to keep a ship clean, and, in order to break up this
+habit, the culprits are obliged to wipe up whatever they have spilled, and
+then carry a swab about the deck until they can detect some one else
+equally unfortunate. This is not a pleasant task; for, as soon as this
+rule is put in force, the men become very careful, and the luckless
+offender is sometimes obliged to walk the decks the entire day before he
+can detect any one in the act of violating it.
+
+Frank, of course, did not understand this, and the mate had got him into
+the scrape for the purpose of getting the man who first had the swab, who
+was a particular friend of his, out of his unpleasant position.
+
+"Come, youngster, drop that mess-kettle and pick up that swab," commanded
+the mate.
+
+Frank knew he had no alternative; so he set his mess-kettle on deck out of
+the way, and picking up the swab, walked aft to the place where he had
+left Simpson.
+
+"Hullo, there," exclaimed the latter, as Frank approached, "what's the
+matter with you?"
+
+Frank related the whole circumstance, and Simpson could scarcely restrain
+his indignation.
+
+"That bo'son's mate ought to be mast-headed for a whole week," he
+exclaimed. "But I'll square yards with him some day. I'm sorry you have
+got into this scrape, but it can't be helped. I've seen many a good
+fellow, in my time, in the same fix. Now you must walk around the ship,
+and if you see any one spill the least drop of water, or any thing else,
+on deck, rush up and give him the swab. There are a good many landlubbers
+on board, who don't know the rules, and you won't have any trouble in
+catching them. Always be careful to keep the swab behind you, out of
+sight."
+
+Frank was a good deal mortified at being the victim of this novel mode of
+punishment; but he consoled himself with the thought that he would soon
+learn his duty, and be enabled to avoid all such scrapes. He walked about
+the vessel for an hour, trailing the swab along the deck behind him; but
+it seemed as though every one was particularly careful.
+
+Meanwhile Archie, who had learned the particulars of the case from
+Simpson, was acting as a sort of scout, hoping to be of some assistance to
+his cousin. But he looked and waited in vain for some one to violate the
+rule, and finally he resolved to make use of a little strategy in
+releasing Frank.
+
+Discovering a man coming out of the galley with a pail of water, Archie
+walked rapidly down the deck, and jostled him with sufficient force to
+empty half the contents of his pail on the deck. Archie did not, of
+course, stop to apologize, but hurried on, and before the man could look
+up to see who had caused the mischief, he had disappeared Frank, who had
+been watching his cousin's motions, immediately stepped up and dropped the
+swab before the man, and walked away, laughing in his sleeve, when he
+thought how cleverly his release had been accomplished.
+
+When the hour of bedtime arrived, the boys were instructed how to get into
+their hammocks, and laughed at for tumbling out on the opposite side. But,
+after a few attempts, they succeeded in gaining the center of their
+suspended beds, and were soon in a sound sleep.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+Squaring the Yards.
+
+
+By degrees the boys became accustomed to their new situation, and began to
+feel much more contented. The only thing that troubled them was the food
+they received. It consisted, for the most part, of salt pork and beef, and
+hard crackers, with now and then a little flour and dried apples. Simpson,
+who had been in the navy nearly all his life, and had become well
+acquainted with its rules and regulations, asserted that they did not
+receive half their allowance, and promised that, if he could detect the
+paymaster's steward in the act of cheating them, he would pay him back in
+his own coin. Now Blinks, for that was the steward's name, was a notorious
+cheat; he never gave the men their full rations. On the contrary, he often
+boasted that he cleared not less than a hundred pounds of provisions every
+day. He was the caterer of the steerage mess, and many a pound of flour
+and apples, which should have been given to the men, found its way to his
+table, in the shape of pies and puddings. Blinks always rose early, and as
+soon as he was dressed, the steerage steward, every morning, brought to
+his room a lunch, consisting of coffee and apple-pie. He was very fond of
+pies, and had several made every day. Every time the men passed the
+galley, they saw long rows of them set out to cool. Many a midnight
+plundering expedition had been planned against the galley, but without
+success. The door and windows were securely fastened at sundown, and all
+attempts to effect an entrance were unavailing. It was also useless to
+attempt to bribe the cook, for Blinks, who was a strict accountant, always
+knew how many pies were made every day, and if any of them were missing,
+the cook was sure to suffer. One evening, while Frank and Simpson were
+engaged in washing up the supper-dishes, the latter inquired:
+
+"Would you like one of those pies we saw in the galley to-day?"
+
+"Yes," answered Frank; "they looked very tempting."
+
+"Well," said Simpson, lowering his voice to a whisper, "we'll have some of
+them to-night."
+
+"How will we get them?" inquired Frank.
+
+"Why, we'll steal them. We can't beg or buy them. Besides, the stuff they
+are made of rightfully belongs to us. I don't care a snap for the pies, but
+I don't want to see that rascally steward growing fat off our grub."
+
+"I'm in for it," answered Frank, who had long wanted an opportunity to
+revenge himself on Blinks.
+
+"Will that cousin of yours lend us a hand?" inquired Simpson.
+
+"Yes, without any coaxing. He does not like the steward any better than I
+do. But I'd like to know how we are going to work to get at the pies? The
+doors and windows are all fastened."
+
+"We will pry up the galley, so that one of us can crawl under it. I've
+put a handspike where I can find it in a moment. We shall have no trouble
+at all."
+
+As soon as the dishes were washed and stowed away in the mess-chest, Frank
+went to find his cousin, who was always ready for any mischief of that
+kind, and readily agreed to the proposal. When bedtime came, the three
+slung their hammocks together, and, to all appearances, were soon fast
+asleep. At nine o'clock the ship's corporal put out all the berth-deck
+lights, which left the place shrouded in darkness. As soon as he had gone
+forward again, Simpson raised himself on his elbow, and whispered:
+
+"Turn out, lads. Now's our time."
+
+The boys crept noiselessly out of their hammocks, and followed the sailor,
+who led the way directly to the galley, which was, in fact, a small house,
+about ten feet square, built on the deck, to which it was insecurely
+fastened. Simpson found his handspike without any difficulty, and placing
+one end of it under the galley, easily raised it from the deck, while
+Archie threw himself on his hands and knees, and crawled in under it. It
+was as dark as pitch inside the galley, but he knew exactly where the pies
+were kept, and had no difficulty in finding them. He handed three of them
+to his cousin, and then crawled out again, and the galley was lowered to
+its place. After stowing the pies safely away in their mess-chest, they
+again sought their hammocks. The next morning, when the steward entered
+the galley to prepare the usual lunch for Blinks, he was surprised, and a
+good deal terrified, to find that some of the pies were missing. He
+immediately went on deck, and reported it to Blinks, who furiously asked:
+
+"Where have they gone to, you rascal?"
+
+"I don't know, sir, I'm sure," answered the steward, while visions of
+double-irons danced before his eyes. "There were eight pies in the galley
+when I locked it up last night."
+
+"I don't believe it, you scoundrel. You sold the pies, and think that, by
+telling me they are missing, you can make me believe that they were
+stolen."
+
+"I have never done any thing of the kind since I have been your steward,
+Mr. Blinks," said the man, with some spirit. "I have always been as
+careful of your interests as I would be of my own. Did you ever detect me
+in a mean or a dishonest act?"
+
+"No; but I have often caught the cook stealing things. I'll report you to
+the executive officer, and have you punished. Go below."
+
+The man sullenly withdrew, and Blinks hurried to the executive officer's
+room and reported the affair.
+
+"Are you sure the steward stole the pies, Mr. Blinks?" inquired the
+officer; "perhaps some one broke into the galley. It would be well for you
+to go down and see, before punishing the steward."
+
+Blinks hurried below, and commenced a thorough examination of the locks
+and window-fastenings, but all to no purpose; and he was still more
+surprised when the steward affirmed that he had found all the doors and
+windows closed, just as he had left them. This was also reported to the
+executive officer, who advised Blinks to say nothing about the affair, but
+to set a watch over the galley, and, if possible, discover the offender.
+
+Blinks resolved to act upon this suggestion; and, the following evening,
+he posted a sentry over lite galley, with instructions to arrest any one
+who might be discovered prowling around. After fastening the doors and
+windows himself, he put the keys in his pocket and walked away.
+
+At half-past nine o'clock our young sailors and Simpson were again on
+hand. After a careful reconnoissance, the sentry was discovered fast
+asleep at his post. They immediately set to work as before--the galley was
+raised up, and three more pies secured. It was all done in a moment, and
+the sentinel was not awakened; and as they retreated to their hammocks,
+they could scarcely refrain from laughing outright, when they thought how
+nicely the trick was performed.
+
+The next morning Blinks opened the galley at an early hour, and was
+surprised and enraged to find that some of his pies were again missing. He
+carefully examined every nook and corner of the galley, but failed to
+discover a place where any one could effect an entrance.
+
+For four nights more, in succession, Frank and his accomplices visited the
+galley, each time taking pies enough to last them a whole day; and Blinks,
+in the mean time, was making unavailing efforts to discover the offenders.
+On the fifth night, Archie, who was the one that always went into the
+galley, was much longer than usual in finding the pies. At length he
+whispered,
+
+"I say, Simpson!"
+
+"Ay, ay, my hearty; what is it?"
+
+"I can't find but one pie."
+
+"You can't, hey?" said Simpson; "I smell a rat. Bring the pie out here."
+
+Archie accordingly handed it out, saying, as he did so--
+
+"I'm hungry as blazes; I believe I'll eat a piece of that pie to-night."
+
+"Not in a hurry," said Simpson, as they began to crawl back toward their
+hammocks; "not in a hurry; I've been in such scrapes as this before, and
+can't be fooled easy."
+
+"What do you mean?" inquired Frank.
+
+"Why, I mean that this pie was made on purpose for us," said Simpson; "it
+has got some kind of medicine in it that will make a fellow sick. If we
+should eat it, they would not be long in finding out who stole the pies."
+
+"I'll tell you what to do with it," said Frank, suddenly; "let's give it
+to Jenkins, the boatswain's mate; he's a mean fellow, and I shouldn't be
+sorry to see him sick.'
+
+"That's just what I was going to do with it," said Simpson. "Now, you go
+back to your hammocks, and I'll carry him the pie."
+
+"As Simpson had taken particular notice of the place where Jenkins was in
+the habit of slinging his hammock, he had no difficulty whatever in
+finding it.
+
+"I say, shipmate," he whispered, shaking the mate by the shoulder.
+
+"What do you want?" he growled.
+
+"Wake up," said Simpson; "I've got a nice pie for you; do you want it?"
+
+"Of course I do," answered the mate, taking it from Simpson's hand. "But
+who are you?" he inquired, for it was so dark that he could not have
+recognized the features of his most intimate friend.
+
+"I'm Jack Smith," answered Simpson; "but I can't stop to talk with you,
+for some one may discover me;" and before Jenkins could detain him, he had
+slipped off quietly in the darkness.
+
+It was as Simpson had said--the pie had made "on purpose for them." When
+Blinks saw that it was impossible to discover the guilty party, he ordered
+his steward to make a nice large pie, into which he put two doses of
+jalap. It was his intention to make the offender sick; and he told the
+doctor what he had done, and requested him to keep an eye on all who came
+to him for medicine.
+
+The next morning Jenkins was not heard blowing his whistle, but was seen
+moving slowly about the ship, with a pale, woe-begone countenance; and as
+soon as the doctor appeared, he made application to go on the "sick-list."
+
+"What's the matter with you?" inquired the doctor.
+
+Jenkins then explained how he had been suddenly taken very ill during the
+night, and was afraid he was going to die. The doctor, who knew in a
+moment that it was the effect of the medicine contained in the pie,
+exclaimed:
+
+"Why, you're just the man Mr. Blinks has been wanting to see for the last
+week. Orderly, ask Mr. Blinks if he will have the kindness to come here a
+moment."
+
+The orderly disappeared, and Jenkins stood, looking the very picture of
+despair, too sick to know or care what was going on.
+
+"Mr. Blinks, I've found your man," said the doctor, when the paymaster's
+steward made his appearance.
+
+"Well, my fine fellow," said Blinks, turning to the mate, and smiling
+grimly, "how do you feel by this time? Very pleasant morning, isn't it! I
+knew I'd catch you, you scoundrel," he exclaimed, suddenly changing his
+tune; "I'll teach you to steal my pies!"
+
+"I--I--don't know what you mean, sir!" said the mate, in surprise.
+
+"Don't talk to me, you villain," said Blinks savagely; "didn't you eat a
+pie last night?"
+
+"Yes, sir," answered Jenkins, hesitatingly, "but"--
+
+"I knew you did, you rascal."
+
+"But the pie was given to me, sir," said the mate.
+
+"Oh, that story won't do at all. I'll fix you. Go below."
+
+In a short, time the mate, who was so weak that he was scarcely able to
+stand alone, was summoned before the captain, who gave him a severe
+reprimand, and disrated him. He came down on deck, looking very forlorn
+indeed; and as he passed by Simpson, who, with Frank and Archie, was
+standing in the starboard gangway, the former exclaimed:
+
+"That's what I call squaring the yards; I'm even with him now."
+
+As soon as Jenkins had recovered from the effects of the physic, he began
+to make efforts to find Jack Smith. One day he approached Simpson who was
+seated on a coil of rope, spinning one of his forecastle yarns to Frank
+and Archie, and said:
+
+"Shipmate, do you know any one aboard here named Jack Smith?"
+
+"No," answered Simpson, with the utmost gravity, "I don't know any one who
+goes by that name."
+
+"Well, there _is_ a chap here by that name," said Jenkins, "and I wish
+I could find him. He got me into a bad scrape."
+
+But, it is needless to say, he never found Jack Smith.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+A Midnight Alarm.
+
+
+On the afternoon of the following day, as Frank and his cousin were
+walking up and down the deck, talking over old times, Simpson hurriedly
+approached them, exclaiming,
+
+"Boys, do you want to leave this ship?"
+
+"Yes," answered Frank; "we're tired of staying here."
+
+"Well, it's all right, then. I volunteered to go, and I had both your
+names put down. The executive officer says if you want to go, just get
+your donnage and go for'ard."
+
+"Where are we to go?" inquired Archie.
+
+"On board of the Illinois," answered Simpson. "She is a magazine-ship, and
+is lying half-way between here and Mound City. No work at all to do, I'm
+going.'
+
+"Then we'll go, of course," said Frank; "for we don't want to lose you."
+
+They immediately got down their hammocks and bags, and went forward, where
+they found the executive officer standing on the forecastle, waiting for
+them.
+
+"Well, lads, do you volunteer to go on the Illinois?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Jump down into that dingy, then," said the officer, pointing to a small
+boat that lay alongside.
+
+The boys did as they were ordered, and just as they had finished storing
+away their bags and hammocks under the thwarts, a man dressed in the
+uniform of a sailor sprang down into the boat, exclaiming:
+
+"Man your oars, lads, and shove off--you've a long pull before you."
+
+Archie took one of the oars, Frank the other; Simpson stowed himself away
+in the bow of the boat, and the sailor took his seat at the helm.
+
+The cousins were both good oarsmen, and they made the little boat dance
+over the water like a duck. It was full five miles to the place where the
+Illinois lay, and they soon found that it was indeed "a long, hard pull."
+The current was very strong, and it reminded the boys of many a tough
+struggle they had had around the head of Strawberry Island, in the
+Kennebec River.
+
+In about two hours they reached the Illinois, and, as they sprang on
+board, their baggage was seized by willing hands, and carried to the
+cabin, which had been stripped of nearly all its furniture, and presented,
+altogether, a desolate appearance. After a few moments' conversation with
+one of their new messmates, they learned that there were only fifteen men
+on board the vessel, including one sergeant and two corporals. These were
+the only officers; and they were, in fact, no officers at all, for they
+were all rated, on the books of the receiving-ship, as "landsmen."
+
+They soon discovered that there was no discipline among the crew--there
+could not be under the circumstances. Each stood a two-hour watch, at
+night, and assisted in pumping out the ship, morning and evening. With the
+exception of these duties, there was no work to be done on board the
+vessel. The remainder of the day was spent as suited them best. Some
+passed the time in hunting and nailing, some in reading, and some lounged
+about the decks, from morning until night.
+
+Frank and Archie were very much pleased with their new situation. There
+was no boatswain's mate to trouble them, and they were in no danger of
+rendering themselves liable to punishment for some unintentional offense.
+
+After stowing away their bags and hammocks, they amused themselves in
+strolling about the boat, until a neat-looking little sailor stepped up,
+and informed them that supper was ready. They followed him into the cabin,
+and took their seats at the table, with the rest, and one of the sailors,
+who went by the name of Woods, exclaimed:
+
+"Now, boys, pitch in, help yourselves, for if you don't, you won't be
+helped at all. Every one that comes here has to learn to take care of
+himself."
+
+"You will not find us at all bashful," answered Frank, and he began
+helping himself most bountifully to every thing on the table.
+
+It did not take them long to become acquainted, and the boys found that
+their new shipmates were much better educated than the majority of the
+sailors they had met. They were a good-natured, jovial set of fellows, and
+the meal-hour passed away quickly and pleasantly.
+
+Immediately after supper the corporal ordered all hands below to pump out
+the ship. In a quarter of an hour this was accomplished, and as they were
+ascending to the boiler-deck. Woods remarked:
+
+"I wish I was back in Wisconsin again for a little while."
+
+"Are you tired of the navy?" inquired Frank.
+
+"Oh, no!" answered Woods; "but I should like to see my friends again, and
+try my hand at quail-shooting."
+
+"Are you fond of hunting?"
+
+"Yes, indeed; I spend all my spare time in the woods, when I am at home."
+
+This was the very man, of all others, that Frank would have chosen for a
+companion, and he informed Woods that he also was very fond of rural
+sports. They seated themselves on the boiler door railing, and each
+related some of his hunting and fishing adventures, and, finally, Woods
+proposed that they should go over the river into Kentucky, on the
+following morning, on a squirrel hunt. Frank, of course, readily agreed to
+this. He immediately started in search of his cousin and Simpson, and
+informed them of the proposed excursion. When he returned to the place
+where he had left Woods, he found him with a musket on his shoulder, and a
+cartridge-box buckled about his waist, pacing up and down the deck.
+
+"I'm on watch, you see," he said, as Frank came up, "You will go on at
+midnight; so you had better go and turn in. If we go hunting to-morrow, we
+must start by four o'clock at least, for we have a good way to walk before
+we reach the hunting-ground. Good night." And Woods, settling his musket
+more firmly on his shoulder, continued his beat, while Frank sought his
+hammock.
+
+About midnight he was awakened by a hand laid on his shoulder, when,
+starting up, he found one of the corporals standing beside his hammock
+holding a lantern in his hand.
+
+"Is your name Nelson?" he inquired.
+
+Frank answered in the affirmative, and the corporal continued:
+
+"Roll out, then, for it is time for you to go on watch. But be careful
+when you come out, or you'll be shot."
+
+"Shot!" exclaimed Frank. "Who'll shoot me? Are there any rebels around
+here?"
+
+"Yes, plenty of them. There are some out on the bank now. I was walking
+with Woods, when I happened to look up, and saw two men, with their
+muskets pointed straight at us; but we got out ofthe way before they had
+time to shoot. Hurry up, now, but don't expose yourself," and the corporal
+hurried aft, hiding his lantern under his coat of the went.
+
+What Frank's feelings were, we will not attempt to say. He was not a
+coward, for we once saw him alone in the forest, standing face to face
+with a wounded wild-cat, with no weapon in his hands but an ax; but
+fighting a wild-cat and a rebel sharp-shooter were two widely different
+things. He had never heard the whistle of a hostile bullet, nor had he
+ever seen a rebel; and it is not to be wondered at, if his feelings were
+not of the most enviable nature. But he was not one to shrink from his
+duty because it was dangerous; and he drew on his clothes as quickly as
+possible, and seizing a musket and cartridge-box that stood in a rack
+close by the cabin door, he hurried aft, where he found Woods concealed
+behind the port wheel-house, and the corporal behind a chicken-coop. They
+both held their guns in readiness, and were peering into the woods, as if
+trying to pierce the thick darkness that enshrouded them. The Illinois was
+tied up close to the bank, which, as the water in the river was low, was
+about thirty feet in hight; and as the moon was shining very brightly, a
+person hidden in the bushes could distinctly see every thing on deck.
+
+"Keep close there," said Woods, as Frank came up. "The corporal says he
+saw some guerrillas on the bank."
+
+Frank accordingly concealed himself behind a stanchion, and his hand
+trembled considerably as he cocked his musket and brought it to his
+shoulder. They remained in this position for nearly a quarter of an hour,
+when, suddenly, something stirred in the bushes.
+
+"There they are," whispered the corporal, drawing himself entirely out of
+sight, behind the chicken-coop. "Look out, they'll shoot in a moment."
+
+Frank kept a close watch on the bushes, and presently discovered a white
+object moving about among them.
+
+"I see something, boys," he said; "but it don't look to me like a man."
+
+"Yes, it is a man," exclaimed the corporal, excitedly. "Shoot him."
+
+In obedience to the order, Frank raised his gun to his shoulder, and an
+ounce ball and a couple of buckshot went crashing through the bushes. The
+commotion increased for a moment, and then ceased, and something that
+sounded very much like a groan issued from the woods.
+
+"By gracious, you hit one of them," exclaimed the corporal. "That was a
+good shot. We'll teach these rebs that it isn't healthy to go prowling
+about here at night."
+
+Frank hastily reloaded his musket, and they waited, impatiently, for
+nearly an hour, for the other guerrilla to show himself, but the woods
+remained as silent as death.
+
+"I guess that shot finished them," said the corporal; "so I will go and
+turn in. Keep a good look-out," he added, turning to Frank, "and don't
+expose yourself too much."
+
+Woods and the corporal then went into the cabin, and Frank was left to
+himself. A feeling of loneliness he had never before experienced came over
+him. At first he determined to go and call his cousin to come and stand
+watch with him, so that he would have some one to talk with; but, on
+second thought, he remembered that Archie was to come on watch at two
+o'clock, and probably would not like to be disturbed. Besides, if he
+called him, it would look as though he was a coward, and afraid to stand
+his watch alone; so he gave up the idea, and remained in his place of
+concealment. Once he thought he discovered the sheen of a musket among the
+bushes; but it was only his imagination, and after waiting half an hour
+without hearing any thing suspicious, he shouldered his gun, and commenced
+pacing the deck, in full view of the woods. But he was not molested, and
+when two o'clock came he saw a figure steal cautiously out of the cabin,
+and creep along toward him, under cover of the wheel-house. As he
+approached nearer, Frank recognized his cousin.
+
+"Where are the rebs?" inquired the latter.
+
+"The corporal said he saw two of them out there in the woods," answered
+Frank, pointing to a thick clump of bushes that stood on the edge of the
+bank; "and there was _something_ out there, and I shot at it. But I've been
+on deck here, in plain sight, for the last hour, and haven't seen any
+thing."
+
+"I hope there are no rebs in there," said Archie; "but I'll keep dark for
+awhile. I shipped to fight, but I don't like the idea of having a fellow
+send a bullet into me when I can't see him," and he began to settle
+himself into a comfortable position behind the chicken-coop.
+
+"I don't think there is any danger," said Frank; "but perhaps it is well
+to be careful at first. Be sure and call us when you come off watch," and
+he shouldered his rifle and walked leisurely into the cabin.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+A Discomfited Rebel.
+
+
+Archie stood his watch without seeing or hearing any thing of the rebels,
+and when he was relieved, at four o'clock, he aroused Simpson, Woods, and
+his cousin, and after they had tied up their hammocks, and stowed them
+away in the nettings, Woods went to the sergeant's room to obtain his
+consent to their proposed excursion. This was easily accomplished, and
+while they were filling their pockets with musket-cartridges, Frank
+proposed that they should go out and see what it was that had occasioned
+the alarm during the night; so they leaned their muskets up in one corner
+of the cabin, and ran out on the bank, and there, weltering in his blood,
+lay, not a rebel, but a white mule. He it was that, while feeding about in
+the woods, had occasioned the disturbance in the bushes, and Frank's shot
+had done its work. The two men with muskets had existence only in the
+corporal's imagination. Simpson burst into a loud laugh.
+
+"A nice set of fellows you are," he exclaimed. "I shouldn't want you
+stationed at my gun in action."
+
+"Why not?" inquired Frank.
+
+"Why, because you can't tell the difference between a mule and a secesh."
+
+Frank made no reply to this, for, although he was very much relieved to
+find that it was a mule, and not a man, that he had killed, he was a good
+deal mortified at first, for he expected to be made the laughing-stock of
+his companions. But he consoled himself with the thought that he was not
+to blame. The corporal had said that he had seen guerrillas in the woods,
+and he had, as in duty bound, done his best to drive them away; besides,
+he would not have fired his gun had he not been ordered to do so.
+
+"It's no matter," said Simpson, who noticed that Frank looked a little
+crest-fallen; "It was the corporal's fault."
+
+"I know it," said Frank. "But that's poor consolation. I killed the mule,
+and shall probably be laughed at for it."
+
+"What's the odds?" asked Simpson. "I've seen many a better man than you
+laughed at. But let us be going, for we have a long way to walk."
+
+They accordingly retraced their steps to the vessel, and Woods awoke one
+of the corporals, who had volunteered to row them over into Kentucky. The
+dingy, which was kept fastened to the stern of the Illinois, was hauled
+alongside, and, in a few moments, they reached the opposite shore. Our
+four hunters sprang out, and, bidding the corporal good-by, shouldered
+their muskets, and disappeared in the forest. Woods, who was well
+acquainted with the "lay of the land," led the way. Just at sunrise they
+reached a ridge covered with hickory and pecan-trees.
+
+"Here we are," he exclaimed, as he leaned on his gun, and wiped his
+forehead with his coat-sleeve. "There are plenty of squirrels around here.
+But I'm hungry; we have plenty of time to eat some breakfast before we
+begin."
+
+They seated themselves under the branches of some small hickories, and
+Simpson produced from a basket some salt pork, hard crackers, and a bottle
+of cold coffee. Their long walk had given them good appetites, and the
+meal, homely as it was, was eaten with a relish. After they had rested a
+few moments, they started off in different directions, to commence the
+hunt. As Frank walked slowly along, with his gun on his shoulder, he could
+not help thinking of the many times he had been on such excursions about
+his native village. What a change a year had made! The "Boys of Lawrence"
+were no longer amateur sportsmen. They were scattered all over the
+country, engaged in the work of sustaining the integrity of the best
+government on earth. Would they ever all meet again? It was not at all
+likely. Perhaps some had already been offered up on the altar of their
+country; and if he should ever live to return home, there would be some
+familiar faces missing. In short, Frank was homesick. Finding himself once
+more in his favorite element had made him think of old times. He wandered
+slowly along, recalling many a fishing frolic and boat-race he had engaged
+in, until a loud chatter above his head roused him from his reverie. He
+looked up just in time to see a large squirrel striving to hide himself
+among the leaves on a tree that stood close by. Frank's gun was at his
+shoulder in a moment, and taking a quick aim at the squirrel, he pulled
+the trigger. But the old Springfield musket was not intended for fine
+shooting; for, though the shot cut the leaves all around, the squirrel
+escaped unhurt, and, running up to the topmost branch, again concealed
+himself. While Frank was reloading, Archie came up, and stood leaning on
+his gun, with rather a dejected air. "What's the matter with you?"
+inquired Frank.
+
+"I wish I was down to the river," answered Archie.
+
+"What would you do there? go fishing?"
+
+"No, but I'd sink this musket so deep that no one would ever find it
+again. It don't shoot worth a row of pins. If I was standing twenty feet
+from the side of a barn, I couldn't hit it, I wish I had my shot-gun
+here."
+
+"So do I," answered Frank; "I would very soon bring down that squirrel.
+I'm going to try him again;" and going around to the side of the tree
+where the squirrel had taken refuge, he fired again, but with no better
+success. The squirrel, not in the least injured, appeared amid a shower of
+leaves, and speedily found a new hiding-place.
+
+"It's no use, I tell you," said Archie; "you can't hit any thing with that
+musket."
+
+"It does look a little that way. But I must have that squirrel, if I have
+to shoot all day. Haven't you got a load in your gun?"
+
+"Yes; but I might as well have none. I can kill as many squirrels by
+throwing the musket at them, as I can by shooting at them."
+
+"Never mind, fire away--the ammunition doesn't cost us any thing."
+
+"I know it; but another thing, this musket kicks like blazes. I had as
+soon stand before it, as behind it. But I'll try him;" and Archie raised
+his gun and blazed away. This time there was no mistake; the squirrel was
+torn almost to pieces by the ball; and when the smoke cleared away, Frank
+saw his cousin sitting on the ground, holding both hands to his nose,
+which was bleeding profusely.
+
+"You've killed the squirrel," he said.
+
+"Yes," answered Archie; "but I hurt myself as much as I did him."
+
+Frank was a good deal amused, and could scarcely refrain from laughing at
+his cousin's misfortune. He tried to keep on a sober face, but the corners
+of his mouth would draw themselves out into a smile, in spite of himself.
+Archie noticed this, and exclaimed:
+
+"Oh, it's a good joke, no doubt."
+
+"If you would hold your gun firmly against your shoulder," said Frank, "it
+wouldn't hurt half so bad. But hadn't we better go on?"
+
+Archie raised himself slowly from the ground, and they moved off through
+the woods. The squirrels were very plenty; but it required two or three,
+and, sometimes, as many as half a dozen shots, to bring one down.
+
+At length, after securing four squirrels, their shoulders became so lame
+that they could scarcely raise their guns; so they concluded to give up
+shooting, and start in search of Woods and Simpson, who had gone off
+together. About noon they found them, sitting on the fence that ran
+between the woods and a road. Simpson had three squirrels in his hand.
+
+"We are waiting for you," he said, as Frank and Archie came up; "it's
+about time to start for the boat."
+
+"I'm hungry," said Frank; "why can't we go down to that house and hire
+some one to cook our squirrels for us?"
+
+"That's a good idea," said Woods; "come along;" and he sprang off the
+fence, and led the way toward the house spoken of by Frank, which stood
+about a quarter of a mile down the road, toward the river.
+
+As they opened the gate that led into the yard, they noticed that a man,
+who sat on the porch in front of the house, regarded them with a savage
+scowl on his face.
+
+"How cross that man looks!" said Archie, who, with his cousin, was a
+little in advance of the others; "maybe he's a reb."
+
+"How do you do, sir?" inquired Frank, as he approached the place where the
+man was sitting.
+
+"What do yees want here?" he growled, in reply.
+
+"We came here to see if we couldn't hire some one to cook a good dinner
+for us," answered Frank.
+
+"No, ye can't," answered the man, gruffly; "get out o' here. I never did
+nothin' for a Yank, an' I never will. I'd like to see yer all drove from
+the country. Get out o' here, I tell yer," he shouted, seeing that the
+sailors did not move, "or I'll let my dogs loose on yer!"
+
+"Why, I really believe he is a reb," said Archie; "he's the first one I
+ever saw. He looks just like any body else, don't he, boys?"
+
+"If yees don't travel mighty sudden, I'll make a scatterin' among yer,"
+said the man, between his clenched teeth; "I'll be dog-gone if I don't
+shoot some o' yer;" and he reached for a long double-barrel shot-gun that
+stood behind his chair.
+
+"Avast, there, you old landlubber," exclaimed Simpson; "just drop that
+shootin' iron, will you. We're four to your one, and you don't suppose that
+we are going to stand still and be shot down, like turkeys on Thanksgivin'
+morning, do you? No, sir, that would be like the handle of a jug, all on
+one side. Shootin' is a game two can play at, you know. Come, put that
+we'pon down;" and Simpson held his musket in the hollow of his arm, and
+handled the lock in a very significant manner.
+
+The man saw that the sailors were not to be intimidated, and not liking
+the way Simpson eyed him, he leaned his gun up in the corner again, and
+muttered something about Yankee mudsills and Abolitionists.
+
+"Just clap a stopper on that jaw of yours, will you," said Simpson; "or,
+shiver my timbers, if we don't try man-o'-war punishment on you. Now,
+Frank," he continued, "you just jump up there, and shoot off the old
+rascal's gun; and then keep an eye on him, and don't let him get out of
+his chair; and the rest of us will look around and see what we can find in
+the way of grub."
+
+Frank sprang up the steps that led on to the porch, and fired both barrels
+of the gun into the air, and then, drawing a chair to the other end of the
+porch, coolly seated himself, and deposited his feet on the railing; while
+the others went into the house, where they secured a pail of fresh milk
+and a loaf of bread. From the house they went into the wood-shed, where
+they found a quantity of sweet potatoes. They then returned to the place
+where they had left Frank.
+
+"Come on, now," said Woods; "we'll have a tip-top dinner, in spite of the
+old secesh.
+
+"Hold on," said Frank; "where are you going? I move we cook and eat our
+dinner here. There's a stove in the house, and every thing handy."
+
+The man was accordingly invited into his own house by the boys, and
+requested to take a seat, and make himself perfectly at home, but to be
+careful and not go out of doors. They deposited their muskets in one
+corner of the room; and while Archie started a fire in the store, Frank
+dressed the squirrels, and washed some of the sweet potatoes, and placed
+them in the oven to bake. Woods drew the table out into the middle of the
+room; and Simpson, after a diligent search, found the cupboard, and
+commenced bringing out the dishes Frank superintended the cooking; and, in
+half an hour, a splendid dinner was smoking on the table. When the meal
+was finished, they shouldered their muskets, and Simpson said to the man:
+
+"Now, sir, we're very much obliged to you for your kindness; but, before
+we go, we want to give you a bit of advice. If you ever see any more
+Yankee sailors out this way, don't try to bully them by talking treason to
+them. If you do, just as likely as not you'll get hold of some who won't
+treat you as well as we have. They might go to work and clean out your
+shanty. Good day, sir;" and Simpson led the way toward the boat.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+Frank's First Exploit.
+
+
+During the three months following that Frank and Archie were attached to
+the Illinois, they met with no adventure worthy of notice. They passed
+nearly every day in the woods, and, after considerable practice, had
+become splendid shots with their muskets; and as game was abundant, their
+table was kept well supplied.
+
+At length, the new magazine-boat, which had for some time been building at
+Cairo, was towed alongside the Illinois, and a detachment of men from the
+receiving-ship were set to work to transfer the ammunition. The crew of
+the Illinois were not at all pleased with this, for they knew that the
+easy life they had been leading was soon to be brought to an end.
+
+When the ammunition had all been removed into the new boat, the steamer
+Champion came alongside, and the Illinois was towed down to Columbus, where
+she was to undergo repairs, and her crew was transferred to the
+receiving-ship again.
+
+The day after they arrived on board, while Frank and his cousin were
+seated on a coil of rope, as usual, talking over old times, and wondering
+how George and Harry Butler liked the army, and why they had not written,
+the boatswain's mate came along, and called out, in a loud voice:
+
+"Archie Winters!"
+
+"Here I am," said Archie.
+
+"Well, go up on deck," said the mate; "the captain wants to see you."
+
+"The captain wants to see me!" repeated Archie, in surprise.
+
+"Yes; and you had better bear a hand, too, for the captain isn't the man
+to wait long when he sends after any one."
+
+Archie accordingly went on deck, trying all the while to think what he had
+done that was wrong, and expecting a good blowing up for some
+unintentional offense. Perhaps the captain had by some means learned who
+it was that had made the descent on the cook's galley, and had called him
+up for the purpose of punishing him.
+
+Finding the captain on deck, talking with the executive officer, he very
+politely remained out of hearing, holding his hat in his hand, and waited
+for a chance to speak to him. At length the captain inquired:
+
+"Hasn't Winters come up yet?"
+
+"Yes, sir," answered Archie, stepping up with his best salute.
+
+"Is this your writing?" inquired the captain, holding out to Archie a
+letter addressed, in a splendid business hand, to James Winters, Esq.,
+Boston.
+
+"Yes, sir," answered Archie; "that's a letter I wrote to my father."
+
+"Well," continued the captain, "I have got a splendid position for you, as
+second clerk in the fleet paymaster's office. Would you like to take it?"
+
+"Yes, sir," answered Archie; "but--but"--
+
+"But what?" inquired the captain.
+
+"I don't like to be separated from my cousin. We shipped together, and I
+should like to remain with him as long as possible."
+
+"Oh, as to that," said the captain, "you can't expect to be together long;
+there is no certainty that you will be ordered to the same ship. You might
+as well separate one time as another. I think you had better accept this
+position."
+
+"I should like to speak with my cousin before I decide, sir."
+
+"Very well; look alive, and don't keep me waiting."
+
+Archie touched his hat, and hurried below.
+
+"What did he want with you?" inquired Frank, who was sitting with Simpson
+on their mess-chest.
+
+Archie told his story, and ended by saying:
+
+"I don't believe I'll take it; for I don't want to leave you."
+
+"You're foolish," said Simpson; for, as the captain said, you can't expect
+to remain together a great while. To-morrow one of you may be ordered to a
+vessel in the Cumberland River, and the other to the lower fleet. Better
+take it; Frank can take care of himself."
+
+"Yes" said Frank, "I should certainly take it, if I were in your place.
+You'll be an officer then, you know."
+
+"Yes, I shall be an officer," said Archie, contemptuously; "and if I meet
+one of you anywhere, I mustn't associate with you at all. No sir; I'll go
+and tell the captain I can't take it."
+
+"But, hold on a minute," said Frank, as his cousin was about to move away;
+"perhaps you may find that there is another good place, and then you can
+recommend me."
+
+"That's so," said Archie; "I did not think of that; I believe I'll take
+it;" and he hurried on deck again.
+
+"Well, what conclusion have you come to?" inquired the captain. "Will you
+take it?"
+
+"Yes, sir, with many thanks for your kindness."
+
+"What is your cousin's name?"
+
+Archie told him, and the captain continued:
+
+"I'll keep an eye open for him. I don't forget that I was young once
+myself; and I know that a sailor's life is rather tough for one who is not
+accustomed to it; and when I find a deserving young man, I like to help
+him along. Mr. Tyler," he continued, turning to the officer of the deck;
+"please send this young man over to the fleet paymaster's office in the
+first boat that leaves the ship. You need not take your donnage," he said,
+turning to Archie again; "if you suit the paymaster, you can come over for
+it at any time."
+
+"Very good, sir," answered Archie; and he went below again.
+
+When the ten o'clock boat was called away, Archie, in obedience to the
+captain's order, was sent over to the paymaster's office; and Frank was
+left alone. He watched the boat until it reached the landing, and he saw
+his cousin spring out. He then walked aft, and seated himself on the
+mess-chest, and commenced writing a letter to his mother. While he was
+thus engaged, he heard the order passed, in a loud voice: "All you men
+that belonged to the Illinois, muster on the forecastle with your bags and
+hammocks."
+
+As Frank hastened to obey the order, he met Simpson, who exclaimed:
+
+"We're off again, my hearty; and I'm glad of it. I don't like to lay
+around here."
+
+"Where are we going?" inquired Frank.
+
+"I don't know for certain; but I suspect we are to be the crew of the
+store-ship Milwaukee, now lying alongside the wharf-boat."
+
+Simpson's surmise proved to be correct. The entire crew of the Illinois,
+with the exception of Archie, was mustered around the capstan; and after
+answering to their names, they were crowded into a cutter that lay
+alongside, and, in a few moments, were landed on board the Milwaukee.
+
+She had steam up; her stores were on board, and she was all ready to sail;
+and the crew had scarcely time to stow away their bags and hammocks, when
+the order was passed: "All hands stand by to get ship under way."
+
+The gang-planks were quickly hauled in; the line with which she was made
+fast to the wharf-boat was cast off, and the Milwaukee was soon steaming
+down the river, and Cairo was rapidly receding from view.
+
+The Milwaukee, which was now dignified by the name of "store-ship," was an
+old river packet. She was loaded with clothing, provisions, and small
+stores, with which she was to supply the fleet. It was not, of course,
+intended that she should go into action; but, in order that she might be
+able to defend herself against the guerrillas, which infested the river
+between Cairo and Helena, she mounted a twelve-pound howitzer on her
+boiler-deck, and was well supplied with muskets. Her destination was
+Helena.
+
+They reached that place without any adventure, and, after supplying the
+fleet with stores, started to return to Cairo. One pleasant afternoon, as
+they were passing through Cypress Bend, the officer of the deck discovered
+a man standing on the bank, waving a flag of truce. A bale of cotton lay
+near him; and the man, as soon as he found that he had attracted their
+attention, pointed to the cotton, and signified, by signs, that he wished
+it carried up the river.
+
+The Milwaukee was immediately turned toward the shore, and as soon as they
+arrived within speaking distance, the captain called out:
+
+"What do you want?"
+
+"I would like to have you take this cotton to Cairo for me," answered the
+man.
+
+"Are you a loyal citizen?" asked the captain.
+
+"Yes, sir; and here is a permit from Admiral Porter to ship my cotton;"
+and, as the man spoke, he held up a letter to the view of the captain.
+
+"Bring her into the bank, Mr. Smith," said the captain, addressing the
+pilot; "and, Mr. O'Brien," he continued, in a lower tone, turning to an
+officer who stood near, "go down and stand by that howitzer. Perhaps there
+is no treachery intended, but it is well to be on the safe side."
+
+As soon as the Milwaukee touched the bank, Frank and Simpson, with two
+others, sprang ashore with a line, and, after making it fast to a tree,
+returned on board, and commenced pushing out a plank, so that the cotton
+could be easily rolled on, when, suddenly, several men rose from behind
+the levee, and the quick discharge of their rifles sent the bullets around
+those standing on the forecastle, like hailstones; and Simpson, who was
+standing directly in front of Frank, uttered a sharp cry of pain, and sank
+heavily to the deck. The next moment the guerrillas, with loud yells,
+sprang down the bank in a body, intending to board the boat and capture
+her. But they had not taken her so much by surprise as they had imagined,
+for a shell from the howitzer exploded in their very midst, and one of the
+rebels was killed, and three disabled. The others turned and hastily
+retreated behind the levee. Frank took advantage of this, and lifting the
+insensible form of his friend, retreated under cover, and laid him on a
+mattress behind a pile of coal, where he would be safe from the bullets of
+the guerrillas, which now began to come through the sides of the boat in
+every direction.
+
+This was the first time Frank had ever been under fire, and he was
+thoroughly frightened; but he knew that it was his duty to resist the
+rebels, and to do them as much damage as possible; so, instead of looking
+round for a safe place to hide, his first impulse was to run up on deck
+after a gun. This he knew was a dangerous undertaking, for the vessel lay
+close to the bank, the top of which was on a level with the boiler-deck;
+and behind the levee, scarcely half a dozen rods distant, were the
+guerrillas, who were ready to shoot the first man that appeared.
+
+Nevertheless, Frank resolved to make the attempt, for he wanted to take
+revenge on them for shooting Simpson. But, just as he was about to start
+out, he heard the captain shout down through the trumpet which ran from
+the pilot-house to the engine-room:
+
+"Back her, strong! We must get away from the bank or they will pick us all
+off."
+
+In obedience to the order, the engineers let on the steam, and a heavy
+puffing told Frank that the powerful engines were doing their utmost to
+break the line which held them to the bank. Here was another thing that
+Frank knew he ought to do; he knew that he ought to cut that line, for it
+would be an impossibility to break it. There was an ax handy, and a sudden
+rush and a couple of lusty strokes would put the vessel out of danger.
+But, at short intervals, he heard the bullets crashing through the side of
+the boat, and he knew that the guerrillas were on the watch. If he made
+the attempt he could scarcely hope to come back alive; and he thought of
+his mother and Julia, how badly they would feel when they heard of his
+death. But even where he stood he was in danger of being struck by the
+bullets that were every moment coming through the vessel; and would not
+his mother much rather hear that he fell while performing his duty, than
+that he was shot while standing idly by, taking no part in the fight? He
+did not wait to take a second thought, but seized the ax, and, with one
+bound, reached the gangway that led out on to the forecastle. Here he
+hesitated again, but it was only for a moment. Clutching his ax with a
+firmer hold, and gathering all his strength for the trial, he sprang
+forward, and a few rapid steps brought him to the capstan, to which the
+line was made fast. He raised his ax, and one swift blow severed the line,
+and the Milwaukee swung rapidly out from the bank Without waiting an
+instant, Frank turned and retreated; but, instead of going back to the
+place where he had left Simpson, he bounded up the steps that led to the
+boiler-deck, and the next moment was safe behind a pile of baled clothing.
+His sudden appearance had taken the rebels completely by surprise, and
+before they could recover themselves, the line had been cut, and the young
+hero was safe. But they had seen where he had taken refuge, and, with loud
+yells of disappointment and rage, sent their bullets about his
+hiding-place in a perfect shower. Frank, however, knowing that he was
+safe, was not in the least alarmed. Waiting until the fire slackened a
+little, he sprang up, and, snatching a musket and cartridge-box from the
+rack which stood close by the door of the cabin, was back to his
+hiding-place in a moment.
+
+"Now," he soliloquized, "we are on more equal terms. Better keep close, or
+I'll drop some of you."
+
+In his cool, sober moments, Frank would have shuddered at the thought of
+taking the life of a fellow-being; but he had seen Simpson shot down
+before his eyes--perhaps killed; and is it to be wondered that he wished
+to avenge his fall?
+
+It was some time before Frank could get an opportunity to use his musket;
+for if he exposed the smallest portion of his body, it was the signal for
+his watchful enemies, who sent the bullets about him in unpleasant
+proximity. In spite of his dangerous situation, he could not help thinking
+that the rebels were very proficient in "Indian fighting," for, with all
+his watchfulness, he could not get an opportunity to put in a shot. All he
+could see of his enemies would be, first, a rifle thrust carefully over
+the levee, then a very small portion of a head would appear, and the
+bullet would come straight to the mark.
+
+In the mean time the Milwaukee was working her way out into the stream,
+and the rebels, finding that their fire was not returned, grew bolder by
+degrees, and became less careful to conceal themselves. This was what
+Frank wanted; but he reserved his fire until a tall rebel rose to his full
+hight from behind the levee, fired his gun, and stood watching the effect
+of the shot. Frank's musket was at his shoulder in an instant, his finger
+pressed the trigger, and the rebel staggered for a moment, and disappeared
+behind the levee.
+
+"There," said Frank to himself, "that's what Simpson would call 'squaring
+the yards.' I'm even with the rascals now."
+
+The rebels answered the shot with load yells, and their bullets fell
+thicker than ever; but the Milwaukee was almost out of range, and, in a
+few moments, the firing ceased altogether.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+On a Gun-boat.
+
+
+When the Milwaukee was fairly out of range of the bullets of the
+guerrillas, Frank put his gun back in the rack, and started in search of
+the doctor's steward. He ran into the cabin without ceremony, and was
+about to enter the steward's room, when he discovered a pair of
+patent-leather boots, which he thought he recognized, sticking out from
+under a mattress which lay on the cabin floor; and, upon examination, he
+found that it concealed the steward, who was as pale as a sheet, and
+shaking as though he had been seized with the ague.
+
+"What do you want here?" he asked, in a trembling voice, as Frank raised
+the mattress.
+
+"Simpson is shot," answered Frank, "and I would like to have you come down
+and see him."
+
+"Do you suppose I am fool enough to go out on deck, and run the risk of
+being shot? No, sir; I'll stay here, where I am safe;" and the steward
+made an effort to draw his head under the mattress again.
+
+"There's no danger now," said Frank; "the rebels have stopped firing.
+Besides, we are out of"--
+
+"Go away, and let me alone," whined the steward.
+
+"I am not going to expose myself."
+
+"You're a coward," exclaimed Frank, now fairly aroused "But I guess the
+captain can"--
+
+"Oh, don't," entreated the steward; "I haven't been here a minute. I
+started to get a gun, to pay the rebels back in their own coin; but the
+bullets came through the cabin so thick that I thought it best to retreat
+to a safe place;" and the steward threw off the mattress, and arose,
+tremblingly, to his feet.
+
+"You went after a gun, did you?" inquired Frank, in a tone of voice which
+showed that he did not believe the steward's story.
+
+"Yes; and I would have given them fits, for I am a dead shot."
+
+"Where did you put your gun when you found that you had to retreat?"
+
+"I put it back in the rack again."
+
+This was a likely story; for a person as badly frightened as was the
+steward would not have stopped to put the gun back in its place; and, in
+his heart, Frank despised the man who could be guilty of such a falsehood.
+
+As they were about to go out on deck, the steward drew back, exclaiming:
+
+"I don't hardly believe it is safe to go out there just yet. Let us wait a
+few moments."
+
+"I shan't wait an instant," said Frank. "Simpson has been neglected too
+long already. You can come down and attend to him, or not, just as you
+please." So saying, he opened the cabin door, and walking rapidly out,
+descended the stairs that led to the main deck.
+
+The steward dreaded to follow; but he knew that, if he did not attend the
+wounded sailor, he would be reported to the captain, who, although a
+kind-hearted man, was a strict disciplinarian, and one who always took
+particular pains to see that his crew was well provided for. He dared not
+hesitate long; so, drawing in a long breath, he ran swiftly out on deck,
+and disappeared down the stairs like a shot.
+
+Frank found Simpson sitting upon the mattress where he had been lain, with
+his elbows on his knees, and his head supported by his hands. As Frank
+came up, he said, in a weak voice:
+
+"I came very near losing the number of my mess, didn't I? The rascals shot
+pretty close to me;" and he showed Frank an ugly-looking wound in the back
+of his head, from which the blood was flowing profusely.
+
+By this time the steward arrived. After examining the wound, he pronounced
+it very severe, and one that would require constant attention.
+
+Simpson was speedily conveyed to the sick bay, and every thing possible
+done to make him comfortable. Although the Milwaukee was completely
+riddled by the bullets of the guerrillas, he was the only one hurt. Frank
+was excused from all duty, that he might act as Simpson's nurse; and he
+scarcely left him for a moment during the two weeks of fever and delirium
+that followed. By the time they reached Cairo, however, he was pronounced
+out of danger.
+
+Frank wanted very much to see his cousin; but the Milwaukee was anchored
+out in the river, and no one was allowed to go ashore. One afternoon, as
+he sat by his friend's hammock, reading aloud a letter from Harry Butler,
+in which he gave a vivid description of a late battle in which his
+regiment had participated, the orderly entered and informed him that the
+captain wished to see him. He followed the orderly, and, as he entered the
+cabin, the captain said:
+
+"Please help yourself to a chair, Mr. Nelson; I shall be at liberty in a
+moment. I should like to finish this letter before the mail-steamer sails.
+You will excuse me, will you not?"
+
+"Certainly, sir," answered Frank; and he seated himself, lost in wonder.
+
+The captain had addressed him as _Mr._ Nelson, while heretofore he had
+always been called, by the officers, Nelson, or Frank. 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. "It is an honor I did
+not expect."
+
+"Very likely," said the captain, with a laugh; "but you deserve it. If it
+hadn't been for you, we should all have been captured. I saw the whole of
+the transaction from the pilot-house."
+
+"It was my duty to do it, sir."
+
+"It was a brave act, call it what else you will. Now go and give this to
+the paymaster," continued the captain, handing Frank an order for the
+settlement of his accounts, "and then go immediately and report to the
+Admiral."
+
+Frank left the captain, a good deal elated at his success; and when he
+approached Simpson, the latter exclaimed:
+
+"What is it, my hearty? Your promotion?"
+
+"Yes," answered Frank; "read that;" and he handed his appointment to his
+friend, who said:
+
+"I knew you would get it. The captain isn't the man to let such a thing as
+you did at Cypress Bend pass unnoticed. Give us your flipper, my boy; I'm
+glad to see you an officer." And the brave fellow actually shed tears, as
+he shook Frank's hand. "Now, when you are ordered to your ship," he
+continued, "I wish you would speak a word for me. I am very well contented
+here, but I had much rather sail with you."
+
+Frank promised to do his best, and, after putting on his "shore togs," as
+Simpson called them, and giving the captain's order to the paymaster, he
+started off to report to the Admiral.
+
+When he arrived on board the flag-ship, he was met by the officer of the
+deck, who inquired his business.
+
+"I wish to see the Admiral, sir" answered Frank; "I am ordered to report
+to him."
+
+The officer immediately led the way aft, and showed Frank a marine
+standing at the door of the cabin, who took his name and disappeared. In a
+moment he returned, and informed Frank that the Admiral was waiting to see
+him.
+
+He entered the cabin, and handed his appointment to the Admiral, who,
+after reading it, said:
+
+"So, you are the young man that saved the Milwaukee, are you? Take a
+chair, sir."
+
+In a few moments his orders to report, without delay, on board the
+Ticonderoga, were ready; and as the Admiral handed them to him, he said:
+
+"Now, young man, you will be on a ship where you will have a chance to
+distinguish yourself. I shall expect to hear a good account of you."
+
+"I shall always endeavor to do my duty, sir," answered Frank; and he made
+his best bow and retired.
+
+When he returned to the Milwaukee, his accounts had all been made out.
+After the paymaster paid him up in full, Frank started for the nearest
+clothing-store, and when he came out, he was changed into a fine-looking
+officer.
+
+He immediately directed his steps toward the naval wharf-boat, where he
+found a lively little fellow, who seemed full of business, superintending
+the loading of a vessel with provisions. It was Archie Winters; but it was
+plain that he did not recognize his cousin in his new uniform, for Frank
+stood close behind him, several moments, and Archie even brushed against
+him, as he passed.
+
+"Can you tell me, sir, where I can find Mr. Winters?" inquired Frank, at
+length.
+
+"Yes, sir," answered Archie, promptly, looking his cousin full in the
+face; "I'm the--why, Frank, how are you?" and he seized his cousin's hand,
+and shook it heartily. "I've been on board the Milwaukee twice this
+morning, but you were off somewhere. I heard you had a fight down the
+river, with the rebels. But what are you doing? What boat are you ordered
+to?"
+
+"I am not doing any thing at present," answered Frank; "but I am ordered
+to report on board the Ticonderoga."
+
+"There she is," said Archie, pointing to a long, low, black vessel that
+lay alongside of the wharf boat. "I am just putting provisions on board of
+her. I'll come and see you as soon as I get my work done."
+
+Frank went on board his vessel, where he was received by the officer of
+the deck, who showed him the way into the cabin. After the captain had
+indorsed his orders, he strolled leisurely about the ship, examining into
+every thing, for as yet he knew nothing of gun-boat life.
+
+The Ticonderoga was a queer-looking craft. She was not exactly a Monitor;
+but she had a turret forward, and mounted two eleven-inch guns and four
+twelve-pounder howitzers. She had a heavy iron ram on her bow, and the
+turret was protected by three inches of iron, and the deck with two
+inches. It did not seem possible that a cannon-ball could make any
+impression on her thick armor.
+
+The officers' quarters were all below decks; and, although it was then the
+middle of winter, Frank found it rather uncomfortable in his bunk.
+
+During the two weeks that elapsed before the ship was ready to sail, the
+time was employed in getting every thing in order--in drilling at the
+great guns, and with muskets and broad-swords.
+
+Most of the crew were old seamen, who understood their duty; and by the
+time their sailing orders came, every thing moved like clock-work.
+
+In the mean time Frank had been assigned his station, which--being the
+youngest officer on board the ship--was to command the magazine. He
+learned very rapidly, and, as he was always attentive to his duties, he
+grew in favor with both officers and men.
+
+At length, one afternoon, the anchor was weighed, and the Ticonderoga
+steamed down the river. Her orders were to report to the Admiral, who had
+sailed from Cairo about a week previous. They found him at Arkansas Post,
+where they arrived too late to take part in the fight. In a few days a
+station was assigned to her in the Mississippi River; and the Ticonderoga
+immediately set sail, in obedience to orders.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+The Struggle Between the Lines.
+
+
+One day, about two weeks after they came out of Arkansas River, the
+Ticonderoga stopped at Smith's Landing to take on wood, as her supply of
+coal had run short. The vessel was made fast to the bank, and, while the
+seamen were bringing in the wood, the paymaster's steward called Frank's
+attention to some cattle which were feeding on the bank, and remarked: "I
+wish we could go out and shoot one of them." "So do I," said Frank; "I've
+eaten salt pork until I am tired of it. Let's go and ask the captain."
+
+"I'm agreed," said the steward.
+
+The captain was walking on deck at the time and his permission was readily
+obtained, for he himself had grown tired of ship's pork; Frank,
+accompanied by the steward, and a seaman who was an expert butcher,
+started out. They were armed with muskets, and, as they were all good
+shots, and did not wish to kill more than enough to feed the ship's
+company once, they took with them no ammunition besides what was in the
+guns. At the place where the Ticonderoga was lying, the levee--an
+embankment about six feet high, built to prevent the water from
+overflowing--ran back into the woods about half a mile, then, making a
+bend like a horse-shoe, came back to the river again, inclosing perhaps a
+dozen acres of low, swampy land; and it was in this swamp that the cattle
+were. They proved to be very wild; but, after a considerable run, Frank
+succeeded in bringing down one, and the steward and seaman finally killed
+another. The question now was, how to get the meat on board the vessel.
+While they were debating on the matter, they were startled by the clatter
+of horses' hoofs on the levee; and, instead of drawing back into the
+bushes, out of sight, they very imprudently waited to see who the horsemen
+were. Presently, a party of guerrillas, to their utter amazement--for they
+had not dreamed that the rebels were so near them--galloped up.
+
+The rebels discovered them at the same moment, and one of them exclaimed:
+
+"I'll be dog-gone if thar ain't a Yank;" and, not knowing how many there
+might be of the "Yanks," they very prudently drew up their horses. One of
+them, however, who appeared to be the leader of the band, comprehended
+their situation at a glance, and exclaimed:
+
+"Throw down your arms, and you shall be treated like men!"
+
+This brought them to their senses, and they turned and ran for their
+lives. They had scarcely made a dozen steps before the bullets and
+buckshot began to rattle about their ears; but the trees and bushes were
+so thick that they escaped unhurt. Frank reached the vessel far in advance
+of the others; as he came over the side, panting and excited, the captain,
+who was still on deck, inquired:
+
+"What's the matter, Mr. Nelson?"
+
+"We ran foul of some guerrillas out there in the woods, sir," replied
+Frank.
+
+"How many of them did you see?"
+
+"They didn't give us much of a chance to judge of their numbers, sir; but
+I should say that there were at least a dozen of them, and they were
+coming this way. I shouldn't wonder if they intended to pick off some of
+the men who are carrying in wood."
+
+"Mr. Hurd," said the captain, turning to the executive officer, "take
+thirty men, who are good shots, and go out there and keep those fellows
+off. Mr. Nelson will go with you."
+
+Frank accordingly ran below, and armed himself with a revolver and musket,
+and buckled on a cartridge-box. When the men were ready, he led the way,
+along the levee, so that, if the guerrillas were advancing, they would be
+certain to meet them. But they saw no signs of them until they came within
+sight of a barn which stood in the woods, about a mile from the river. The
+rebels were gathered before it, as if in consultation, and greeted the
+approach of the sailors with a scattering volley of musketry, which
+whistled harmlessly over their heads, or plowed up the ground before them.
+
+"Give 'em a shot, boys," said the executive officer, "and then scatter,
+and let each man take to a tree and fight Indian fashion."
+
+The sailors wheeled into line with all the promptness and regularity of
+veteran troops; and before the smoke of their muskets cleared away, they
+had disappeared, like a flock of young partridges. The rebels had also
+treed, and the skirmish was continued for half an hour, without any damage
+being done to either party.
+
+This style of fighting did not suit Frank, and he began to urge the
+executive officer to advance, and drive them from their position. But the
+officer did not think it safe to attempt it; for, although he had seen but
+a small number of the rebels, he did not know how many there might be
+hidden away in the bushes.
+
+"Well, then," said Frank, after thinking a moment, "I have another
+proposition to make. If you will give me ten men, and engage the rebels
+warmly in front, I'll go and get that fresh beef."
+
+"Where did you leave it?" inquired the officer.
+
+"In the woods, about three hundred yards to the left of where the rebels
+now are."
+
+"Very well; pick out your men, and go ahead."
+
+Frank accordingly selected the boatswain's mate, an old, gray-headed man,
+who had been in the navy from boyhood, as his first lieutenant, and
+ordered him to call for volunteers.
+
+If there is any thing a sailor admires, it is bravery in an officer. Every
+one on board the Ticonderoga, from the captain down, was acquainted with
+Frank's gallant behavior at Cypress Bend, although he himself had never
+said a word about it; and this, together with his uniform kindness toward
+the men under his command, and the respect he always showed his brother
+officers, had made him very popular with the ship's company; and when the
+mate--who was never better pleased than when he could do Frank a
+service-passed the word along the line that Mr. Nelson had called for
+volunteers, the men flocked around him in all directions. The mate quickly
+selected the required number, and Frank led them toward the place where
+they had left the beef.
+
+The woods were very thick, and, of course, the rebels, who were hidden in
+the bushes, on the other side of the levee, knew nothing of what was going
+on. Frank sent two of his men to the levee, to watch the motions of the
+rebels, with orders not to fire unless they attempted to advance; and then
+pulled off his coat, and set to work, with the others, cutting up the
+beef. This was soon accomplished; and, after getting it all ready to carry
+to the vessel, Frank, after consulting with the mate, concluded that the
+rebels ought to be punished for what they had done, and he determined to
+try the effect of a cross-fire upon them.
+
+He cautiously advanced his men to the levee, when he found that the rebels
+had been growing bolder; and one of them, who was mounted on a powerful
+iron-gray horse, would frequently ride out from his concealment, and
+advance toward the place where the men under the executive officer were
+stationed, coolly deliver his fire, and then retreat out of range of their
+guns, to reload.
+
+"Now, boys," said Frank, "if that fellow tries that again, I'll put a
+stopper on his shooting for awhile."
+
+The rebel, who, of course, was entirely ignorant of the proximity of
+Frank's party, soon reappeared, and rode rapidly down the levee, until he
+came directly opposite the place where Frank and his men were concealed,
+and then drew up his horse, and settled himself in his saddle, for a good
+shot. But at that instant the report of Frank's musket echoed through the
+woods, and the horse on which the rebel was mounted fell to the ground,
+with a bullet in his brain. Before the astonished guerrilla could
+extricate himself from the saddle, Frank, with more recklessness than
+prudence, had bounded out of his concealment, and seized him by the collar
+with one hand, at the same time attempting to draw his revolver with the
+other.
+
+"You're my prisoner!" he exclaimed.
+
+But the rebel had no sooner regained his feet, than he seized Frank around
+the body, and, lifting him from his feet, threw him heavily to the ground.
+Frank's revolver had become entangled in his belt in such a manner that he
+could not draw it, and he now saw how foolhardy he had been, for his
+antagonist was a man of almost twice his size, and possessed of enormous
+strength. But Frank still retained his presence of mind, and, in falling,
+he managed to catch the rebel by the hair, and pulled him to the ground
+with him. He clung to him with a death-grip, and the guerrilla, after
+trying in vain to break his hold, attempted to draw a knife from his belt.
+Frank seized it at the same moment, when each used all his skill and
+strength to obtain possession of it.
+
+Both parties gazed in utter amazement, as this singular struggle went on
+and neither dared to fire a shot, for fear of hitting their own man. At
+length the mate, who, with his men, had watched the progress of the
+conflict, with their feelings worked up to the highest pitch of
+excitement, discovered that the rebel, by his superior strength, was
+gaining the advantage; and he knew that the only way to save his officer
+was to drive the rebels from their position.
+
+"Steady there, lads!" he exclaimed; "fix bayonets."
+
+The order was promptly obeyed.
+
+"Ready, now! Aim! Fire! Charge bayonets! Forward, double-quick!"
+
+The sailors broke from their concealment with a loud yell, and rushed
+toward the rebel line. They were soon overtaken by the men under command
+of the executive officer, who, not wishing to be outdone by their
+comrades, had come to their assistance.
+
+The rebels were taken completely by surprise, and, after delivering a
+straggling fire, rapidly retreated.
+
+The charge made by the sailors infused new courage into Frank, who
+increased his exertions, and struggled furiously for the possession of the
+knife.
+
+"Hold on," exclaimed the rebel; "I'll surrender, if you will promise me
+kind treatment."
+
+"I guess you'll surrender any way," said Frank; "and you may be sure that
+you will be well treated."
+
+"Let go my hair, then," said the rebel; "and let me get up."
+
+Frank accordingly released his hold, and the rebel rose to his feet, and
+was immediately seized by the mate, who, with his men, was just returning
+from the pursuit of the rebels.
+
+After the prisoner had delivered up his weapons, they marched back to the
+place where they had left the beef, and then started for the vessel.
+
+Every one was soon made acquainted with the particulars of the fight, and
+Frank was again the hero of the mess-room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+A Union Family.
+
+
+After two days' sail, the Ticonderoga arrived at Phillips's Landing, where
+she had been ordered to take her station; for the Admiral had received
+information that the rebel General Marmaduke was preparing to cross the
+river, with his forces, at that place.
+
+They came to anchor in front of a large plantation, owned by the man after
+whom the place was named. In a short time, a boat, rowed by two stout
+negroes, and which contained two ladies and a gentleman, came alongside.
+
+The captain received them, as they came upon the quarter-deck, and the
+gentleman, after introducing himself as Mr. Phillips, and apologizing for
+the liberty they had taken in coming on board, asked if the captain could
+furnish them with some Northern papers. They lived in an out-of-the-way
+place, he said, where boats seldom landed, for fear of the guerrillas, and
+they were entirely ignorant of what was going on.
+
+The captain seemed much pleased with his visitors. After complying with
+their request, he conducted them down into the cabin, where they passed an
+hour in conversation. When they were about to take their departure, they
+invited the captain and his officers to call on them, and assured them
+that there were no rebels in the vicinity.
+
+The captain was an old sailor, and had been in the service so long that he
+was inclined to be suspicious of any thing that looked like friendship on
+the part of a person living in an enemy's country. But, after calling on
+Mr. Phillips's family a few times, without discovering any thing to
+confirm his suspicions, he allowed both officers and men to go ashore at
+all times; and soon quite an intimacy sprung up between them and the
+people of the plantation, and dinner parties and horseback rides were the
+order of the day.
+
+Frank had been elected caterer of his mess, and as he was obliged to
+furnish provisions, he had a good excuse for being ashore most of his
+time. He became a regular visitor at the plantation, and was soon well
+acquainted with each member of the family. They all professed to be
+unconditional Union people, with the exception of the youngest daughter,
+who boldly stated that her sympathies were, and always had been, with the
+South; and she and Frank had many a long argument about the war.
+
+Things went on thus for a considerable time, when, early one morning, as
+Frank was on his way to the plantation, to buy his marketing, a negro met
+him, as he was ascending the hill that led to the quarters, and said:
+
+"I'd like to speak just one word with you, young master."
+
+"Well, what is it, uncle?" said Frank; "talk away."
+
+"Let us move on, this way first, for I don't want them to see us from the
+house."
+
+Frank followed the negro behind one of the cabins, and the latter
+continued:
+
+"I'm afraid you and all the officers on your boat will be captured one of
+these days."
+
+"What do you mean?" inquired Frank, in surprise, half inclined to think
+that the negro was crazy.
+
+"I suppose you don't know that my master and mistress, and all the white
+folks on the plantation, are rebels, do you?"
+
+"No; and I don't believe they are."
+
+"Yes, they are. My master is a Major in the rebel army; and that Miss
+Annie you come to see every day has got a sweetheart in the army, and she
+tells him every thing you say. Besides, they send a mail across the river,
+here, twice every month. I took one across myself, night before last."
+
+"I believe you're lying to me, you old rascal," exclaimed Frank.
+
+"No, young master," answered the negro; "every word I have told you is
+gospel truth. You see, my daughter waits on Miss Annie, and I find out
+every thing."
+
+"You say Miss Phillips has a sweetheart in the army?"
+
+"Yes; and he was here to see her not long ago. He is a lieutenant, and has
+gone up to Conway's Point, with two cannons, to fire into steamers. His
+name is Miller; and you would know him from a long scar on his left cheek.
+Wasn't Miss Annie on board your boat two days ago?"
+
+"Yes, I believe so."
+
+"Well, she stole a book."
+
+"A book!" repeated Frank. "What kind of a book?"
+
+"I don't know the name of it. It was a small book, and had lead fastened
+to the covers."
+
+"By gracious!" exclaimed Frank, "that was the captain's signal-book."
+
+"Yes; she told my daughter that she took it out of the captain's room."
+
+Frank did not stop to buy any marketing, but hastily catching up his
+basket, he hurried back to the vessel.
+
+"Orderly," he exclaimed, as he approached the marine who always stood at
+the cabin door, "ask the captain if I may see him."
+
+"He hasn't got up yet, sir."
+
+"That makes no difference. Tell him that I have something particular to
+say to him."
+
+The orderly went into the cabin, and, in a few moments, returned, and
+said:
+
+"The captain says walk in, sir."
+
+"Captain," said Frank, after he had closed the door carefully behind him,
+"have you lost your signal-book?"
+
+"No, I guess not;" answered the captain, in a tone of surprise. "What
+makes you ask?"
+
+"I heard, a few moments ago, that it had been stolen from you."
+
+"I have not had occasion to use it for two or three weeks," answered the
+captain, getting out of bed; "but I know exactly where I put it;" and he
+opened a drawer in the sideboard, and commenced to overhaul the contents.
+
+"Set me down for a landlubber," he exclaimed, at length, "if it hasn't
+been stolen. It isn't here, at any rate."
+
+Frank then related the conversation which had taken place between himself
+and the negro, and the captain continued:
+
+"Well, I always thought those folks had some object in view, or they would
+not have been so friendly. I can't reproach myself for neglecting my duty,
+for I watched them pretty closely."
+
+"I wonder how that girl knew that the signal-book was in that drawer,"
+said Frank.
+
+"I suppose she must have seen me put it in there," said the captain. "Now,
+the question is, now to go to work to recover it. It will do no good to
+search the house."
+
+"If you will leave the matter in my hands, sir," said Frank, "I will agree
+to recover the signal-book, and capture that mail-bag which they intend to
+send across the river in a few days."
+
+"Well," said the captain, "it was you who first knew that the signal-book
+was gone, and I believe you ought to have the honor of sifting the matter
+to the bottom. Find out all you can, and call on me for any assistance you
+may need."
+
+Frank immediately returned to the plantation, and started toward the
+quarters, in quest of the negro who had given him the information, whom he
+found chopping wood in front of one of the cabins.
+
+"See here, uncle," he exclaimed, "I want you to keep me posted on all that
+goes on here on the plantation; and tell your daughter to find out when
+that rebel lieutenant is coming here again, and when they intend to send
+that mail across the river."
+
+"I will do my best, young master," answered the negro. "But you won't tell
+any one what I have said to you? I shall be killed, sure, if you do"
+
+"No, uncle, I shan't betray you; so don't be afraid," said Frank; and,
+after purchasing some articles which they needed in the mess, he returned
+on board the boat.
+
+A week passed on, but nothing further was developed. The officers of the
+vessel still continued to visit the plantation, and Mr. Phillips and his
+family always seemed glad to see them, and evidently did all in their
+power to make their visits agreeable.
+
+As soon as Frank had time to think the matter over, he wondered why he had
+not known that something suspicious was going on. He remembered now that
+Mr. Phillips had often questioned him closely concerning the manner in
+which the gun-boats were stationed along the river, and the distance they
+were apart. And he thought of other questions which had been asked him by
+the family, which, although they did not seem strange at the time, now
+seemed suspicious. At first he had been inclined to doubt the negro's
+story; but his doubts were soon removed by the appearance of a transport,
+which was completely riddled with shot; and her captain reported that they
+had been fired into by a battery of two guns, at Conway's Point. Frank
+knew that it was the work of the rebel lieutenant, and he hoped that it
+would soon be his fortune to meet him face to face.
+
+One evening, just after supper, the negro appeared on the bank, with some
+chickens in his hand, which was a signal to Frank that he had something to
+communicate. He immediately set off alone, in a skiff. When he reached the
+shore, the negro informed him that the rebel lieutenant was expected at the
+plantation that evening, and that he would bring with him the mail, which
+was to be carried across the river at midnight.
+
+After paying the negro for his chickens, in order to deceive any one who
+might be watching them, Frank returned to the vessel, and informed the
+captain that, if he would give him twenty men, he would fulfill his
+promise. He did not acquaint him with what he had learned, however, for
+fear that the captain would send an officer with him, and thus rob him of
+the laurels now almost within his grasp.
+
+As soon as it was dark, Frank picked out the men he wished to accompany
+him, and started off. His first care was to quietly surround the house,
+after he had placed his men to his satisfaction, he removed his sword,
+thrust a brace of revolvers into his pocket, and walked up and knocked at
+the door. It was opened by the youngest of the girls, who started back and
+turned pale when she saw the young officer; but instantly recovering her
+presence of mind, she exclaimed:
+
+"Good evening, Mr. Nelson; walk in. Allow me to introduce to you my
+cousin, Mr. Williams," she continued, as they entered the parlor.
+
+As she spoke, a tall, handsome young man rose from his seat, and made a
+low bow. It was none other than Lieutenant Miller; for there was the scar
+on his cheek, which had been described to him by the negro.
+
+After returning the rebel's salutation, Frank seated himself on the sofa,
+and said:
+
+"I shall trouble you only a moment. I merely came here on a little matter
+of business. I understand that there is a rebel mail to be carried across
+the river, from this house, to-night."
+
+The suddenness with which this announcement was made was astounding. Mrs.
+Phillips appeared ready to faint; Annie turned very pale; and the
+lieutenant raised his hand to his breast, as if about to draw a weapon.
+
+"What do you mean, sir?" inquired Mr. Phillips, with well-feigned
+surprise.
+
+"I mean," answered Frank, "that, since we anchored opposite this house, we
+have been associating with the worst kind of rebels. Put down your hand,
+Lieutenant Miller! If I see you make that move again, I shall be obliged
+to shoot you. You have professed to be Union people," continued Frank,
+settling himself back in his seat, and coolly crossing his legs, "and have
+been treated as such; you have, however, attempted to betray us, by
+communicating such of our plans and movements as you could learn to the
+rebels. But you have been discovered at last. You, gentlemen, will please
+consider yourselves my prisoners. Miss Phillips, have the kindness to
+produce that mail-bag, and the signal-book you took from the captain. If
+you refuse, I shall be obliged to take you on board the ship, as a
+prisoner."
+
+The girl saw that there was no alternative, and she pulled from under the
+sofa, where Frank sat, the mail-bag, which appeared to be well filled with
+letters, and dispatched a servant to her room after the signal-book, which
+was to have been sent across the river with the mail.
+
+After Frank had relieved the lieutenant of his weapons, he called two of
+his men into the house, and, after delivering the prisoners into their
+charge, returned to the vessel.
+
+That evening the captain examined the mail, and found several letters
+which showed, beyond a doubt, that their prisoners were connected with the
+rebel army; and they were, accordingly, sent to the Admiral, on the first
+steamer that went up the river.
+
+About two weeks afterward, the captain of the Ticonderoga received orders
+to proceed with his vessel to Helena, and take command of an expedition
+which was preparing to start down the Yazoo Pass. They found the fleet,
+consisting of the Manhattan, six "tin-clads," and several transports,
+loaded with troops, assembled in Moon Lake, which was about six miles from
+the Mississippi River; and, on the 23d day of February, they entered the
+pass, the Ticonderoga leading the way.
+
+The west shore of Moon Lake was bounded by a swamp, through which ran the
+pass, which was just wide enough to admit one good-sized vessel. It was
+filled with trees, which stood so close together that it seemed impossible
+to work a passage through them; and the men on deck were constantly in
+danger of being killed by falling limbs. They advanced slowly, sometimes
+making not more than four miles in a day; and it was almost two weeks
+before they reached Coldwater River.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+A Spunky Rebel.
+
+
+In the afternoon of the day of their arrival, the Ticonderoga tied up in
+front of a large plantation-house. As soon as the vessel was made fast to
+the bank, the captain turned to the executive officer, and exclaimed:
+
+"Mr. Smith, please call away one company of small-armed men. Mr. Nelson,"
+he continued, turning to Frank, "I wish you to take command of the
+company, and go ashore and search that house for fire-arms, and bring on
+board all you find."
+
+"Very good, sir," answered Frank; and he hurried down to his room to
+buckle on his sword and revolver.
+
+In a few minutes the company was formed on deck, and Frank marched them
+out on the bank and then up to the house. His first care was to surround
+the building, so that, in case there were any men in it, their escape
+would be entirely cut off. He then, in company with the boatswain's mate
+and two men, walked up and knocked at the door. After some delay, the
+summons was answered by a negro woman, who scowled upon him, and waited
+for him to make known his wants.
+
+"Is your master or mistress in?" inquired Frank.
+
+"Yes, missus is h'ar," answered the woman, gruffly.
+
+"Well, I should like to see her."
+
+"Den you stay h'ar, an' I'll ax her if she wants to see you."
+
+"No, aunty, that won't do. I must see her, whether she wants to see me or
+not;" and Frank unceremoniously entered the house, followed by his men.
+
+"Now, where is your mistress, aunty?" he inquired.
+
+"She's up stairs," answered the woman.
+
+"Well, then," said Frank, turning to the boatswain's mate, "you come with
+me, and let the others remain here until we return."
+
+Frank then ascended the stairs, and very easily found his way to the room
+where the lady was; and, as he entered, he politely removed his cap.
+
+"Well, sir," said the lady, in no very pleasant tone, "what do you wish?"
+
+"I have been ordered to come here and search your house for fire-arms,"
+replied Frank.
+
+"I suppose I shall be obliged to submit to it, for I have not the power to
+prevent you; if I had, I should certainly use it. But, I hope you will be
+gentleman enough not to steal every thing we have in the house."
+
+Frank's face reddened to the very roots of his hair at this insult, and he
+replied, in a voice choked with indignation:
+
+"No, madam, we shall disturb nothing. I hope you do not take us for
+thieves;" and he turned and tried a door, (several of which opened off the
+room in which the lady was sitting), but it was fastened on the other
+side.
+
+"That's a bed-room," exclaimed the lady, angrily. "I hope you are not
+going in there!"
+
+"Certainly I am, madam. I am going into every nook and corner of your
+house. My orders were to search your building, and I intend to obey them.
+Is there any one in here?"
+
+"Yes, sir; my daughters are in there."
+
+"Then, why don't they open this door?" and Frank, who was getting out of
+patience, pounded loudly upon the door with the butt of his revolver.
+
+"Is that you, mother?" inquired a voice from the room.
+
+"No," answered Frank, "it isn't mother; but open this door."
+
+"Yes, in a minute."
+
+"Open this door immediately," repeated Frank, who began to suspect that he
+had been purposely delayed.
+
+But the persons in the room made no reply; when the boatswain's mate, at
+a sign from Frank, raised his foot, and, with one kick of his heavy boot,
+sent the door from its hinges. Loud screams issued from the room, which,
+as Frank entered, he found to be occupied by two young ladies, who,
+judging from the overturned work-basket, and the half-finished articles of
+apparel which were scattered about over the floor, had been engaged in
+sewing.
+
+"Don't be alarmed, ladies," said Frank, "you shall not be harmed. Jack,"
+he continued, turning to the boatswain's mate, "just examine that bed."
+
+"Oh, don't," exclaimed one of the young ladies, "don't, for mercy's sake.
+Do go away from here."
+
+"Ellen," exclaimed her mother, who had followed Frank into the room,
+"don't make a child of yourself. I am surprised at you."
+
+"We shall leave every thing just as we find it," said Frank, who was a
+good deal surprised at the conduct of the girl. "All we want is the
+fire-arms, if you have any in the house."
+
+"Yes, we have got some here," said Ellen, "and I will get them for you;"
+and she drew out from the bed-clothes two beautifully-finished rifles, a
+quantity of ammunition, a cavalry sword, and a double-barreled shot-gun.
+"There," she exclaimed, as she handed them to Frank; "there are no more in
+this room. Now, do go away."
+
+"Ellen," said her mother, who was evidently very anxious about the girl's
+conduct, "will you keep quiet?"
+
+"Don't say any thing to him, Ellen," said her sister, whose name was Mary;
+"don't ask any favors of a Yankee. Let him stay here till doomsday if"--
+
+She was interrupted by a loud scream from Ellen; and the mate, who had
+been "reconnoitering" under the bed, exclaimed:
+
+"Here you are! Come out o' that, you son of a sea-cook;" and he seized
+something which struggled and fought furiously, but all to no purpose, for
+the mate soon pulled into sight tall man, dressed in the uniform of a
+rebel officer.
+
+Ellen screamed and cried louder than ever, and even her mother could not
+refrain from shedding tears; but Mary, although pale as death, retained
+her haughty look, and was evidently too proud to manifest any feeling in
+the presence of a Federal officer.
+
+"I knowed there was something of this kind goin' on, sir," said Jack,
+turning to his officer, and giving his pants a hitch; "I knowed, by the
+way the young lady handed over them we'pons, that there was something
+about that bed she didn't want us to see."
+
+"Yes, Ellen," said the rebel, "I have to thank you for my capture. If it
+hadn't been for your crying and whimpering, I might have"--
+
+"Escaped," exclaimed Jack. "No, sir; not so easy. Don't go to jawin' her,
+now, 'cause yer ketched. Come, now," he continued, "let's have yer
+we'pons."
+
+The rebel coolly handed out two silver-mounted revolvers, which the mate
+thrust into his belt.
+
+"Now, I hope you're satisfied," said Mary, impatiently; "and are ready to
+go and leave us in peace."
+
+"Not quite," answered Frank. "I have not yet obeyed my orders. As I said
+before, I must see the inside of every room in your house. Jack, send two
+men on board the ship with that prisoner."
+
+"Ay, ay, sir," answered the mate, touching his cap. "Come, you corn-fed,
+march."
+
+The mother and sisters of the rebel crowded around him, to say good-by;
+and, in spite of the unladylike, and even insulting manner with which they
+had treated him, Frank could not help pitying them.
+
+When the mate had seen the prisoner safe on the boat, he went back, and
+Frank continued his search. But no more weapons or prisoners being found,
+he and his men returned on board, well satisfied with their success.
+
+After supper, as Frank was walking up and down the deck, arm in arm with
+one of his brother officers, the orderly approached, and, touching his
+cap, informed him that the captain wished to see him.
+
+"Mr. Nelson," said the captain, as Frank entered the cabin, "come here."
+
+Frank followed the captain to one of the after windows, and the latter
+inquired:
+
+"Do you see _that_?"
+
+Frank looked in the direction indicated by the captain, and was surprised
+to see a rebel flag floating from one of the windows of the house.
+
+"Yes, sir; I see it," said Frank.
+
+"Well, sir, go over there, and tell those women to have that flag taken in
+and sent on board this ship. Don't touch it yourself: they put it out
+there, and they must take it in. That's a pretty piece of impudence,
+indeed--a rebel flag floating in the breeze in the face of a Federal
+vessel of war!" and the eccentric captain paced up and down his cabin, in
+a state of considerable excitement.
+
+Frank started off, and in a few moments again stood before the mistress of
+the house.
+
+"You're here again, sir, are you?" she asked, petulantly.
+
+"Yes, ma'am," replied Frank, not the least annoyed by the tone in which he
+was addressed, or the sharp glances which the ladies threw at him, "I'm
+here; and I came to tell you that the captain wishes you to have that
+rebel flag removed from your window, and sent on board the ship."
+
+"Is there any thing else your captain wants?" inquired Mary, with a
+sneer.
+
+"No, ma'am, not at present; but he wishes that flag taken down
+immediately."
+
+The ladies made no reply. After a moment's pause, Frank inquired:
+
+"Do you intend to comply with his orders?"
+
+"I did not put the flag up there," said the mother.
+
+"It makes no difference who put it up there, madam," said Frank, warmly,
+"it must come down; and I would advise you not to hesitate long, for the
+captain is not one who can be trifled with."
+
+As Frank ceased speaking, Mary touched a signal-bell, which stood on the
+table near her. A servant appeared almost instantly, and the young lady
+said:
+
+"Show this man out."
+
+Frank, who saw that it would do no good to remain, put on his cap and
+followed the servant down stairs.
+
+"Well, what did they say?" inquired the captain, when Frank again entered
+the cabin.
+
+"They didn't say any thing, sir," replied Frank. "They neither said they
+would, nor they would not, take it down."
+
+Frank was careful not to say a word about the manner in which they had
+treated him, for he knew it would only irritate the captain, and make
+matters worse.
+
+"They didn't say whether they would take it down or not, eh!" exclaimed
+the captain. "Please help yourself to a chair, Mr. Nelson, and, in a few
+moments, I will give you your orders."
+
+Frank accordingly took a seat, and the captain stationed himself at the
+window, with his watch in his hand. Frank knew by this that the captain
+had granted the rebels a few moments' grace; and he also knew that, unless
+the flag came down soon, and was sent on board the vessel, something
+unpleasant would happen. At length the allotted time expired, and the
+captain said:
+
+"Mr. Nelson, take a dozen men, and go ashore. Give those women just ten
+minutes to remove their furniture, and then fire the house. No building
+shall float a secesh flag, and stand, while I have the power to burn it."
+
+This time the ladies made no remark when Frank entered the room where they
+were sitting, for they knew by his looks that they were about to receive
+the punishment their folly merited.
+
+"Madam," said Frank, speaking in a tone which showed how much he dreaded
+to break the intelligence, "I am ordered to burn your house."
+
+"Yes," answered the mother, bitterly; "I expected that to be your next
+errand. I suppose your brutal captain will feel perfectly satisfied when
+he sees us deprived of a home."
+
+"I thought the Yankees were too gallant to make war on women and
+children," chimed in Mary. "That has always been their boast," continued
+she, very spitefully.
+
+"So they are," replied Frank. "But the captain is one who will not
+tolerate an exhibition of treason in any one, be it man, woman, or child.
+You have no one to blame but yourselves. But we have no time to waste in
+argument. I will give you ten minutes in which to remove your furniture
+and will assist you, if you wish it."
+
+"We can take care of ourselves," said the mother. "No one asked you for
+assistance."
+
+Frank made no reply; and the ladies, assisted by their servants,
+immediately commenced the removal of the most valuable articles; and when
+the time had expired, a straw-bed was pulled into the middle of the floor,
+a match was applied to it, and the house was soon enveloped in flames.
+
+Frank could not help pitying the women, who were thus obliged to stand by
+and witness the destruction of their home. But he knew that they had
+brought it on themselves, and that they deserved it; and, besides, he had
+only done his duty, for he was acting under orders.
+
+The women, however, did not seem to be in the least concerned; for when
+the roof fell in with a crash, Mary commenced the rebel air, "Bonnie Blue
+Flag," and sang it through to the end. Frank admired her "spunk," even
+though her sympathies were enlisted in a bad cause.
+
+He remained until the house was entirely consumed, and then returned on
+board his vessel.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+Frank a Prisoner.
+
+
+In the afternoon of the following day, while it was Frank's watch on
+deck, as the Ticonderoga came suddenly around an abrupt bend in the river,
+a puff of smoke rose from behind an embankment, about half a mile in
+advance, while a shell whistled over the vessel, and dropped into the
+water without exploding.
+
+Frank immediately requested the pilot to blow four whistles, which was a
+signal to the other boats that they were attacked; and, after sending the
+messenger-boy below to report to the captain, he raised his glass to his
+eye, and found that they were directly in front of a good-sized fort,
+built of cotton bales and embankments, and mounting at least five heavy
+guns. A flag-staff rose from the center of the fort, and supported the
+"stars and bars," which flaunted defiantly in the breeze. This was Fort
+Pemberton, the only formidable fortification the rebels had between the
+Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers.
+
+The captain came on deck immediately, and ordered the vessel to be
+stopped; and, when the other boats came up, they were ordered to take
+their stations along the bank, on each side of the river, out of range of
+the guns of the fort. When the entire fleet had assembled, the
+Ticonderoga, in company with the Manhattan, steamed down, and opened fire
+on the fort, with a view to ascertain its strength. The fort replied
+vigorously, and, after an hour's firing, the vessels withdrew.
+
+The next morning, at an early hour, the troops were landed, but, for some
+reason, it was afternoon before they were ready to march. At three o'clock
+they were drawn up in line in the woods, about two miles from the fort,
+where the men stacked arms, and stretched themselves out in the shade of
+the trees.
+
+In the mean time the iron-clads had been preparing for the fight. The
+magazines were opened and lighted; the casemates covered with a coat of
+grease, to glance the shot which might strike them; the men were at their
+stations, and when all was ready, they steamed down toward the fort, the
+Ticonderoga leading the way.
+
+Frank, by attention to his duties, had rapidly learned the gun-drill, and
+had been promoted to the command of one of the guns in the turret. He
+thought he had become quite accustomed to the noise of bullets, but he
+could not endure the silence that then reigned in the ship. The men,
+stripped to the waist, stood at their guns as motionless as so many
+statues; and, although Frank tried hard to exhibit the same indifference
+that they did, his mind was exceedingly busy, and it seemed to him that he
+thought of every thing he had done during his life. Oh, how he longed to
+hear the order passed to commence firing! Any thing was preferable to that
+awful stillness.
+
+At length, the captain came into the turret, where he always took his
+station in action, and glanced hastily at the countenance of each of the
+officers and men. He seemed satisfied with his examination, for he
+immediately took his stand where he could see all that was going on, and
+gave orders to the pilot to head the vessel directly toward the fort; and
+then every thing relapsed into that horrible silence again. But this did
+not continue long; for, the moment they came within range, the fort opened
+on them, and a solid shot struck the casemate directly over Frank's gun,
+with a force that seemed to shake the entire vessel. Frank glanced at the
+captain, and saw him standing with his elbow on the starboard gun, and his
+head resting on his hand, watching the fort as coolly as though they had
+been engaged only in target practice.
+
+The shells from the fort continued to fall around them, but the captain
+neither changed his position nor gave the order to fire. The port-holes in
+the turret were all closed, with the exception of the one at which the
+captain stood, and, of course, no one could see what was going on. Frank
+began to grow impatient. He did not like the idea of being shot at in that
+manner without returning the fire. At length the captain inquired:
+
+"What have you in your gun, Mr. Nelson?"
+
+"A five-second shell, sir," answered Frank, promptly.
+
+"Very well. Run out your gun and give them a shot."
+
+The men sprang to their stations in an instant; the ports flew open with a
+crash, and the heavy gun was ran out as easily as though it had been a
+twelve-pounder. The first captain seized the lock string; there was a
+deafening report, and an eleven-inch shell went booming into the fort. The
+force of the discharge ran the gun back into the turret again, and the
+ports closed as if by magic. They did not close entirely, however, for
+there was a space of about four inches left between them, to allow for the
+action of the rammer in loading. The gun was sponged, the cartridge driven
+home, and the gunner's mate stood at the muzzle of the gun, removing the
+cap from a shell, when a percussion shell from the fort struck in the
+space between the shutters and exploded. The discharge set fire to the
+shell which the gunner's mate was holding in his hand, and the unfortunate
+man was blown almost to atoms.
+
+In naval actions there is nothing which will carry such terror and dismay
+among a ship's company as the bursting of one of their own shells; and the
+scene which followed the explosion in the turret of the Ticonderoga
+beggars all description. Old seamen, who had been in many a hard-fought
+battle, and had stood at their guns under the most deadly fire the enemy
+could pour upon them, without flinching, now deserted their stations, and
+ran about through the blinding and suffocating smoke that filled the
+turret, with blanched cheeks, trampling each other under their feet, and
+utterly disregarding the commands of their officers, who ran among them
+with drawn swords, and endeavored to force them back to their guns. It was
+some time before quiet was restored, and then Frank found, to his horror,
+that, out of twenty-five men which had composed his gun's crew, only ten
+were left. Four had been instantly killed, and eleven badly wounded. The
+deck was slippery with blood, and the turret was completely covered with
+it. The shrieks and groans of the wounded and dying were awful. Frank had
+never before witnessed such a scene, and, for a moment, he was so sick he
+could scarcely stand. But he had no time to waste in giving away to his
+feelings. After seeing the dead and wounded carried below, he returned to
+his station, and, with what was left of his gun's crew, fought bravely
+during the remainder of the action.
+
+The fight continued until after dark, when the captain, knowing that it
+would be impossible to capture the fort without the assistance of the
+troops, ordered a retreat.
+
+That same night a consultation of the naval and military commanders was
+held, and it was decided to renew the attack on the following morning. A
+battery of two thirty-pounder Parrotts was taken off one of the
+"tin-clads" and mounted on the bank, about half a mile back in the woods,
+and a mile from the fort. Captain Wilson, who commanded one of the
+mosquito boats, was ordered to take command of it, and Frank, at his own
+request, was permitted to accompany him as his aid. He started early the
+next morning with fifty men, who had been detailed from the gun-boats, and
+at sunrise was at his station.
+
+The battery was masked, and the rebels knew nothing of its existence. The
+captain's orders were, not to fire until they heard the action opened by
+the iron-clads. Twenty-eight men were required to man the guns, and the
+others, armed with Spencer rifles, were to act as sharp-shooters. Frank,
+to his surprise, soon learned that this was all the support they were to
+have, the troops having been ordered to take the same station they had
+occupied the day before, and to hold themselves in readiness to charge
+upon the fort, as soon as the iron-clads had silenced the guns.
+
+About ten o'clock the fort commenced firing, and Frank knew that the
+gun-boats were again under way. At length a loud report, which he could
+have recognized among a thousand, blended with the others, and, in
+obedience to the order of the captain, the men tore away the bushes which
+had masked the battery, and the fight became general.
+
+Frank directed his fire upon a pile of cotton-bales, which protected one
+of the largest guns of the fort; but, as fast as he knocked them down, the
+rebels would recklessly spring out of the fort and put them up again. At
+length Captain Wilson ordered she sharp-shooters to advance five hundred
+yards nearer the fort. The rebels soon discovered this, and the
+cotton-bales were allowed to remain where they had fallen.
+
+In half an hour that part of the fort was completely demolished; and the
+rebels, being without protection against the sharp-shooters, were obliged
+to abandon the gun.
+
+While Frank was congratulating himself on the fine shooting he had done,
+and wondering why the troops were not ordered to charge, he was startled
+by the rapid report of muskets behind him. Three of his men fell dead
+where they had stood; and Frank turned just in time to see a party of
+rebels issuing from the woods. They came on with loud yells; and one of
+them, who appeared to be the leader, called out:
+
+"Surrender, now, you infernal Yankees. Shoot down the first one who
+resists or attempts to escape," he added, turning to his men.
+"Stand to your guns, my lads!" shouted Captain Wilson. "Don't give ground
+an inch."
+
+The sailors, always accustomed to obedience, gathered around their
+officers, and poured a murderous fire upon the advancing enemy, from their
+revolvers. The rebels, who were greatly superior in numbers, returned the
+fire, and the captain fell, mortally wounded. But the sailors stubbornly
+stood their ground, until the rebels closed up about them, and Frank saw
+that escape was impossible. But he fought like a young tiger, and
+determined that he would die before he would surrender; for even death was
+preferable to a long confinement in a Southern prison.
+
+"Drop that pistol!" exclaimed a rebel, pointing his rifle directly at
+Frank's head, "or I'll blow your brains out."
+
+"Blow away!" exclaimed Frank, seizing the rebel's rifle, with a quick
+movement, and firing his revolver full in his face; "I'll never surrender
+as long as I have strength left to stand on my feet. Give it to 'em,
+lads!"
+
+The next moment Frank was prostrated by a severe blow on the head from the
+butt of a musket, and the sailors, finding that both their officers were
+gone, lost all heart, and threw down their weapons.
+
+The rebels had scarcely time to collect their prisoners and retreat, when
+the troops, who had heard the noise of the conflict, and started to the
+rescue, arrived. But they were too late; for in less than half an hour
+Frank and his men were safe in the fort, and confined under guard.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+The Escape.
+
+
+Frank, as may be supposed, was not at all pleased with the prospect
+before him. He had often heard escaped prisoners relate sad stories of
+the treatment they had received while in the hands of the rebels; and,
+as he knew that they cherished an especial hatred toward gun-boatmen,
+he could not hope to fare very well.
+
+The place where he was confined was in the lower part of the fort,
+directly in range of the shells from the iron-clads, and Frank
+expected to be struck by them every moment, for the pieces flew about
+him in all directions. Oh, how he prayed that the fort might be taken!
+He could see that one of their heaviest guns was dismounted, and a
+large detail of men was constantly occupied in carrying off the dead
+and wounded.
+
+The firing continued until four o'clock in the afternoon, and then
+the gun-boats suddenly withdrew. The rebels cheered loudly as they
+disappeared around a bend in the river, and Frank gave up all hope:
+nothing now remained for him but a long captivity.
+
+That evening, as soon as it was dark, he, with the other prisoners,
+was marched on board the General Quitman, a large steamer, lying just
+below the fort, and carried to Haines' Bluff, and from thence they
+went by rail to Vicksburg. Here Frank was separated from his men, and
+confined, for two days, with several army officers, in a small room in
+the jail. Early on the third morning he was again taken out, and sent
+across the river, into Louisiana, with about three hundred others.
+Their destination, he soon learned, was Tyler, a small town in
+Texas, where most of the Union prisoners captured in Mississippi were
+confined.
+
+They were guarded by a battalion of cavalry, under command of the
+notorious Colonel Harrison, who called themselves the "Louisiana
+Wild-cats." Frank had never before seen this noted regiment, and he
+found that they were very appropriately named; for a more ferocious
+looking set of men he had never met. They all wore long hair and
+whiskers; and their faces looked as though they had never been
+acquainted with soap and water. They were armed with rifles,
+Bowie-knives, and revolvers, and seemed to take pleasure in boasting
+of the number of women and children and unarmed men they had slain.
+
+They had not made more than a day's march, when Frank found that his
+troubles were just commencing. He was not accustomed to marching, and
+his feet soon became so swollen that he could scarcely stand on them.
+The heat was almost intolerable; the roads were very dusty, and the
+places where they were allowed to obtain water were many miles apart.
+Besides, as if to add to their sufferings, the rebels were continually
+stealing from the prisoners, and, finally, some of them were left with
+scarcely any clothing; and if the poor fellows ventured to remonstrate
+against such treatment, they were shot or bayoneted on the spot.
+
+On the fourth day of the march, Frank noticed a soldier, just in
+advance of him, who was so weak that he could scarcely keep his feet.
+He had been wounded in the arm, at the late battle before Vicksburg,
+but not the least notice had been taken of it by the rebels, and he
+was suffering the most intense agony. Frank, although scarcely able to
+sustain himself, owing to the swollen condition of his feet, offered
+his assistance, which the poor fellow was glad enough to accept. But
+he continued to grow weaker every moment, and, finally, in spite of
+Frank's exertions, fell prostrate in the road.
+
+"What's the matter here?" inquired the colonel, who happened to be
+riding by.
+
+"This man isn't able to go any further," replied Frank.
+
+"Then he doesn't need any of your help, you young Abolitionist; get
+back to your place! Here, Stiles," he continued, beckoning to one of
+his men and bending upon him a glance of peculiar meaning, "you stay
+here until this man dies."
+
+The colonel rode up to the head of the column again, and Frank was
+obliged to move on with the others. But he could not relieve his mind
+of a feeling that something more dreadful than any thing he had yet
+seen was about to take place. He frequently turned and looked back,
+and saw the man lying where he had fallen, and the rebel, who had
+dismounted from his horse, standing over him, leaning on his rifle. At
+length a bend in the road hid them from sight. In a few moments, Frank
+heard the report of a gun, and presently the rebel rode up, with the
+coat, pants, and boots which had once belonged to the soldier, hanging
+on his arm. Such scenes as this were enacted every day; but, for some
+unaccountable reason, Frank was not molested, beyond having his boots
+stolen one night while he was asleep. He had made up his mind that he
+would escape at the first opportunity; but he was in no condition to
+travel, and, besides, the sight of several ferocious blood-hounds,
+which accompanied the rebels, was enough to deter him from making the
+attempt.
+
+After a march of two weeks, during which he suffered more than he had
+thought it possible for him to endure, they arrived at Shreveport.
+Here they encamped for the night, with the understanding that they
+were to start for Tyler--which was one hundred and ten miles further
+on--early the next morning. Frank concluded that he had walked about
+far enough. "If I intend to escape," he soliloquized, "I might as well
+start from here as from Tyler. I'll play off sick, and see if I can't
+get them to leave me here; and then, as soon as I become strong enough
+to travel, I'll be missed some fine day."
+
+Accordingly, the next morning, when the prisoners were ordered to
+"fall in," Frank did not stir; and, when the sergeant came to arouse
+him, he appeared to be in the greatest agony. So well did he play his
+part, that the doctor declared that it was impossible for him to go
+on; and he was accordingly left behind. As soon as the prisoners
+had gone, he was carried to the hospital, which was a large brick
+building, standing on the outskirts of the town. The lower floor was
+used as a barrack for the soldiers who guarded the building, and the
+upper rooms as a hospital and guard-house. Frank found about fifteen
+Federal soldiers, and as many rebels, who were confined for various
+offenses, principally desertion.
+
+Frank soon became acquainted with his fellow-prisoners, and the
+stories they told of their treatment made the cold sweat start out all
+over him; but when he spoke of escape, he was surprised to find that
+there was not one among them who dared to make the attempt. But this
+did not alter his determination. He resolved that, rather than
+remain in prison, he would go alone. He grew stronger every day, and
+succeeded in securing a pair of shoes, and a compass, for which he
+gave the last shirt he had. His determination was to take to the
+woods, until he had escaped pursuit, and then strike for Red River.
+He knew that this route would bring him out a good distance below
+Vicksburg, but still it would be easier and safer than traveling
+across the country; and he hoped that the rebel stronghold would be
+taken by the time he reached the Mississippi River.
+
+Finally, one dark night--after he had well matured his plans--he
+concluded to make the trial. So, waiting until every one in the room
+appeared to be asleep--for he had been told that there were some who
+must know nothing of his intention--he carefully raised one of the
+windows, and looked out. He had made all his observations beforehand,
+and knew that the window was about twenty feet above the ground. He
+had tried in vain to obtain a rope strong enough to assist him in his
+descent; and his only alternative was, to hang by his hands and "drop"
+to the ground, where, he hoped, aided by the darkness, to escape the
+fire of the guards.
+
+He was crawling noiselessly out of the window, when he was startled by
+the creaking of the stairs, as if some one was descending them; and,
+at the same time, hasty footsteps sounded under the window. Frank saw
+that he had been discovered, and, hastily climbing back into the room,
+he closed the window and threw himself on the floor, and appeared to
+be fast asleep.
+
+"Very well done!" exclaimed an officer, who suddenly appeared at the
+top of the stairs. "Very well done, indeed. Now, you young Yankee,
+I don't want to see you try that move again. If you do, I shall be
+obliged to shoot you. Do you understand?"
+
+Frank replied in the affirmative; and the officer, after satisfying
+himself that the prisoners were all in the room, went below again,
+leaving a guard at the head of the stairs, who kept a close watch upon
+Frank until morning.
+
+He was a good deal annoyed and perplexed at the unsuccessful
+termination of his adventure; but he could not make up his mind what
+it was that had led to his discovery. Still, he was not discouraged;
+but, in spite of the officer's warning, determined to renew his
+attempt at escape, as soon as an opportunity was offered.
+
+The next day, while he was eating his scanty dinner, the lieutenant
+in charge of the prisoners came in, and, as was his custom, began to
+argue with them as to the probable termination of the war. Frank
+had always hoped that he would let him alone, for the lieutenant
+invariably became enraged if the prisoners endeavored to uphold their
+Government.
+
+"Well, young man," he exclaimed, walking up to Frank, "how do you get
+along?"
+
+"As well as can be expected, I suppose," answered Frank.
+
+"How do you relish being a prisoner? Are you not sorry that you ever
+took up arms against us?"
+
+"No, I am not," answered Frank, indignantly, "You'll have to fight me
+again, as soon as I get out of this scrape."
+
+"What made you come down here to fight us?"
+
+"Because I thought you needed a good drubbing."
+
+"Well, we haven't had it yet;" said the lieutenant, stroking his
+moustache. "Why didn't you take Fort Pemberton? You got the worst of
+it there. We sunk the Ticonderoga."
+
+"Oh, yes," answered Frank, with a sneer, "no doubt of it. But, on the
+whole, I think you had better tell that to the marines."
+
+"You don't believe it, then! Well, how do you think this war is going
+to end?"
+
+"Now, see here," said Frank, "I wish you would travel on, and let
+me alone. I am a prisoner, and in your power; and I don't want to be
+abused for speaking my mind; for, if I answer your questions at all, I
+shall say just what I think."
+
+"That is what I like," said the lieutenant. "You need not be afraid to
+speak your mind freely. Now, tell me, how do you think this struggle
+will end?"
+
+"There is only one way for it to end, and that is in your
+subjugation."
+
+"But what is your object in fighting us?"
+
+"To preserve the Union!"
+
+"You're a liar!" shouted the lieutenant. "You're fighting to free the
+niggers."
+
+"Well, have it your own way," answered Frank. "But, if I'm a liar,
+you're a gentleman, so take it and go on. You need not ask me any more
+questions, for I shan't answer them."
+
+The lieutenant muttered something about hanging every Yankee he could
+catch if he could have his own way, and moved away; and Frank was left
+to finish his dinner in peace.
+
+That afternoon, a soldier, whose name was Cabot, came and sat down
+beside Frank, and inquired:
+
+"Didn't you try to escape last night?"
+
+"Yes, but I was discovered."
+
+"You would not have been, if one of our own men hadn't split on you."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Frank, "you don't pretend to say that a Federal
+soldier was mean enough to inform against me?"
+
+"Yes, I do; and there he stands now." And, as Cabot spoke, he pointed
+to a tall, hard-featured man standing by the window, looking out
+into the street. "I slept at the head of the stairs last night, and
+distinctly heard him tell the guards that you were intending to leave.
+His name is Bishop, and he belongs to the Thirtieth Maine Regiment. He
+has for some time past been trying to be allowed to take the oath of
+allegiance to the South." [Footnote: A fact.]
+
+"What will he do then?" inquired Frank; "go into the rebel army?"
+
+"No, but he could be employed here in the arsenal, making bullets to
+kill our own men with."
+
+"The scoundrel!" exclaimed Frank, indignantly; "I didn't suppose there
+was a man from my own State who could be guilty of such meanness."
+
+"He is mean enough for any thing. Haven't you noticed that every night
+he comes around through our quarters with a candle?"
+
+"Yes; but I don't know what he does it for."
+
+"Well, he counts us every night before he goes to sleep, and, in fact,
+comes through our room two or three times in the night, to see that
+none of us have escaped. He hopes in that manner to gain favor with
+the rebels. I have told you this, in order that you may look out for
+him the next time you try to escape."
+
+Frank was astounded at this intelligence, and, at first, he did not
+believe it. But that evening, about nine o'clock, Bishop came in, as
+usual, with his candle, and Frank inquired:
+
+"What made you tell the guard that I was going to escape last night?"
+
+The question was asked so suddenly--and in a manner which showed
+Bishop that Frank was well acquainted with his treachery--that he
+dared not deny the charge, and he answered:
+
+"Because, when any of our boys escape, the guards are awful hard on
+those of us that are left."
+
+"That's no excuse at all," answered Frank. "If you were a man, you
+would have endeavored to escape long ago, instead of staying here
+and trying to make friends with the enemies of your country. You're
+a black-hearted scoundrel and traitor! and I tell you, once for all,
+that if you ever come into my quarters again after dark, you'll never
+go out alive. We all know about your operations here."
+
+Bishop made no reply, but turned to walk on, when Frank rose to his
+feet, and exclaimed:
+
+"Hold on, here! you are not going through this room with that candle.
+Go back instantly where you belong, and don't show your face in here
+again."
+
+Bishop saw that Frank was in earnest, and, without saying a word, he
+turned and walked into his quarters.
+
+Frank had a twofold object in talking to him as he did. He wanted to
+let him know that his fellow-prisoners all knew what he had done, and
+he wished, also, to deter him from coming into that room again, as he
+had determined to make another attempt at escape that very night. The
+traitor had no sooner disappeared than Frank descended the stairs that
+led down into the hall, at the foot of which there were two guards
+posted.
+
+"Hallo, Yank!" said one of them, as Frank came down, "I reckon as
+how you had better travel right back up sta'rs agin, 'cause it's agin
+orders to 'low you fellers to come down here a'ter dark."
+
+"I know it is," answered Frank; "but it is so awful hot up stairs that
+I can't stand it. You'll let me stay down here long enough to cool off
+a little, won't you?"
+
+"Wal," answered the guard, who really seemed to be a kind-hearted
+fellow, "I reckon as how you mought stay here a minit; but you mustn't
+stay no longer."
+
+"All right," answered Frank; and he seated himself on the lower step,
+and talked with the guards until he was informed that it was high time
+he was "travelin' back up sta'rs."
+
+"Very well," answered Frank, rising to his feet, and stretching
+himself, "I'll go, if you want me to."
+
+And he _did_ go. With one bound he dashed by the astonished guards,
+and, before they could fire a shot, he had disappeared in the
+darkness.
+
+His escape had been accomplished much easier than he had anticipated.
+He had expected at least a shot from the guards, and, perhaps, a
+struggle with them; for, when he left his quarters, he had determined
+to escape, or die in the attempt. In a few moments he reached the
+bushes that lined the road on both sides, and threw himself flat among
+them, and determined to wait until his pursuers had passed on, so that
+he would be on their trail, instead of having them on his. It was well
+that he had adopted this precaution, for he had scarcely concealed
+himself before the roll of a drum announced that the guards were being
+aroused, and that the pursuit was about to commence; and presently a
+squad of cavalry dashed rapidly by, and a crashing in the bushes told
+him that a party of men were searching the woods for him. As soon
+as his pursuers were out of hearing, Frank rose to his feet, and ran
+along the road, close to the bushes, so that, if he heard any one
+approaching, he would have a place of concealment close at hand. He
+had made, perhaps, half a mile in this way, when he discovered a man
+pacing up and down the road, with a musket on his shoulder. He was
+evidently a picket; and Frank, knowing that his comrades were not far
+off, drew back into the bushes, out of sight. Which way should he go
+now? This was a question which he could not answer satisfactorily.
+There was, doubtless, another picket-post not far off, and if, in
+going through the woods, he should stumble upon it, he would be shot
+down before he had a chance for flight. Should he attempt to pass the
+sentinel by strategy? This seemed to be the most feasible plan, for he
+would have a much better chance to escape in running by one man, than
+risking the shots of half a dozen. Besides, he had no weapon whatever,
+and he resolved to secure the picket's gun, if possible; so, waiting
+until his back was turned, he came out of his place of concealment,
+and approached him.
+
+"Who comes there?" shouted the picket.
+
+"A friend," answered Frank.
+
+"Advance, friend, and give the countersign."
+
+"Never mind the countersign," answered Frank; "I haven't got it. Have
+you seen any thing of an escaped Yankee prisoner out here?"
+
+"No," answered the rebel, lowering his gun, which he had held at a
+charge bayonet. "He didn't come around here. But a company of cavalry
+went by just now, and my relief went with them."
+
+"And left you here alone?" said Frank, who had continued to approach
+the picket, until he was now within arm's length of him.
+
+"Yes," answered the rebel; "and I think it is a pretty way to do
+business, for it is time I was"--
+
+He never finished the sentence; for Frank sprang upon him like a
+tiger, and seizing his throat, with a powerful gripe, threw him to the
+ground; and, hastily catching up the musket which had fallen from his
+enemy's hand, dealt him a severe blow on the head. The muscles of
+the rebel instantly relaxed; and Frank--after unbuckling his
+cartridge-box, and fastening it to his own waist--shouldered his
+musket, and ran boldly along the road. He traveled until almost
+daylight, without seeing any one, and then turned off into the woods.
+
+About noon, he came to a road, and, as he was crossing it, a bullet
+whistled past him, and, the next moment, a party of rebels, whom he
+had not noticed, dashed down the road in pursuit. Frank returned the
+shot, and then started for the woods, loading his musket as he went.
+He soon had the satisfaction of seeing that he was gaining on his
+pursuers, and, although the bullets whizzed by his head in unpleasant
+proximity, he escaped unhurt. The rebels, however, were not so
+fortunate; for Frank fired as fast as he could load his gun, and at
+every shot a rebel measured his length on the ground.
+
+For almost two hours his pursuers remained within gun-shot; but
+finding it impossible to capture him, or, perhaps, struck with terror
+at his skill as a marksman, they abandoned the pursuit. This was a
+lucky circumstance for Frank, for, to his astonishment and terror, he
+discovered that his last cartridge had been expended. But still, he
+was rejoicing over his escape, when a man rose out of the bushes,
+close at his side, and seized him by the collar.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+The Faithful Negro.
+
+
+"Wal, now, I'll be dog-gone, but you are lively on your legs, for a
+little one," exclaimed the rebel, with a laugh. "But you're a safe
+Yank now."
+
+"Not yet, I ain't," answered Frank. "I want you to understand that
+it's my principle never to surrender without a fight;" and, suddenly
+exerting all his strength, he tore himself away from his captor,
+leaving part of his collar in his grasp.
+
+The rebel was taken completely by surprise, for he had supposed that
+Frank would surrender without a struggle; but the latter brought his
+musket to a charge bayonet, in a way that showed he was in earnest.
+The rebel was the better armed, carrying a neat sporting rifle, to
+which was attached a long, sharp saber-bayonet. Frank noticed this
+difference, but resolutely stood his ground, and, as he was very
+expert in the bayonet exercise, and as his enemy appeared to be but
+very little his superior in strength and agility, he had no fear as to
+the result of the conflict.
+
+At length the rebel, after eyeing his youthful antagonist for a
+moment, commenced maneuvering slowly, intending, if possible, to draw
+him out. But Frank stood entirely on the defensive; failing in this
+mode of attack, the rebel began to grow excited, and became quicker
+in his movements. But his efforts were useless, for Frank--although
+a little pale, which showed that he knew the struggle must end in the
+death of one or the other of them--did not retreat an inch, but coolly
+parried every thrust made by his infuriated enemy, with the skill of a
+veteran. The rebel was again obliged to change his plan of attack, and
+commenced by rushing furiously upon Frank, endeavoring to beat down
+his guard by mere strength. But this proved his ruin; for Frank met
+him promptly at all points, and, watching the moment when the rebel
+carelessly opened his guard, he sprang forward and buried his bayonet
+to the hilt in his breast. The thrust was mortal, and the rebel threw
+his arms above his head, and sank to the ground without a groan.
+
+"I believe he's done for," said Frank to himself; and he stepped up to
+take a nearer look at his enemy. There he lay, his pale face upturned,
+and the blood running from an ugly wound in the region of his heart.
+"I do believe he _is_ dead," repeated Frank, with a shudder, as
+he gazed sorrowfully at he work he had done. "But there was no
+alternative between his death and a long confinement in prison. It was
+done in self-defense;" and he turned to walk away.
+
+Just then the thought struck him that he would take the rebel's
+gun; his own was worse than useless, for his cartridges had all been
+expended. So, throwing down his heavy musket, he picked up the rifle
+his enemy had carried, and, slinging the powder-horn and bullet-pouch
+over his shoulder, he started off through the woods.
+
+But where should he go? His escape, and the manner in which it was
+accomplished, had doubtless aroused the entire country. The woods
+around him were filled with rebels, and the question was, in which
+direction should he turn to avoid them? After some hesitation, he
+determined to go as directly through the woods, toward the river, as
+possible, and, if discovered, trust to his woodcraft and swiftness of
+foot to save him. With this determination, he shouldered his rifle and
+walked rapidly on, taking care, however, to keep a good look-out on
+all sides, and to make as little noise as possible. All sounds of the
+pursuit had died away, and the woods were as silent as midnight. But
+even this was a source of fear to Frank; for he knew not what tree or
+thicket concealed an enemy, nor how soon the stillness would be broken
+by the crack of a rifle and the whistle of a hostile bullet.
+
+At length the sun went down, and it began to grow dark; but still
+Frank walked on, wishing to get as far away from the scene of the
+fight as possible. Presently he heard a sound that startled him: it
+was the clatter of horses' hoofs, on a hard, well-beaten road. Nearer
+and nearer came the sound, and, in a few moments, a company of cavalry
+passed by, and Frank could distinctly hear them laughing and talking
+with each other.
+
+When they were out of hearing, he paused to deliberate. It was evident
+that he could not travel through those deep woods at night; should he
+wait until it became dark, and then boldly follow the road, or should
+he remain where he was until morning? There was one great objection
+to the first proposition, and that was his uniform, and the danger he
+would run of being captured by the night patrol, which he knew were
+stationed at intervals along the road. It did not seem possible for
+him to remain where he was; for now, that he had partly got over
+his excitement, he began to feel the cravings of hunger; in fact,
+it almost rendered him desperate, and he began to wish that he had
+surrendered without a struggle, or that he had not attempted to
+escape at all, for, if he were a prisoner, he could probably obtain
+sufficient food to keep him from starving. But he knew that his time
+was too precious to be wasted with such foolish thoughts; besides,
+when he thought of home and his mother, who had evidently heard of his
+capture, all ideas of surrendering himself vanished, and he felt
+that he could endure any thing, even starvation, if he only had the
+assurance that he would see home once more. But he knew that wishing
+would not bring him out of his present difficulty: he must work
+for his liberty; do every thing in his power, and leave the rest to
+Providence.
+
+He started out again, and determined that his first step should be to
+reconnoiter the road. No one was in sight; but, about a quarter of a
+mile down the road, on the other side, was a large plantation-house,
+with its neat negro quarters clustering around it, and looking
+altogether like a little village. He knew that some of the cabins were
+inhabited, for he saw the smoke wreathing out of the chimneys; could
+he not go to one of them, and obtain food? He had often heard of
+escaped prisoners being fed and sheltered by the negroes; why could
+not he throw himself under their protection? He must have something to
+satisfy his hunger; and if he could but gain the woods on the opposite
+side of the road, it would require but a few moments to reach the
+house. He determined to try it. Glancing hastily up and down the road,
+he clutched his rifle desperately, and started. A few rapid steps
+carried him across the road; he cleared the fence at a bound, and was
+out of sight, in the bushes, in a moment. He immediately started for
+the nearest cabin and, in a few moments, came to a stand-still in a
+thicket of bushes just behind it. There was some one in the cabin, for
+he could see a light shining through the cracks between the logs; and
+he distinctly heard the music of a violin, and a voice singing:
+
+  "The sun shines bright in my ole Kentucky home"--
+
+But still he hesitated to advance; his courage had failed him. What,
+if the negro--for he was certain it was a negro in the cabin--should
+betray him? What if--His reverie was suddenly interrupted by the
+approach of a horseman on the road. Presently a rebel officer rode
+leisurely by. When he arrived opposite the house, a man, who was
+sitting on the portico, and whom Frank had not noticed, hailed the
+horseman, who drew in his rein, and stopped.
+
+"Have you caught them all yet?" inquired the man on the portico.
+
+"No," answered the officer; "not yet. One of them gave us the slip; a
+little fellow; belongs to the gun-boats. He's around here somewhere;
+but we'll have him to-morrow, for he can't escape. If he comes around
+here, and you think there is any chance to take him alive, just send
+down to the Forks for us. If not, you had better shoot him. I wouldn't
+advise you to meddle with him much, however, for he's a dead shot, and
+fights like a cuss."
+
+"Did he kill any of the boys?" asked the man on the portico.
+
+"Yes; he killed Bill Richards, who was on guard at the time he
+escaped, and stole his musket and cartridge-box. I suppose you heard
+of that. And then, when we got after him, he ran through the woods
+like a deer, loading his gun as he went, and every time he turned
+around, somebody had to drop. Finally, old Squire Davis's son overtook
+him, and they had a regular hand-to-hand fight; but the little one, as
+usual, came out at the top of the heap."
+
+"Did he kill young Davis?"
+
+"Yes, as dead as a smelt; stuck a bayonet clean through his heart. But
+I must be going. Keep an eye out for him!"
+
+"All right," answered the man on the portico; and the horseman rode
+off.
+
+What Frank's feelings were, as he lay there in the bushes, and
+listened to this conversation--every word of which he overheard--we
+will not attempt to say. But it showed him that his enemies feared
+him, and dreaded to meet him single-handed; and that, if he were
+retaken, his life would not be worth a moment's purchase. He had all
+along been perfectly aware that his case was desperate, and that he
+had undertaken something at which many a person, with twice his years
+and experience, would have hesitated. His condition seemed utterly
+hopeless. He had never before realized his danger, or what would be
+his fate if he were captured; but now all the difficulties before him
+seemed to stand out in bold relief. Yet this knowledge did not act
+upon him as with some persons; it only nerved him for yet greater
+exertions, and with a determination to brave every danger before him.
+
+When the horseman had disappeared, and the man on the portico had
+returned to his seat, Frank again turned his attention to the cabin.
+After putting a new cap on his rifle, he threw it into the hollow of
+his arm, and crawled noiselessly out of his place of concealment.
+When he reached the cabin, he raised to his feet, boldly ascended the
+steps, and knocked at the door, intending, if his demand for food was
+not instantly complied with, to take it by force.
+
+"Who dar?" inquired a voice from the inside.
+
+Frank made no reply, but was about to repeat the summons, when the
+door was thrown open, and an old, gray-headed negro woman appeared
+before him. Frank was about to make known his wants, when the woman,
+who had thrown the door wide open, to allow the light to fall upon
+him, exclaimed:
+
+"Why, de Lor' A'mighty bress us! Come in, chile. What is you standin'
+out dar for? Come in, I tol' you." And Frank was seized by the arm and
+pulled into the cabin, and the door was closed carefully behind him.
+
+"Stop dat 'ar fiddlin', ole man," continued the woman, addressing
+herself to an aged negro, who was seated in an easy chair in the
+chimney corner; "stop dat 'ar fiddlin', an' git up an' give young
+massa dat cheer."
+
+"I don't wish to give you any trouble," said Frank. "I'm not the least
+bit tired; but I would like something to eat."
+
+"No trouble 't all, chile," said the old woman. "Now, don't you go
+talkin' 'bout trouble, I knows who you is. Set down dar." And the old
+woman pointed to the chair which the man had vacated. "I'll give you
+somethin' to eat, right away. Pomp, ole man, git up an' cut some
+o' dat ham;" and the woman bustled about in a state of considerable
+excitement.
+
+Frank hid his rifle behind a coat which hung in one corner of the
+cabin, and was about to take possession of the chair, when hasty steps
+were heard on the walk leading to the cabin.
+
+"Gorry mighty!" exclaimed the old negro, in alarm, "dar come de
+oberseer. Git under the bed--quick, young massa. You'll be safe
+dar--quick."
+
+Frank had hardly time to act upon this suggestion, when the door
+suddenly opened, and a shaggy head appeared.
+
+"Haven't you had your supper yet, Pomp, you black rascal?" inquired
+the overseer, witnessing the preparations for cooking that were going
+on.
+
+"I's only been home a few minutes, massa," answered Pomp.
+
+"Well, hurry up, then. I came here," continued the overseer, "to tell
+you that there is a Yankee prowling around here somewhere; if he comes
+here, I want you to send for me. Do you understand?"
+
+"Yes, massa," answered Pomp.
+
+"Don't you feed him, or do any thing else for him," continued the
+overseer. "If you do, I'll whip you to death. Now, mind what I tell
+you." And the overseer closed the door, and departed, to carry the
+same information and warning to the other cabins.
+
+As soon as the sound of his footsteps had died away, Pomp whispered:
+
+"All right now, young massa. You can come out now--no danger. The
+oberseer won't come to dis house g'in dis night."
+
+Frank, accordingly, crawled out from under the bed, and seated himself
+in the easy chair, while the old woman went on with her cooking. In
+a few minutes, which seemed an age to Frank, however, the meal, which
+consisted of coffee, made of parched corn, ham, honey, and corn-bread,
+was ready. Frank thought he had never eaten so good a meal before. He
+forgot the danger of his situation, and listened to the conversation
+of the old negro and his wife, as though there was not a rebel within
+a hundred miles of him.
+
+"There," he exclaimed, after he had finished the last piece of
+corn-bread, and pushed his chair back from the table, "I believe I've
+eaten supper enough to satisfy any two men living."
+
+"Has yer had enough, chile?" asked the old woman. "I's glad to see yer
+eat. I wants to do all I can for you Yankee sogers."
+
+"Oh, I've had a great plenty, aunty," answered Frank, as he rose from
+the table. "Now, I must bid you good-by," he continued, as he pulled
+his rifle out from its hiding-place. "I shall never be able to repay
+you; but"--
+
+"Lor' A'mighty, chile!" interrupted the old woman, "whar's you gwine?
+You mustn't say one word 'bout gwine out o' dis house _dis_ night.
+I's got a bed all fixed for you, an' Pomp will take you up early in de
+mornin', an' show you de way fru de swamp."
+
+"Put away dat gun, young massa," chimed in Pomp; "dere's no danger."
+
+Frank could not resist this appeal, for the bed, which the old woman
+had made for him in one corner of the cabin, rough as it was, was a
+pleasant sight to his eyes. So, after hiding his rifle under one of
+the quilts, where he could get his hand upon it at a moment's warning,
+he threw himself upon the bed without removing his clothes, and was
+fast asleep in a moment. It seemed to him that he had hardly closed
+his eyes, when a hand was laid on his shoulder, and Pomp's voice
+whispered in his ear:
+
+"Wake up, young massa; 'most daylight."
+
+"You sleep mighty sound, chile," said the old woman, as Frank rose
+from the bed. "I's sorry to be 'bilged to 'sturb you, but you must
+be gwine now. Here's a little bite for you to eat." As she spoke,
+she handed Frank a haversack, such as he had often seen used by the
+soldiers of the rebel army, filled with corn-bread and cold ham. Frank
+slung it over his shoulder, and, after pulling his rifle out from
+under the bed, said:
+
+"Aunty, I thank you for your kindness to"--
+
+"Lor' A'mighty, chile!" interrupted the woman, "don't say one word
+'bout dat, I tol' you. I's sorry we can't do more for you; but you
+must go away now. May de good Lor' bress you."
+
+The tears rolled down the old woman's cheeks as she said this,
+and Frank silently shook her hand, and followed Pomp out into the
+darkness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+Chased by Blood-Hounds.
+
+
+The moon had gone down, the stars were hidden by thick, heavy clouds,
+and it was so dark that it was impossible to distinguish the nearest
+objects. Every thing was as silent as death; but this did not affect
+the vigilance of Pomp, who led the way with noiseless steps, pausing,
+now and then, to listen. They met with no difficulty, however, and,
+in a few moments, the plantation was left behind, and they entered
+the swamp. It was a chilly, gloomy place, and the darkness was
+impenetrable; but Frank relied implicitly on his guide, who seemed
+to understand what he was about, and kept as close behind him as
+possible.
+
+For an hour they traveled without speaking; at length Pomp stopped on
+the bank of a narrow but deep stream.
+
+"Can you swim, young massa?" he inquired, turning to Frank.
+
+"Yes, like a duck," was the reply.
+
+"I's mighty glad to h'ar it," said Pomp, "'cause den you're safe. But
+I's been mighty oneasy 'bout it, 'cause, if you can't swim, you're
+kotched, shore. Now," he continued, "I must leave you here, 'cause I
+don't want to let any one know dat I's been away from de plantation.
+You must cross dis creek, and foller dat road," pointing to a narrow,
+well-beaten bridle-path on the opposite bank, "an' dat will lead you
+straight to de Red Ribber. You must keep a good watch, now, 'cause
+you'll h'ar something 'fore long dat'll make you wish you had nebber
+been born. I's heered it often, an' I knows what it is. Good-by; an'
+de Lor' bress an' protect you;" and, before Frank could speak, Pomp
+had disappeared.
+
+Alone! The young hero had never before comprehended the full meaning
+of that single word, as he did now. Alone, in an almost unbroken
+forest, which was filled with enemies, who were thirsting for his
+blood; with no one to whom he could go for advice or assistance. Is it
+to be wondered that he felt lonely and discouraged?
+
+He looked back to the scenes through which he had passed: the fight;
+his capture; the long, weary march, under a burning sun; his treatment
+in the prison, the escape, and the pursuit; the hand-to-hand struggle
+in the woods; all came up vividly before him, and he wondered how he
+had escaped unhurt; and, then, what had the future in store for him?
+The warning of the faithful Pomp was still ringing in his ears, and
+a dread of impending evil, which he could not shake off, continually
+pressed upon him. For the first time since his escape, Frank was
+completely unnerved. Seating himself on the ground, he covered his
+face with his hands, and cried like a child.
+
+But this burst of weakness did not continue long, for he did not
+forget that he was still in danger. Hastily dashing the tears from his
+eyes, he rose to his feet, and prepared to cross the stream. Holding
+his rifle and ammunition above his head with one hand, he swam with
+the other, reached the opposite bank in safety, and followed the path
+into the swamp. A mile further on, he came to another stream, and
+was making preparations to cross it, when he was startled by a voice,
+which sounded from the opposite bank:
+
+"Who goesh dere?"
+
+Instead of replying to the challenge, Frank sprang behind a tree, and,
+looking across the stream, discovered a tall, powerfully-built man,
+dressed in "butternut" clothes, holding his rifle in the hollow of his
+arm. In an instant Frank's gun was at his shoulder, and his finger was
+already pressing the trigger, when the man exclaimed:
+
+"What for you shoot? I be a friend."
+
+Frank, although fearful of treachery, lowered his gun, and the
+Dutchman, moving out of the bushes, leaned on his rifle, and inquired:
+
+"Where you go? I guess you been a gun-boat feller; ain't it?"
+
+"Yes," answered Frank, "I once belonged to a gun-boat. But who are
+you?"
+
+"Me? Oh, I was a captain in the army. Sherman gets licked at
+Wicksburg, an' I gets took brisoner; an' purty quick me an' anoder
+feller runs away. Here he is;" and, as the Dutchman spoke, a man
+wearing a shabby Confederate uniform appeared.
+
+Frank's mind was made up in an instant. Beyond a doubt this was but
+a stratagem to capture him. But he resolved that he would never
+surrender, as long as he had sufficient strength to handle his rifle.
+
+"Well, my young friend," exclaimed the man in the rebel uniform, "this
+is a nice dress for a Federal officer to be wearing, isn't it?"
+
+"I don't believe that either of you are officers in the Federal army,"
+answered Frank. "It's my opinion that you are both rebels. If it is
+your intention to attempt to capture me, I may as well tell you that
+your expectations will never be realized, for I shall never be taken
+alive;" and Frank handled the lock of his gun in a very significant
+manner.
+
+"I admire your grit," said the man, "and I acknowledge that you have
+strong grounds for suspicion. But we are really escaped prisoners."
+
+"Yah," chimed in the Dutchman, "I shwear dat is so."
+
+"It is no fault of ours," continued the man, "that we are wearing
+rebel uniforms; for we were compelled to exchange with our captors,
+and were obliged to accept these, or go without any."
+
+"What regiment do you belong to?"
+
+"The One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Illinois Infantry, Company 'K.' I
+formerly belonged to the Forty-sixth Maine."
+
+"Do you know any of the boys belonging to Company 'B,' of the
+Forty-sixth Maine Regiment?"
+
+"Oh, yes," replied the man, "I know Harry and George Butler, Ben Lake,
+and, in fact, all the boys; for I once belonged to that very company.
+My home is only twenty miles from Lawrence, the place where the
+company was raised."
+
+Frank did not stop to ask any more questions, for he was satisfied
+that he had fallen in with friends. How his heart bounded at meeting
+one who had lived so near his own home! He hastily crossed the stream,
+and, seizing the man's hand, shook it heartily.
+
+"I am overjoyed at meeting with you, sir," he said, in a voice choked
+with emotion. "Perhaps I owe you an apology; but you will acknowledge
+that it is best to be on the safe side."
+
+"Certainly it is," answered the man. "I should have done exactly as
+you did, if I had been in your place. But where are you travelling
+to?"
+
+"I want to reach Red River, as soon as possible."
+
+"So do we! But we have lost our reckoning, and don't know which way to
+go."
+
+"I do," said Frank. "This path leads directly to it."
+
+They did not linger long to converse--time was too precious for
+that--but immediately struck into the path, Frank leading the way.
+He soon learned that the names of his newly-found friends were Major
+Williams and Captain Schmidt. They had been captured, with two hundred
+others, at the battle of Vicksburg, and had escaped while being taken
+into Texas. They had accomplished, perhaps, half a dozen miles from
+the place where they met, when the breeze bore to their ears a sound
+that made Frank turn as pale as death, and tremble as though suddenly
+seized with a fit of the ague. They all heard it; but he was the only
+one who knew what it was.
+
+"What ish dat, ony how?" coolly inquired the captain.
+
+Before Frank could reply, the fearful sound was repeated, faint and
+far off, but still nearer than before.
+
+"Merciful heavens!" ejaculated the major, who now understood their
+situation; "is it possible you don't know what that sound is? _It is
+the cry of a blood-hound!_"
+
+"Oh, yah!" exclaimed the captain, as though the idea had suddenly come
+into his head, "I did think it vas a dorg."
+
+"Push ahead now, boys, for Heaven's sake!" exclaimed the major. "Push
+ahead as fast as possible."
+
+The captain evidently did not comprehend the danger of their
+situation; but Frank and the major knew that their lives depended
+upon the next few moments. Oh, how thankful was Frank that he was not
+alone! He now knew the meaning of Pomp's warning; and the dreadful
+sound had so unnerved him, that it was with great difficulty he could
+keep on his way. But this lasted only for a moment. His fear changed
+to indignation, and a desire to execute vengeance on men who could be
+guilty of such barbarity. It seemed as though the strength of a dozen
+men was suddenly infused into him; so, shouldering his rifle, he ran
+along the path with a speed that made it difficult for the Dutchman
+to keep pace with him. But, fast as they went, the fearful sound grew
+louder and louder; and, finally, they distinctly heard the clatter of
+horses' hoofs, and voices cheering on the dogs.
+
+"Hurry on, for mercy's sake," said the major.
+
+"Mine Gott in Himmel!" ejaculated the captain, who was puffing and
+blowing like a porpoise; "I can't run no faster. I guess it's petter
+we stops and fights 'em, ain't it? I been not a good feller to run!"
+
+"You _must_ run a little further," said Frank. "We will certainly be
+captured, if we stop to fight them here."
+
+The captain made no reply, but kept along as close behind the major as
+possible. Frank's swiftness of foot was standing him well in hand now,
+for he frequently found himself obliged to slacken his pace, in order
+to allow his friends to come up with him. But his usual confidence
+was gone. He knew he could not stand that rapid pace much longer.
+Soon they must stop and fight; and what if the dogs, which would,
+undoubtedly, be some distance in advance of the horsemen, should
+overpower them? Frank had often read of the ferocity of these
+blood-hounds, and the thought of being pulled down and torn to pieces
+by them in those dark woods, and the knowledge that his mother and
+sister would forever remain ignorant of his fate, was terrible.
+Suddenly, an abrupt bend in the path brought them to the banks of
+another of those narrow streams with which the country was intersected
+like a net-work. What a cheering sight it was to Frank's eyes! He
+now saw some chance for escape; and, without hesitating a moment, he
+plunged into the water. The others were close at his heels, and a few
+bold strokes brought them to the opposite shore.
+
+"Here we are," said the major. "Our chance for escape is rather slim,
+but we will make a stand here."
+
+They had scarcely concealed themselves in the bushes, when one of the
+hounds appeared on the bank. He was followed by another, and still
+another, until eight of the terrible animals were in sight. They
+followed the trail of the fugitives down to the edge of the water,
+where, finding themselves at fault, they separated, and commenced
+beating up and down the bank, now and then looking toward the opposite
+shore, and uttering their bays, which sounded in Frank's ears like the
+knell of death.
+
+"I pelieve I shoots one of them dorgs, ain't it?" said the captain;
+and he thrust his rifle cautiously through the bushes.
+
+"No, no," commanded the major, "save your ammunition. The men will be
+here in a minute. Here they come now." And, as he spoke, there was a
+loud crashing in the bushes, and four horsemen came in sight.
+
+"Thunder!" exclaimed one of them, who wore the uniform of a colonel,
+"I was in hopes we should catch the rascal before he reached this
+place. Here, Tige," he continued, addressing a powerful white hound,
+"hunt 'em up, hunt 'em up!"
+
+The hound ran down to the edge of the stream, and barked and whined
+furiously, but still hesitated to enter; for hounds are always averse
+to going into water.
+
+"Hunt 'em up, sir!" shouted the colonel, angrily.
+
+The dog, evidently, feared his master more than the water, for he
+plunged in, and commenced swimming toward the place where Frank
+and his companions were concealed; and the others, after a little
+hesitation, followed him.
+
+"Ready, now, boys," whispered the major. "Captain, you shoot that
+white hound. Frank, you take the colonel, and I'll attend to the man
+just behind him. Don't waste your lead now."
+
+The three rifles cracked in rapid succession, and the colonel and one
+of his men fell heavily from their saddles. The white hound gave one
+short howl of pain, and sank out of sight. Every shot had reached its
+mark.
+
+The remaining rebels stood aghast at this sudden repulse; and the
+smoke of the rifles had scarcely cleared away, when they wheeled their
+horses, and disappeared in the woods.
+
+The death of the white hound produced no less consternation among his
+canine assistants, for they each gave a short yelp, and turned and
+made for the shore.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+The Rescue.
+
+
+"Now's our time, boys," exclaimed the major; "come on, and load your
+guns as you run;" and he started rapidly down the path.
+
+All sounds of the rebels were soon left behind; but our party kept on
+their way, until they emerged from the woods, and found themselves in
+full view of a plantation.
+
+"I pelieve somebody lives in that house," exclaimed the captain,
+drawing back in the bushes.
+
+"No doubt of it," answered the major.
+
+"Let's move back into the woods a little further, and eat some
+dinner," said Frank; and he turned to walk away, and felt for the
+haversack the negro woman had given him. But it seemed that he was
+destined to disappointment, for the haversack was gone.
+
+During all the perils he had encountered that day, he had been buoyed
+up by the thought that he had food sufficient to last him for a day
+or two, and that he was in no danger of suffering the pangs of hunger.
+But now his spirits fell again to zero.
+
+"How unfortunate!" he exclaimed. "But it's just my luck."
+
+"Yes, it is too bad," said the major; "for now we shall be obliged to
+run the risk of being captured, in order to procure food. But let us
+move on, and get as far away from this place as possible."
+
+Frank silently shouldered his rifle, and followed the major, who
+threaded his way along in the edge of the woods, taking care to keep
+out of sight of any one who might be in the house. They kept on until
+dark, and then halted in the rear of another plantation, to hold a
+consultation relative to the manner in which they should obtain food.
+
+"Well," said the major, "we must have something to eat, that's
+certain; and the only way I can think of, is to draw lots to see who
+shall go up to the house after it. It is a dangerous undertaking, but
+that is the fairest way to see who shall run the risk;" and the major
+selected three sticks of different lengths, and continued, as he held
+them out to Frank, in his closed hand, "Now, the one that draws the
+shortest stick must go to the house and procure us some food."
+
+Frank drew first, then the captain, and the major took the one that
+was left. The lot fell upon Frank.
+
+"Now," said the major, as he shook Frank's hand, "be careful of
+yourself, my friend. We will remain here until you return. When you
+get into the woods give two low whistles, that we may know that it is
+you. Good-by."
+
+Frank silently returned the pressure of the major's hand, and moved
+away. He climbed over the fence that ran between the woods and the
+plantation, and walked fearlessly toward the house. He was not at all
+pleased with the part he had to perform, for he remembered the danger
+he had run the night before; but his determination was to do his duty,
+and trust to his skill to carry him safely through.
+
+He shaped his course toward the negro quarters, which were in the
+rear of the house; but he soon discovered that these were entirely
+deserted. He carefully examined all the cabins, in hopes of finding
+a hen-roost, but in vain. His only alternative was to try the house.
+There was a light shining in the window, and Frank determined to
+reconnoiter the premises, and, if possible, learn who were in the
+house, before asking admittance. With this intention he shouldered
+his rifle, and was about to move forward, when he was startled by the
+sound of horses' hoofs behind him, and a voice exclaimed:
+
+"Hullo, my friend! Have you an extra bed in the house, for a soldier?"
+
+Frank turned, and found that the horseman was so close to him that
+flight was impossible. His first impulse was to shoot him where he
+sat; but he was still ignorant of the number of persons there might be
+in the house. Perhaps it was filled with soldiers. The report of
+his gun would certainly alarm them, and might lead to his capture.
+Besides, the man had addressed him as though he were the proprietor of
+the plantation; perhaps he might be able to obtain some information.
+So he answered, with some hesitation:
+
+"Yes, I suppose there is an extra bed in the house; but I should
+really like to know who and what you are, before I agree to
+accommodate you."
+
+"I am Lieutenant Somers," answered the rebel; "and I belong to the
+Seventeenth Georgia Infantry. You belong to the army too, do you not?"
+he continued, noticing the brass buttons on Frank's coat.
+
+It was a lucky circumstance for the young hero that the night was so
+dark, or he would certainly have been discovered.
+
+"Yes," he answered, in reply to the rebel's question, "I am in the
+service. But what are you doing around here this time of night?"
+
+"I have been hunting after an escaped Yankee prisoner--a gun-boat
+officer."
+
+"Did you catch him?" inquired Frank.
+
+"No; but I caught two others. I chased this gun-boat fellow with
+blood-hounds; but when I overtook him, I found that he had been
+reinforced by half a dozen others, and I was obliged to retreat. The
+scoundrels killed Colonel Acklen and one of his men, and the best
+blood-hound in Louisiana."
+
+"Where are the prisoners you captured?" inquired Frank, hardly able
+to suppress his exultation at finding himself face to face with one of
+the men who had hunted him with blood-hounds.
+
+"Oh, I left them at the back of the plantation, one of my men is
+keeping guard over them; but there is scarcely any need of that, for
+the Yankees are securely bound."
+
+"They are, eh!" exclaimed Frank, who could restrain himself no longer.
+"Well, here is a Yankee who is not bound, and never intends to be;"
+and he raised his rifle to his shoulder, and glanced along the
+clean, brown barrel. "I am the gun-boat fellow you were pursuing
+with blood-hounds. So, if you wish to live five minutes longer, don't
+attempt to make any resistance."
+
+The rebel was taken so completely by surprise that he could not utter
+a word, but sat on his horse as motionless and dumb as though he had
+been suddenly turned into a statue.
+
+"Come down off that horse!" commanded his captor.
+
+The rebel obeyed, without hesitation.
+
+"Now, have you got any dangerous weapons about you?" inquired Frank.
+"Tell the truth, now, for your life isn't worth a picayune."
+
+"Yes," answered the rebel, "I have a revolver and a Bowie-knife;" and
+he raised his hand to his breast pocket.
+
+"Hands down! hands down!" exclaimed Frank; "I want to examine your
+pockets myself;" and he stepped forward and relieved the rebel of a
+Bowie-knife, a revolver, several cartridges, a flint and steel,
+and some papers. These, with the exception of the revolver, he laid
+carefully on the ground, and placed his rifle beside them. "Now,"
+continued Frank, "it would be a great accommodation if you would trade
+uniforms with me. The people in this part of the country don't seem to
+like Uncle Sam's clothes very well. Come out of that coat."
+
+The rebel hesitated to obey.
+
+"Come out of that coat, Lieutenant Somers," repeated Frank, slowly;
+and he raised his revolver until it was on a line with his captive's
+head.
+
+The sight of his own weapon, whose qualities he probably knew full
+well, brought the rebel to his senses, and he quickly divested himself
+of his coat.
+
+"Now, pull off those pants," commanded his captor.
+
+The rebel obeyed; and Frank continued, as he divested himself of his
+own clothes: "Now, if you wish, you can put on these."
+
+The rebel had no other alternative, and he slowly donned the naval
+uniform, while Frank quickly converted himself into a fine-looking
+rebel lieutenant. He then carefully pocketed the articles which he had
+taken from the rebel, with the exception of the papers.
+
+"What are these?" he inquired.
+
+"The one in the brown envelope is my appointment, and the others are
+orders to take my company and act as scouts."
+
+The latter were just what Frank wanted.
+
+"Now," said Frank, going up to the horse, which had stood patiently
+by, "I have one more favor to ask of you, you mean, sneaking rebel,
+and then I am done with you. I want you to show me where you left your
+prisoners. But, in the first place, I am going into that house to get
+something to eat."
+
+"I hope to thunder that you will be gobbled up," said the lieutenant,
+angrily.
+
+"Easy, easy!" exclaimed Frank; "you are talking treason when you wish
+evil to befall one of Uncle Sam's boys; and I am not one to stand by
+and listen to it; so keep a civil tongue in your head, or I shall be
+obliged to put a stopper on your jaw. As I said before," he continued,
+"I am going into that house to get some supper; and, as I wish you to
+remain here until I come back, I shall take the liberty to tie your
+hands and feet. That's the way you serve your prisoners, I believe."
+
+As Frank spoke, he cut the bridle from the horse with his Bowie-knife,
+and securely bound the rebel--who submitted to the operation with a
+very bad grace--and laid him away, as he would a log of wood, behind
+one of the cabins.
+
+"Now, you barbarian," he continued, as he shouldered his rifle, and
+thrust the revolver and Bowie-knife into his belt, "you are in the
+power of one who has very little love for a man who is guilty of the
+cruelty of hunting a fellow-being with blood-hounds; so, if you expect
+to live to see daylight, don't make any noise." With this piece of
+advice, Frank left his captive, and started for the house.
+
+He walked up the steps that led to the portico, which ran entirely
+around the house, and boldly knocked at the door. The summons was
+answered by a fine-looking, elderly lady, who, as soon as she saw the
+Confederate uniform, exclaimed:
+
+"Good evening, sir; walk in."
+
+Frank followed the lady through the hall, into a large room, whose
+only inmates were three young ladies, who rose and bowed as he came
+in. He was very much relieved to find that there were no men in the
+house.
+
+"Take a chair, sir," said the elderly lady. "Is there any thing we can
+do for you?"
+
+"Yes, ma'am," answered Frank. "I am out on a scout with some of my
+men, and my provisions have given out. I have taken the liberty to
+come here and see if I could not purchase some from you."
+
+"We are glad to see you," said one of the young ladies. "I will have
+some food put up for you immediately; and you shall have a nice, warm
+supper before you go."
+
+"I am under obligations to you, madam," answered Frank; "but,
+really, I can not wait, for I am on the trail of some escaped Yankee
+prisoners; and, besides, I always make it a point never to fare better
+than the men I command."
+
+"I should like to have you stay," said the elderly lady, whom Frank
+set down as the mother of the girls; "but you know your duty better
+than we do. I wish all of our officers were as careful of their men,
+and as devoted to the cause, as you are. But what regiment do you
+belong to?"
+
+"The Seventeenth Georgia," answered Frank.
+
+"Did you catch any of the Yankees you are after?"
+
+"No, ma'am, not yet. But we shall have them before to-morrow night."
+
+"Oh, I hope so! I suppose you will hang them to the nearest tree, as
+fast as you catch them?"
+
+"No, ma'am, I can't do that. They will be prisoners, you know, and
+must be treated as such."
+
+"Then bring them here, and I will hang them for you," exclaimed the
+lady, excitedly. "I think our government is entirely too lenient with
+the rascals."
+
+During the conversation that followed, Frank gained some very valuable
+information concerning the plans the rebels had on foot for the
+capture of the runaways. He also learned that the lady's husband was
+an officer of high rank in the rebel army, and that she was expecting
+him home every moment. Frank, as may be supposed, was not very well
+pleased with this information, and he cast uneasy glances toward the
+door, expecting to see the officer enter. But his fears were soon set
+at rest by the return of the young lady from the kitchen, with a large
+traveling bag, filled with provisions.
+
+When Frank inquired what was to pay, he was informed that any one who
+would think of charging a soldier for provisions ought to be tarred
+and feathered and sent into the Yankee lines. This was good news to
+Frank, for, if there had been any thing to pay, he would not have
+known how to act, as money was a thing he had not seen for many a day.
+So, after thanking the ladies for their kindness, and bidding them
+good-night, he picked up his provisions and started out.
+
+"Now, you man that hunts Union soldiers with blood-hounds," he
+exclaimed, as he walked up to his captive, and untied the strap with
+which his feet were bound, "get up, and lead me to the place where you
+left your prisoners;" and Frank seized the rebel by the collar, and
+helped him rather roughly to his feet.
+
+The rebel made no reply, but led the way down the road which ran
+through the plantation. Frank followed close behind him, carrying his
+rifle and provisions in one hand, and his revolver in the other. At
+length they came to the fence at the end of the field, and, as he was
+helping his prisoner over, a voice from the woods called out:
+
+"Who goes there?"
+
+"Is that your man?" inquired Frank, in a whisper, turning to his
+prisoner.
+
+"Yes," answered the rebel, gruffly.
+
+"Then keep your mouth shut, and let me talk to him," commanded Frank.
+Raising his voice, he answered to the hail, "Friend!"
+
+"Is that you, Lieutenant Somers?" inquired the voice.
+
+"Yes," answered Frank. "Come here; I've got a supply of provisions,
+and another prisoner."
+
+"Another Yank, eh!" said the man; and Frank heard him coming through
+the woods toward him.
+
+"Well, we've one less to catch, then. Where is he? Let's have a squint
+at him."
+
+"Never mind the prisoner," exclaimed Frank, "but come and take these
+provisions; they're heavy."
+
+The rebel, who could not discover that any thing was wrong, reached
+out his hand, and took the traveling-bag from Frank, when the latter
+suddenly seized him by the collar, and exclaimed, as he pressed the
+muzzle of his revolver against his head:
+
+"You're my prisoner!"
+
+For an instant the rebel appeared utterly dumfounded; then, suddenly
+recovering himself, he struck up Frank's arm, and, with a quick
+movement, tore himself away from his grasp, and drew his Bowie-knife.
+
+"Kill him, Jake! kill him!" shouted the lieutenant, who, of course,
+was unable to assist his man, as his hands were securely bound behind
+his back.
+
+But Frank was too quick for him, for, before the rebel could make a
+thrust with his knife, the sharp report of the revolver echoed through
+the woods, and the man sank to the ground like a log.
+
+"Now," exclaimed Frank, turning to his prisoner, "I've a good notion
+to shoot you, also. But I will try you once more; and I tell you now,
+once for all, don't open your head again to-night, unless you are
+spoken to. Now, show me where you left your prisoners."
+
+"Here we are!" exclaimed a voice from the bushes.
+
+Frank soon found them, and, when he had cut the ropes with which they
+were bound, and set them at liberty, they each seized his hands, and
+wrung them in silent gratitude.
+
+"Thank heaven, we're free men once more!" exclaimed one of the poor
+fellows. "But where is that lieutenant that captured us?"
+
+"He's my prisoner," answered Frank.
+
+"Here you are, you thunderin', low-lived secesh!" exclaimed the man,
+who had not yet spoken, as he walked up to the rebel, and laid his
+hand on his shoulder. "I've a mind to stop your wind for you, you
+mean"--
+
+"Easy, easy, boys," exclaimed Frank; "he's a prisoner, you know, and
+we've no right to put him in misery simply because he's in our power."
+
+"Why, the varmint hunted us yesterday with blood-hounds," exclaimed
+one of the soldiers.
+
+"He served me the same way to-day," answered Frank; "but, still, we
+have no right to abuse him. But I have two more friends around here
+somewhere;" and Frank put his hand to his mouth, and gave two low
+whistles. It was answered immediately, and a voice, which Frank
+recognized as the captain's, inquired:
+
+"Ish dat you, you gun-boat feller?"
+
+"Yes, I'm here, captain; come along."
+
+The Dutchman soon made his appearance, followed by the major. They had
+remained in their hiding-place, and heard all that was going on; but,
+so fearful were they of treachery, that they dared not come out. Frank
+briefly related to them the circumstances connected with the capture
+of the lieutenant, and the release of the two soldiers; after this a
+consultation was held, and it was decided that it would not be prudent
+to attempt to reach Red River for a day or two, at least. The major
+thought it best to remain concealed during the day, and at night
+boldly follow the road.
+
+This plan was adopted, for the entire party--including the soldiers
+Frank had just released--were dressed in butternut clothes; besides
+this, the papers which had been taken from the lieutenant would
+greatly assist them, if their plan was carried out with skill and
+determination. And, in regard to the prisoner--who, of course, had not
+heard a word of the consultation--it was decided to detain him for a
+day or two, in order that he might be led to believe that it was their
+intention to keep as far away from Red River as possible, and then
+release him.
+
+After their plans had all been determined upon, Frank opened his sack
+of provisions, when, eating a scanty meal, they again started forward.
+They kept along on the edge of the plantations until the day began to
+dawn, and then turned into the woods and encamped.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+A Friend in Need.
+
+
+In the evening, at dark, they resumed their journey. They boldly
+followed the road, and met with no opposition until just before
+daylight, when a voice directly in front of them shouted, "Halt!"
+
+"Now, boys," whispered the major, "our safety depends upon our nerve.
+It is so dark they can't see our faces, so don't be frightened at
+any thing that may happen. Captain, take care of that prisoner, and
+remember and blow his brains out the moment he makes the least attempt
+at escape."
+
+"Who goes there?" shouted the voice again.
+
+"Scouts!" answered the major, promptly.
+
+"Advance, one scout, and give the counter sign."
+
+The Major accordingly advanced to the place where the sentry was
+standing, and the captain cautiously cocking his musket, placed its
+cold muzzle against the prisoner's head, whispering, between his
+clenched teeth:
+
+"I guess you hear what the major did said, ain't it? Well, then, don't
+say somethings."
+
+The laconic captain probably thought this warning sufficient, for
+he brought his musket to an "order arms," and did not afterward even
+deign to cast a single glance at the prisoner.
+
+In the mean time, the major was endeavoring to convince the lieutenant
+of the guard that, although they did not have the countersign, they
+were in reality Confederate soldiers.
+
+"It may be that you'uns is all right," said the lieutenant, after
+reading, by the aid of a dark lantern, the papers which Frank had
+captured. "But, you see, thar's so many of these yere Yanks running
+away, that we'uns has got to be mighty careful how we let folks go
+past."
+
+"I tell you," said the major, speaking as though he considered himself
+highly insulted, "I tell you, that I am on special service by order
+of General Taylor. I have been out on a scout to recapture the very
+prisoners you have just mentioned. I have already caught one of them,"
+he added, pointing to their prisoner, who, let it be remembered, was
+dressed in Frank's uniform.
+
+"If you'uns is out on a scout," said a soldier, who had been aroused
+from his blanket, and pressed up to obtain a glance at the major,
+"whar's your hosses?"
+
+"I left them about a mile down the river. I have already been through
+your lines once to-night, and I might have gone through this time
+without your knowledge, if I had seen fit to do so."
+
+"Maybe it's all right," said the lieutenant, shaking his head
+dubiously; "but I'll be dog-gone if I don't think I've seen your face
+somewhere before;" and as he said this he raised the lantern, and
+allowed the light to shine full upon him. Frank, who had been waiting
+impatiently for the interview to be brought to a close, gave himself
+up for lost when he saw a smile of triumph light up the rebel's face.
+But the major was equal to the emergency. Meeting the lieutenant's
+gaze without flinching, he replied, carelessly:
+
+"Very likely you have. I have been in the service ever since the war
+broke out. But do you intend to allow us to proceed, or shall I be
+obliged to report you at head-quarters? Remember, I can say that you
+do not keep a very good watch, seeing I have already passed you once."
+
+This threat seemed to decide the lieutenant, who replied, "I guess
+it's all right--you'uns can pass."
+
+When Frank heard this, it seemed as though a heavy load had been
+removed from his breast. But the hardest part of the trial, with him,
+had yet to come. What if he should be recognized? But he had that
+risk to run; so, summoning up all his fortitude, he marched with his
+companions by the guards, apparently as unconcerned as though he was
+entering a friendly camp.
+
+The moment they got out of hearing of the tread of the sentinel,
+the major turned from the road and led the way into the woods. After
+walking a short distance, at a rapid pace, he whispered:
+
+"Perhaps we fooled the rascals, but I think not. I didn't like the way
+that lieutenant eyed me. I am certain we shall be pursued as soon as
+he can send for assistance; and the best thing we can do is to get
+away from here. So, forward, double-quick. Don't make too much noise
+now. Captain, look out for that prisoner."
+
+It was well that the major had adopted the precaution of leaving the
+road and taking to the woods, for, in less than half an hour after
+they had passed the guards, a squad of cavalry came up, having a full
+and correct description of Frank and his companions. By some means,
+the capture of the rebel lieutenant had become known, and a portion of
+his own regiment--which had followed Frank from Shreveport, but which
+had given up the chase and returned--had again started in pursuit.
+The guards were astounded when they learned that the young gun-boat
+officer (with whose flight and subsequent almost miraculous escapes
+from recapture every scout in the country was acquainted) had been
+within their very grasp, and a portion of them joined the cavalry in
+pursuit; but, as they kept on down the road, Frank and his companions
+again escaped. They had heard their pursuers pass by, and knowing that
+the country would be thoroughly alarmed, and that it would be useless
+to attempt to reach Red River at present, they directed their course
+toward Washita River, which lay about thirty-five miles distant,
+hoping to deceive the rebels as to their real intentions, and thus, by
+drawing their pursuers into the country, leave their avenue of escape
+unobstructed.
+
+One clear, moonlight night they halted, as usual, in the rear of a
+plantation, and were debating upon the best means to be employed in
+obtaining food, when a man, dressed in a shabby Federal uniform, was
+discovered coming slowly toward them, on the opposite side of the
+fence that separated the woods from the plantation.
+
+His sudden and wholly unexpected appearance took them completely by
+surprise. Frank immediately proposed to challenge him. Perhaps, like
+themselves, he was a fugitive from a rebel prison, and in need of
+assistance. But the captain strongly opposed this, and was in favor
+of shooting the man, who still continued to advance, as if wholly
+unconscious of the presence of any one--arguing, in his broken
+English, and with good reason, too, that the appearance of a Federal
+uniform in that part of the country boded them no good, but was a sure
+sign of treachery; and evidently thinking that he had won the day, he
+was about to put his plan into execution, when the major struck up his
+musket, and shouted:
+
+"Who comes there?"
+
+The stranger, instead of replying, instantly threw himself on the
+ground behind the fence, out of sight.
+
+"Gott in himmel, major," exclaimed the disappointed captain, "I
+pelieve it's better you shoots that man--purty quick we all gets
+ketched again;" and as he said this the captain, who, although a very
+brave man on the field of battle, was very much opposed to fighting an
+invisible enemy, drew himself behind a tree, as if fully expecting to
+see a whole army of rebels rush out of their concealments upon them.
+
+"Be quiet, captain," said the major. "You have grown very suspicious
+lately." Then, raising his voice, he called out: "Whoever you are
+behind that fence, whether a friend or an enemy to the Union, come out
+immediately, or you are a dead man."
+
+A deep silence, which lasted for several seconds, followed his words.
+Then came the ominous click of half a dozen gun-locks, which, in the
+stillness of the night, could be heard a long distance.
+
+The stranger evidently heard it too, for, without further hesitation,
+he arose from behind the fence, and came forward.
+
+The major allowed him to approach within a few yards, and then ordered
+him to halt, and inquired:
+
+"Now, sir! who and what are you? Tell the truth, for you have
+desperate men to deal with."
+
+"From your language," answered the stranger, in a voice so soft that
+it was almost feminine, but which, nevertheless, betrayed not the
+slightest trepidation, "I should judge that you are escaped prisoners;
+if so, permit me to make one of your number. If not, you will find me
+as desperate as yourselves; for I have suffered too much in prison
+to ever allow myself to be taken back alive;" and, as he spoke, he
+displayed a brace of pistols, which showed that he meant what he said.
+
+"Gott in himmel!" exclaimed the captain, springing out from behind
+his tree, and forgetting, in a moment, all his suspicions, "vos you
+captured, too? We been mighty glad to see you, any how."
+
+"Yes," answered the man, "I have been a prisoner for twenty-two
+months, and it was not until three weeks since that I succeeded in
+making my escape."
+
+"We'll take your story for what it is worth, at present," said
+the major, "for we can not stop to talk. We must first make some
+arrangements about obtaining something to eat, and then we must be
+off."
+
+"My haversack has just been replenished," said the stranger, "and we
+have sufficient to last us for a day or two, at least."
+
+"Well, let us be moving, then."
+
+The major, as usual, led the way, and Frank walked beside the
+stranger, who firmly, but respectfully, repelled every attempt he made
+to enter into conversation, a circumstance which Frank regarded with
+suspicion.
+
+At length day began to dawn, and the fugitives commenced to cast
+sidelong glances at their new companion. He was a tall, slimly-built
+youth, apparently but little older than Frank, and his boyish face
+wore a look of care and sorrow, which if once seen could never be
+forgotten, and which showed that, young as he was, his path through
+life had been any thing but a smooth one. His clothing was reduced
+almost to tatters; but still there was enough of it left to show that
+it was "Uncle Sam's blue;" and, as Frank surveyed him from head to
+foot, he discovered something hanging to one of the shreds of his
+coat, which immediately interested him in the silent stranger. It was
+a navy button. This was enough for Frank, who, forgetting the manner
+in which his advances had been received, inquired:
+
+"Are you a naval officer, sir?"
+
+"Yes," answered the youth, in a low voice, "or, rather, I was once."
+
+"So was I. Give us your hand."
+
+The sad, gloomy look gave way to a smile of genuine pleasure, as the
+stranger grasped the proffered hand, and shook it heartily.
+
+"What vessel were you attached to, and when and how were you
+captured?" inquired Frank.
+
+But his companion had relapsed into his former state of gloominess and
+silence, and seemed to be pondering upon something at once painful and
+interesting.
+
+Frank made no further attempts to draw him into conversation, and,
+just as the sun was rising, the major gave the order to halt. He also
+had noticed the sorrowful look of the young stranger, and, attributing
+it to a depression of spirits, which any one would feel at finding
+himself in such circumstances, addressed him, as he came up, with:
+
+"My friend, you appear to be sorely troubled about something. Cheer
+up; it does no good to be despondent. I know our case is desperate,
+but it is not altogether hopeless. We do not intend to be recaptured,
+as long as one of us has strength to draw a trigger."
+
+"I am not troubled about that, sir," answered the youth, throwing
+himself wearily on the ground. "The cause of my sorrow dates further
+back than my capture and confinement in prison. I know that I am not
+the only one who has suffered during this rebellion; but mine is a
+peculiar case. I have not known a happy day since the war commenced.
+Every tie that bound me to earth was severed when the first gun was
+fired on Fort Sumter."
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Frank, guessing the truth at once. "Then your
+relatives are rebels."
+
+"Yes, they are; and the most bitter kind of rebels, too. I have kept
+my secret until I can no longer endure it. I have become
+completely discouraged, and am greatly in need of what I at first
+shunned--sympathy. If you will bear with me, I will tell you my
+circumstances. It will serve to relieve me, and may interest you, and
+prove that I am really what I profess to be, an escaped prisoner."
+
+"Certainly, let us hear it. Go on," said the major.
+
+Thus encouraged, the youth proceeded:
+
+"My name is George Le Dell; and I am the youngest son of General
+Le Dell, of the Confederate army. My home is, or rather was, on
+the Washita River, about ten miles from this very place. When I was
+seventeen years of age, I was sent North to complete my education,
+at Yale College, and was just about commencing my senior year, when I
+received this letter from my father."
+
+Here George paused, and drew from his pocket a bundle of papers,
+carefully tied up, and, producing a letter, from which the writing was
+almost obliterated, he handed it to Frank, who read aloud as follows:
+
+    CATAHOOLA PARISH, _February_ 12, 1861.
+
+    MY DEAR GEORGE:
+
+    Your letter of the 2d ult. was duly received.
+
+    Although your ideas of the civil war, to which you seem to look
+    forward with such anxiety, are rather crude, you are, in the main,
+    correct in your conjectures as to our intentions. Secession is a
+    fixed fact. You know it has often been discussed by our leading
+    men, and the election of Mr. Lincoln has only served to
+    precipitate our action. Had he been defeated, it might have been
+    put off four years longer; but it would be certain to come then.
+    For years the heaven-sanctioned institution of slavery has been
+    subjected to all the attacks that the fiendish imaginations of the
+    Yankee abolitionists could suggest, and we are determined to bear
+    with them no longer. We intend to establish a confederacy of our
+    own, whose corner-stone shall be slavery.
+
+    I wish you to come home immediately, as I have secured you a first
+    lieutenant's commission in a cavalry company, which is to be
+    mustered into my regiment. Your brothers have already accepted
+    theirs, and are drilling their companies twice every week. Of
+    course, we do not expect a war, for we have kept the cowardly
+    Yankees under our thumbs so long that they will not dare to oppose
+    us. However, we consider it best to be on the safe side.
+
+    Inclosed I send you a check for two hundred dollars, which, I
+    think, will be sufficient to pay all your bills, and to defray
+    your expenses home.
+
+    Your mother and sisters send their love.
+
+    Hoping to see you soon, and to join hands with you in destroying
+    every vestige of the old Union, I remain,
+
+    Yours, affectionately, EDWARD LE DELL.
+
+While Frank was reading this letter, George had sat with his face
+buried in his hands, not once moving or giving a sign of life: but,
+as soon as the letter was finished, he raised his pale face, and
+inquired, in a husky voice:
+
+"What do you think of that? It does not seem possible that a father,
+who had the least spark of affection for his son, could advise him to
+follow such a course, does it? Turn the letter over, and you will see
+a copy of my answer written on the back."
+
+It ran as follows:
+
+    YALE COLLEGE, _March_ 20, 1861.
+
+    MY DEAR FATHER:
+
+    You can not imagine with what feelings of astonishment and sorrow
+    I read your letter of the 12th ult., which was received nearly
+    three weeks since. The reason for my delay in replying you can
+    easily divine. Has it, then, come to this? Is it possible that, in
+    order to do my duty to my country, I must be willing to incur the
+    displeasure of my father? What would you have me do? Assist in
+    pulling down the old flag, and in breaking up the best government
+    the world over saw? Why, father, this is downright madness. I _can
+    not_ "join hands" with you in so unholy a cause. On the contrary,
+    as long as that flag needs defenders, you will find me among them.
+    You are deceiving yourself when you say the "cowardly Yankees"
+    will not fight. They are a people "slow to wrath," but they are
+    not cowards, father; and you will find, to your sorrow, that they
+    will resist, to the death, "any and every attempt to alienate any
+    portion of this _Union_ from the rest."
+
+    Living in the South, as I have, I have long seen this war brewing,
+    but was unwilling to confess it, even to myself; and I had hoped,
+    that if it did come, my father would not countenance it. Why will
+    you do it? You never, never can succeed. The very first attempt
+    you make to withdraw from your allegiance to the United States
+    will be the signal for a war, the like of which the world has
+    never witnessed, and the blood of thousands of men, who will be
+    sacrificed to glut your ambition, will be upon your own heads.
+
+    Inclosed, I respectfully return the check, with many thanks for
+    your kindness. I can not use it for the purpose you wish.
+
+    Hoping and praying that you and my brothers will consider well
+    before you take the step that will bring you only suffering and
+    disgrace, and will use all your influence to prevent the effusion
+    of blood that must necessarily follow the suicidal course you
+    would pursue, I am, as ever,
+
+    Your affectionate son, GEO. LE DELL.
+
+"That was the best I could do at the time," said George, as Frank
+finished the letter. "I believe I must have been crazy when I wrote
+it. If I could only have known as much as I do now, I think I could
+have made a much better plea than that."
+
+"Didn't it have any effect upon your father?" inquired the major.
+
+"Effect!" repeated George. "Yes, it had the effect of making him
+disinherit and cast me off. Read that," he continued, handing Frank
+another soiled paper, which looked as though it had been read and
+thumbed continually. "I felt like one with his death-warrant when I
+received that."
+
+It ran thus:
+
+    CATAHOOLA PARISH, _March_ 31, 1861.
+
+    SIR:
+
+    In reply to your scandalous and insulting letter, I have but a few
+    words to say.
+
+    This, then, is the only return you have to make for all the favors
+    I have showered upon you! I had expected great things of you,
+    George, for you have the abilities that would have raised you to a
+    high position in the South; and it seems hard that my fond hopes
+    should be dashed to the ground, by one fell blow, given, too, by
+    your own hand. But I know my duty; and now, sir, I have done with
+    you. I cast you off forever. You will never enter my house again;
+    and not a cent of my property shall ever be possessed by you--no,
+    not even if you were starving. I have instructed my family to
+    forget that such a person as George Le Dell ever existed. Take
+    part with our oppressors, if you choose, but be assured that the
+    justly-merited consequences of your folly will be visited upon
+    you.
+
+    In conclusion, I have to say, that if any more letters are
+    received from you, they shall be returned unopened.
+
+    EDWARD LE DELL.
+
+"Now you can see exactly how I am situated," said George, taking the
+letter from Frank's hand, and putting it with the others carefully
+away in his pocket. "Do you wonder, then, that I am sorrowful, cut off
+as I am from all my relatives, with strict orders never to cross the
+threshold of my father's house again, not even if I am dying for want
+of food? You have, doubtless, heard of the malignity displayed by the
+rebel leaders toward any Southerner who dares to differ with them
+in opinion, and have looked upon them as idle stories, gotten up
+for effect; but I know, by the most bitter experience, that it is a
+reality. Does it seem possible that a person can be so blind, and act
+with such cruelty toward a son?
+
+"When the war was fairly begun," he continued, "I kept the vow I had
+made--that as long as the old flag needed defenders, I should be found
+among them, by enlisting as fourth master, in what was then called
+the 'Gun-boat Flotilla,' about to commence operations on the Western
+waters. I participated in the battle of Island No. 10; was at the
+taking of Memphis, and at St. Charles; when the 'Mound City' was blown
+up, I barely escaped being scalded to death. I was on the 'Essex,'
+when she ran the batteries at Vicksburg, and during the subsequent
+fight, which resulted in the defeat of the 'Arkansas' ram. About a
+month after that I was captured with a party of men, while on shore
+on a foraging expedition. I fought as long as I could, for I knew that
+death would be preferable to the treatment I should receive; but I was
+overpowered, and finally surrendered to save the lives of my men. The
+rebels, of course, immediately commenced crowding about us, and the
+very first officer I saw was my brother Henry, who had risen to the
+position of adjutant, in father's regiment. He instantly recognized
+me, and, after giving strict orders that I should be closely confined,
+rode off. I had many acquaintances in the regiment. Some of them had
+been my classmates at college; and the story of my _treason_, as they
+called it, was given a wide circulation. I fared even worse than I had
+expected. My food was of the very worst quality, and barely sufficient
+to sustain life. I was never allowed a shelter of any kind, not even
+a blanket; and, when my clothing was worn out, I could not obtain
+another suit. 'Stick to your dirty blue,' said the officer under whose
+charge I had been placed, 'and every time you look at it, think of the
+meanness of which you have been guilty.'
+
+"At length, to my relief, the order came for me to be transferred to
+the prison at Tyler. When I arrived at that place, I was thrust into
+an old slave-pen, where I was contained nearly twenty months before
+I succeeded in effecting my escape. I was given to understand that it
+had been ordered that I was not to be exchanged, but might expect
+to die a traitor's death at no distant day. Whether or not this was
+intended to terrify me, I do not know; but, since my escape, I have
+thought that there were some good grounds for fear; for, during my
+journey from Tyler to Shreveport, I was not once out of hearing of the
+blood-hounds that were following my trail. The only support I have had
+is the consciousness that I have tried to do my duty. If it were not
+for that, I should be the most miserable person in the world; and I
+should not care how soon some rebel bullet put an end to my existence.
+
+"Although I am now looked upon by my relatives as a stranger and an
+outcast, I have determined to visit once more the place which, long
+ago, I used to call _home_. It is only ten miles from here, and not a
+step out of our way. Will you accompany me?"
+
+Of course, this strange proposition at first met with strong
+opposition, especially from the captain. But George assured them that
+there was not the slightest danger, as all the troops in that part
+of the country had been ordered to Fort De Russy, and were hourly
+expecting an attack; consequently they would find no one at home
+except George's mother, sisters, and a few old negroes who were too
+feeble to work on the fortifications. Besides as all the troops were
+now at Red River, their safest course would be to abandon, for awhile,
+at least, the idea of taking it as their guide to the Mississippi.
+This silenced their objections, and, after the sentinels for the day
+had been selected, the fugitives, stretching themselves out on the
+ground, and fell asleep--all except Frank, who leaned back against a
+tree. While he kept watch over his sleeping companions, he pondered
+upon the history of their new acquaintance, and admired the high
+sense of duty and patriotism that had animated him to make so great a
+sacrifice for the sake of the "old flag."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+The Scene at the Plantation.
+
+
+Next evening, George took the lead, and conducted them through the
+woods, with a certainty that showed that he was well acquainted with
+the ground over which they were passing. Not a word did he speak until
+they emerged from the woods, and found before them a large plantation,
+with the huge, old-fashioned farm-house, surrounded by its negro
+quarters and out-buildings, looming up in the distance.
+
+George gazed upon the scene long and earnestly, until his feelings
+overcame him, when he leaned his head upon his hand, and gave full
+vent to his sorrow. He did not weep, but the heaving of his chest, and
+the quivering of his whole frame, showed how severe was the struggle
+that was going on within him. His companions, who well knew what was
+passing in his mind, leaned on their weapons, and silently waited
+until the burst of grief had subsided. At length, George recovered his
+composure, and said, slowly:
+
+"It looks natural, boys; every thing is just as I left it five years
+ago. Let us go up to the house. I _must_ see my mother and sisters
+once more. We will say that we are rebel soldiers, and want something
+to eat. My father and brothers are at Fort De Russy with their
+commands, so there will be no danger."
+
+"But your uniform," said Frank, anxiously, "that will certainly betray
+us."
+
+"No danger of that," answered George; "a great many soldiers in the
+rebel army wear the Federal uniform. There's no danger."
+
+Frank was far from being satisfied, but he fell in with the rest, and
+followed George toward the house. A few moments' walk brought them to
+a barn, where they again halted, and, while George stood feasting his
+eyes on each familiar object, the captain bound the rebel lieutenant
+hand and foot, and laid him away under a fence-corner; and left him,
+with the information that his life depended upon his observing the
+strictest silence. This course was the wisest that could have
+been adopted, under the circumstances; for it would have been very
+imprudent to have taken the prisoner with them, as he could easily
+have found means to make himself known.
+
+George again took the lead, and, when they had almost reached the
+house, they heard the sound of a piano, and a female voice singing the
+never-failing "Bonnie Blue Flag."
+
+"There you have it," said George, bitterly; "but don't stop--let's
+go right in. Major, you had better go up to the door, and ask them
+to give us something to eat. I dare not trust myself to do it. Be a
+bitter rebel now, and they will certainly invite us all in, and we
+will get whatever we ask for. Now, boys," he continued, turning to the
+others, "don't watch me too closely when we get in the house, or you
+will betray me."
+
+The major--after making sure that the papers, which had already been
+of so much service to them, were still in his pocket--ascended the
+broad stone steps that led up to the portico, and knocked at the door.
+It was opened by a servant, who, after inquiring what he wanted, led
+the way into a brilliantly-lighted parlor, where he saw before him
+George's mother and sisters.
+
+"Good evening, sir," said Mrs. Le Dell, rising from her seat. "Is
+there any way in which we can serve you?"
+
+The major made known his wants, and a servant was at once dispatched
+to order supper, and to invite the remainder of the fugitives into
+the house. As they filed slowly into the room--George bringing up the
+rear--the particular orders which the major gave about the muskets
+caused the lady to say:
+
+"You need have no fear, sir. The Yankees have never yet favored us
+with a visit."
+
+"I know it, ma'am," replied the major, accepting a chair that one of
+the sisters offered him, "but I have been a soldier so long, that I
+never omit to make preparations for a fight."
+
+As soon as they were fairly seated, Frank turned to look at George.
+"That boy must be made of iron," said he to himself, "or else he
+is among his friends, and we are betrayed;" for, instead of being
+embarrassed, or wearing his habitual sorrowful look, he sat easily in
+his chair, and gazed carelessly about the room, as though he were a
+perfect stranger there, and not a muscle quivered, to show the
+emotion he really felt, as his eye rested on the familiar faces of
+his relatives. He calmly met their glances, which Frank thought were
+directed toward him rather suspiciously, but all attempts to draw him
+into the conversation that followed, about the war, and the certainty
+of speedily overpowering the Yankees, and driving them from the
+land, were unavailing. Once Frank thought he heard one of his sisters
+whisper, "How much he looks like George!" but he was not recognized,
+and the supper, which was enlivened by conversation on indifferent
+subjects, passed off pleasantly.
+
+When the meal was finished, a large bag was filled with provisions,
+sufficient to last them nearly a week, and given in charge of one
+of the soldiers; and the major, after thanking the ladies for their
+kindness, was about to bid them good evening, when there was a clatter
+of horses' hoofs on the walk, then heavy steps sounded in the hall,
+and the next moment, to the utter astonishment and horror of the
+fugitives, three rebel officers entered the room.
+
+They were General Le Dell and his two sons.
+
+Frank's heart fairly came up into his mouth at this unwelcome
+intrusion, and his first impulse was to draw his revolver and shoot
+the rebels where they stood; but, on glancing at the major who always
+seemed to have his wits about him, he abandoned the idea. The major,
+with the rest, had seized his musket, but, as the rebels entered, he
+returned it to its place in the corner, (motioning to the others to do
+the same,) and, saluting the general, said, with a smile:
+
+"I beg your pardon, sir. I did not know but that the Yankees were upon
+us."
+
+"No danger of that," said the general, with a laugh; "you'll never see
+them as far up in the country as this. Pray be seated, sir."
+
+After greeting his wife and daughters, the general again turned to the
+major, whom, by his soldierly bearing, he at once picked out as the
+leader of the band, and inquired:
+
+"May I ask what you are doing up here? Has not your command been
+ordered to Fort De Russy?"
+
+"Yes, sir. But I am out on a scout, by order of General Taylor."
+
+"You can have no objection to produce those orders?"
+
+"O no, sir! certainly not. Here they are," answered the major, drawing
+from his pocket the papers which Frank had captured. The general,
+after hastily running his eye over them, suddenly exclaimed:
+
+"Why, Lieutenant Somers, how do you do, sir? I am very glad to meet
+you again. I heard that you had been taken prisoner. I am most happy
+to see that you have escaped."
+
+This was rather more than the major had been expecting, and he
+suddenly found himself placed in a most awkward position. But his
+presence of mind never forsook him; and, accepting the rebel's
+proffered hand, he shook it with apparent cordiality, and replied:
+
+"Thank you, sir. I, myself, am not sorry to know that I am a free man
+once more."
+
+"You probably do not remember me," continued the general, "but I was
+well acquainted with your father before he moved to Georgia, and used
+to trot you on my knee when you were a little fellow; and I do believe
+you were the ugliest little brat I ever had any thing to do with. You
+did nothing but yell and screech from morning until night. But, by the
+way, your father met his death in a very singular manner, did he not?"
+
+"Yes, sir--very singular--very singular, indeed," replied the major,
+promptly, as though he were perfectly familiar with all of the
+particulars, although in reality he was sorely puzzled to know what to
+say. What if the rebel should ask him to explain the affair? But the
+general appeared to be well enough acquainted with the matter, for he
+continued:
+
+"He died like a brave man, and a soldier. I suppose you intend to take
+ample revenge upon the Yankees to pay for it."
+
+"Yes, sir; and I am now on the trail of the very man who shot him."
+The major said this at a venture; but, fortunately, he was correct in
+his surmise as to the manner in which Mr. Somers departed this life.
+
+While this conversation was going on, Frank was a good deal annoyed
+to see that George's sisters, and one of his brothers, were engaged in
+mysterious whisperings, now and then darting suspicious glances toward
+his new companion. When the general entered, George had risen with
+the rest and saluted him, after which he had resumed his seat, and
+the deep blush of excitement that arose to his cheek had quickly given
+place to the same careless look that Frank had before noticed. George
+was also aware that the whispering that was going on related to
+himself, and it was evident that his relatives had some suspicions of
+who he was; but, if it caused him any uneasiness, he was very careful
+to conceal it.
+
+At length, one of his brothers drew his chair to his side, and said:
+
+"Excuse me, sir; but I believe I've seen you before."
+
+"I shouldn't be surprised if you had, sir," answered George, steadily
+meeting the rebel's gaze. "I _know_ I've seen you before."
+
+His brother started back in his chair, and a gleam of triumph shot
+across his face as he exclaimed:
+
+"George, I know you."
+
+"And you will have cause to know me better before this war is over,"
+answered George, forgetting, in his excitement, all the precautions he
+had before adopted to escape being recognized.
+
+Had a thunderbolt fallen into the room, the astonishment of the
+general and his wife could not have been greater. They sat in their
+chairs as motionless as if they had been suddenly turned into stone,
+gazing at their son as though they could scarcely believe their eyes,
+while the fugitives sat with their hands on their weapons, wondering
+what would be the result of George's imprudence. At length the
+general, who was the first to recover from his astonishment,
+vociferated:
+
+"You here, you rascal--you young traitor! I thought you were safe in
+the prison at Tyler again by this time."
+
+"No doubt you did," answered George, bitterly. "But I'm a free man
+now, and intend to remain so."
+
+"You are free!" repeated the general; "that's a capital joke.
+Lieutenant Somers, I charge you with his safe delivery at Tyler."
+
+The major, greatly relieved to find that the general still considered
+him a rebel, was about to promise that George should be well taken
+care of, when the latter, to the astonishment of all, boldly declared:
+
+"That is not Lieutenant Somers. These gentlemen are all my
+friends--Union to the backbone."
+
+"Eh! what?" ejaculated the general, in surprise, scarcely believing
+what he heard. "These men all Yankees?"
+
+"Yes, sir; every one of them."
+
+"A nice-looking set, surely--a fine lot of jailbirds you are."
+
+"So I have been feeding a lot of tyrants instead of loyal Confederate
+soldiers," said Mrs. Le Dell, while the sisters gazed at the young
+hero with contempt pictured in their faces.
+
+"No, mother, you have _not_ fed tyrants," answered George, with a good
+deal of spirit, "but true Union men. It is nothing you need be ashamed
+of."
+
+"Well, we _are_ ashamed of it," said the general, who seemed to be
+fairly beside himself with rage. "Didn't I tell you never to darken my
+door again? Where are you traveling to, and what do you intend to do?"
+
+"I am on my way North, and I purpose to join my vessel, if she is
+still afloat."
+
+"You'll do no such thing. Just consider yourselves prisoners--all of
+you."
+
+"O no sheneral, I pelieve not," said the captain, quietly, "cause you
+see we six been more as you three."
+
+"No, father, we shall never be taken prisoners again--never."
+
+"You are very bold, young man," said the general, who, as he gazed
+upon the flushed countenance and flashing eyes of his son, could not
+but admire his courage. "This is big talk for a boy of your age."
+
+"We have already wasted time enough," said the major, growing
+impatient. "Captain, relieve those gentlemen of their weapons."
+
+The order was promptly obeyed, the rebels offering no resistance.
+
+"Now," resumed the major, "we shall take our leave. Good evening."
+
+"You'll all be in Fort De Russy in less than forty-eight hours,"
+shouted the general, "or I am very much mistaken."
+
+"We'll be dead men, then," answered George. "You will never take us
+there alive."
+
+The fugitives did not linger to converse, but made all haste to get
+into the open air. The horses belonging to the rebels, which were
+found fastened in front of the house, were immediately turned loose,
+and a thrust from the captain's bayonet sent them galloping up the
+road.
+
+George silently led the way to the place where they had left their
+prisoner, and, as soon as he was set at liberty, they bent their steps
+across the plantation, toward the woods at the rear. Although George
+had borne up bravely while in the presence of his rebel parents,
+he could control himself no longer, and tears, which he could not
+repress, coursed down his cheeks, as ever and anon he turned to take a
+long, lingering look at the place he could no longer call home. Every
+emotion he experienced found an echo in the generous heart of Frank,
+who was scarcely less affected than himself. He could not believe that
+the scene through which they had just passed was a reality. It did not
+seem possible that parents could address a son in the language that he
+had heard used toward George.
+
+The unexpected denouement at the house had rendered the major and
+captain doubly anxious; for now nothing but the most consummate skill
+and daring could save them from recapture; and, while the former kept
+close watch on the house to catch the first sign of pursuit that
+should be made, the latter gave vent to his feelings by railing, in
+his broken English, first at George for proposing such an expedition,
+and then by deprecating his own folly for yielding his consent to
+it. But there was no help now; regrets could not mend the matter, and
+nothing but rapid flight could save them.
+
+When they reached the end of the field, George became suddenly
+aroused. Brushing away the tears that dimmed his eyes, he placed
+himself at the head of the party, and started on at a rapid pace
+through the woods.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+Almost Betrayed.
+
+
+Whither he was leading them no one knew, or cared to ask; for, if they
+had entertained any suspicions in regard to George, the scene at the
+house had dispelled them; and knowing that he had as much, if not
+more, cause to dread recapture than themselves, they relied implicitly
+on him to get them out of their present difficulty.
+
+The woods were pitch-dark, but George seemed to understand what he was
+about, and, for two hours, not a word was spoken, except, perhaps,
+now and then a growl of anger, as some one stumbled over a log or bush
+that lay in his way. Finally, the softness of the ground under their
+feet indicated that they were approaching a swamp. George now paused,
+and said:
+
+"Major, with your permission, we will stop here until daylight. It is
+impossible to go further in this darkness, for it is an ugly road to
+travel."
+
+"What makes you take to the swamp?" inquired Frank.
+
+"It is a short cut across the country," answered George, "and if we
+are pursued by blood-hounds we can more easily elude them."
+
+Between sleeping and listening for the noise of pursuit, the fugitives
+passed the night. As soon as day began to dawn, they made a hasty
+breakfast on the provisions which they had obtained at the plantation,
+and resumed their journey. George led the way into the swamp, and,
+as he seemed to choose the most difficult path, their progress was
+necessarily slow and laborious. About the middle of the afternoon the
+swamp became almost impassable, and the major was about to suggest the
+propriety of picking out an easier path, when George suddenly halted
+on the banks of a narrow, but deep and sluggish, stream, and, wiping
+his forehead with his coat-sleeve, said, with something like a sigh of
+relief:
+
+"Here we are, at last."
+
+"I see we are," said the major, gazing impatiently about on the
+labyrinth of trees and bushes with which they were surrounded, "but
+I had rather be almost anywhere else. You might as well get us out of
+this swamp by the shortest and easiest path you can find."
+
+"I will, if you order me to do so," answered George; "but we are now
+at as good a harboring place as can be found in a country filled with
+enemies, bent upon our capture, and thirsting for our blood. I know
+my father's disposition too well to think that he will allow us to get
+off easily. The country is fairly overrun with cavalry by this time,
+and the best thing we can do is to remain here until the excitement
+has abated a little, and then push for Red River again. That high bank
+you see over there," he continued, pointing across the stream, "is an
+island, and all the blood-hounds and negro-hunters in Louisiana would
+not think of looking for us there. However, I will lead you out of the
+swamp, if you say so."
+
+After a short consultation, it was decided that it would be best to
+accept George's plan, as their pursuers would never think of looking
+for them so near the plantation; and, after divesting themselves of
+their clothes, they entered the water and struck out for the opposite
+shore. Frank, who brought up the rear, had scarcely made half a
+dozen strokes, when he was startled by a loud splashing in the water,
+followed by a noise resembling the bellowing of a bull, and looked up
+just in time to see the huge, shining body of an alligator disappear
+in the muddy water. The utmost horror was depicted on Frank's
+countenance, as he turned and hastily regained the shore. The others,
+who were too far out to return, were no less terrified, but they
+had the presence of mind to retain their hold of their clothing and
+weapons, and a few hasty strokes brought them to the shore. George
+and the lieutenant were the only ones who did not seem aware of the
+danger; for, when the former reached the shore, he proceeded to pull
+on his clothes, and, seeing Frank standing where he had left him,
+coolly inquired:
+
+"Why don't you come on? Can't you swim?"
+
+"Yes," answered Frank; "but didn't you see that alligator? I almost
+ran over him before I saw him."
+
+"O, that's nothing," answered George, carelessly. "If alligators were
+all we had to fear, we would all be safe at the North in less than two
+months. They are death on darkeys, but they will not touch a white man
+in the water, if he keeps moving. There's not the slightest danger.
+Come on."
+
+Frank was very much inclined to doubt this statement; but, screwing up
+his courage to the highest pitch, he stepped into the water again, and
+struck out. When he reached the middle of the stream, he saw a large,
+black object rise in the water but a short distance from him, and,
+after regarding him a moment with a pair of small, sharp-looking eyes,
+it disappeared, with another of those roars which had so startled
+him but a moment before. He kept on, however, and, in a few moments,
+reached the shore in safety.
+
+"Now," said George, "there is, or was about five years ago, a cabin
+on this island, where our negroes used to put up when they came here
+fishing. Let us see if we can find it."
+
+He commenced leading the way, through the thick bushes and trees,
+toward the center of the island, and, after a few moments' walk, they
+suddenly entered a small, clear spot, where stood the cabin of which
+George had spoken. But a far different scene was presented than they
+had expected; for a fire was burning near the cabin, and a man stood
+over it, superintending the cooking of his supper, and conversing in
+a low tone with a companion who lay stretched out on his blanket close
+by. Both were dressed in the rebel uniform, and their muskets and a
+cavalry saber were hung up under the eaves of the cabin. George
+at once hastily drew back into the bushes, while the captain threw
+forward his musket, and whispered:
+
+"Major, I pelieve it's petter we shoots them rebels."
+
+Before the major had time to reply, a large dog, which the fugitives
+had not before noticed, arose from the blanket where he had lain
+beside his master, and uttered a low growl, whereat the rebels seized
+their weapons, and were beating a precipitate retreat, when a loud
+"halt!" from the major brought them to a stand-still.
+
+"We takes you all two brisoners," said the captain, as he advanced
+from the bushes, followed by the remainder of the fugitives, who all
+held their weapons in readiness. "Drop them guns."
+
+The rebels did as they were ordered, and the major said:
+
+"Now we will talk to you. Who and what are you?"
+
+The men hesitated for a moment, and at length one of them, turning to
+his companion with a meaning look, said:
+
+"We're caught, any way we can fix it, Jim, and we may as well make a
+clean breast of it. We are deserters."
+
+"What are you doing here?"
+
+"We came here to get out of the way of you fellows who were sent after
+us. It is as good a place of refuge as we could find, and, to tell the
+truth, we did not think you would discover it. You must have followed
+us with blood-hounds."
+
+"No, sir; we did not," exclaimed the major, indignantly. "What do you
+take us for--savages?"
+
+"Well, you found us in some way," replied the rebel, "and I suppose
+we're done for."
+
+"No, not necessarily. We shall not trouble you as long as you behave
+yourselves, for we are in a bad fix also."
+
+"Are you deserters, too?" inquired the rebel, joyfully. "If you are,
+we are all right, for, with the force we have, we can defend this
+island against as many men as they can pile into Louisiana. But, shoot
+me if I didn't think you were looking after us. I see you have gobbled
+a Yankee," he continued, pointing to the lieutenant. "But, come, sit
+down and have some supper."
+
+The major was perfectly willing that the rebels should consider
+themselves in the presence of their own men; and, besides, if they
+were really deserters, their being on the island proved what
+George had told them, that it was considered to be a safe place for
+concealment. The only cause he had for uneasiness was the presence
+of the rebel lieutenant; if he should find opportunity to talk to the
+men, he would soon make known the true state of affairs.
+
+"Captain," he whispered, turning to that individual, "keep an eye on
+that prisoner of ours, and do not, under any circumstances, leave him
+alone with these deserters."
+
+The fugitives then threw themselves on the ground, under the shade of
+the trees, and, while the majority readily entered into conversation
+with the rebels, Frank, who had grown suspicious of every thing that
+looked like friendship, in spite of the cordial manner with which
+the deserters had welcomed them, could not, for a long time, satisfy
+himself that every thing was right. However, as he could detect
+nothing in the actions of the men to confirm his suspicions, and, as
+the fact that their food was supplied to them by a negro, who visited
+the island every night, gave him good grounds for believing that there
+_might_, after all, be some truth in their statement, he dismissed the
+subject for the present, but determined that the men should be closely
+watched.
+
+During the two following days, which the fugitives spent on the
+island, nothing suspicious was discovered. Wherever the lieutenant
+went he was closely followed by his keeper, and he was never allowed
+to be alone with the other rebels. In fact, he did not seem at all
+desirous of having any conversation with them, for, with the exception
+of taking a short walk about the island after every meal, he passed
+both day and night in dozing in the cabin. The rebels, on the other
+hand, appeared to believe him a "Yankee," and as such, considered him
+beneath their notice. Frank was beginning to think that his fears had
+been utterly groundless, when, on the third night, he was fortunate
+enough to detect a plot, which, if carried into execution, would have
+put an end to all his hopes of seeing home again, perhaps forever.
+
+It was his duty to stand sentry from dark until midnight. As he walked
+his beat, listening for the signal of the negro, whom he every moment
+expected with another supply of provisions, and thinking over the
+scenes through which he had passed since he had entered the service,
+he heard a slight rustling in the bushes back of the cabin, and saw
+one of the deserters disappear among the trees. What could the man
+mean by moving about the island at that time of night? There must be
+something wrong, for his stealthy movements proved that he did not
+wish to be observed. While Frank was pondering upon the subject,
+and debating the propriety of informing the major of the fact, the
+lieutenant sauntered leisurely up to the place where he was standing,
+and, stretching his arms, languidly inquired:
+
+"Don't you think it is very sultry this evening? It is impossible for
+me to sleep."
+
+This was something unusual for the lieutenant, who, although he had
+often conversed very freely with the major, had never before spoken to
+Frank since the night of his capture. The latter knew that the rebel
+had some object in view, and at once determined to act as though he
+suspected nothing, and to await the issue of affairs.
+
+"Yes, it is very warm," he replied, fanning himself with his cap. "I
+shall be glad when I get North again."
+
+"No doubt of it," answered the rebel, carelessly. "I believe I'll go
+down to the spring and get a cup of water, if you have no objections."
+
+As soon as he had disappeared, Frank threw himself on his hands and
+knees, and crawling to the edge of the bank, looked over, and saw the
+lieutenant and the deserter, whom he had seen stealing from the cabin,
+engaged in conversation.
+
+"They will be here to-morrow night, then, without fail?" he heard the
+lieutenant ask.
+
+"Yes, so the negro says," replied the deserter.
+
+"Twelve of them, did you say? That will make sixteen, including the
+negro. There will be none too many of us, for these Yankees will fight
+like perfect demons. If we fail, our lives will not be worth five
+minutes' purchase."
+
+"Do not have any fears," replied the other. "I have made 'assurance
+doubly sure,' and failure is impossible."
+
+"Well, go back to the cabin now," said the lieutenant, "for you might
+be missed."
+
+On hearing this, Frank hastily retreated, and regained his post.
+Presently the lieutenant returned, and, after giving Frank a drink of
+water from his cup, sought his blanket.
+
+"A pretty piece of business, indeed," thought Frank, as he commenced
+walking his beat again. "It is fortunate I discovered it. I'll keep a
+lookout for the negro, and learn all I can from him."
+
+He was not obliged to wait long, for presently a low whistle, that
+sounded from the opposite side of the bayou, told that the negro was
+in waiting. Frank answered the signal, when a light canoe shot out
+from the shore and approached the island. In a few moments the negro
+walked up the bank, and, depositing a large bag of provisions in
+the cabin, turned to go back, followed by Frank, who commenced
+conversation by observing, "A warm evening, uncle;" but, the moment
+they were out of sight of the cabin, he inquired, in a low voice:
+
+"Are those twelve men all ready to come here to-morrow night?"
+
+"Sar! what twelve men?" asked the negro, in well-feigned surprise. "I
+dunno nuffin 'bout no twelve men."
+
+"O, now, see here, uncle," said Frank, "that story won't do at all,
+for I know better than that. You see this is the first chance I have
+had to talk to you, for these Yanks watch me so closely. Now, at what
+hour are they to be here?"
+
+"I tol' you, massa," repeated the negro, "dat I dunno nuffin 'bout no
+men;" and, thinking he had settled the matter, turned to walk away.
+
+But Frank was not yet done with him, and, seeing that he was too
+cunning to be "pumped," determined to try what effect the sight of his
+weapons would produce. Seizing the negro by the collar, he pressed
+the muzzle of his revolver against his head, whispering, between his
+clenched teeth:
+
+"See here, you black rascal! you _do_ know all about the matter, for
+you have carried orders from these rebels here to their friends. So,
+confess the whole truth, instantly."
+
+"I dunno nuffin 'bout no men, I tol' you," persisted the negro.
+
+"You won't confess, eh?" said Frank, cocking his revolver. "Then
+you're a dead man."
+
+"O Lor'! don't shoot, massa," exclaimed the now terrified negro. "What
+shall I 'fess."
+
+"Confess the truth," replied Frank, "and you shall not be harmed; but,
+if you try to deceive me, you're a dead darkey. Answer such questions
+as I shall ask you. In the first place, who are these men who say they
+are rebel deserters?"
+
+"One of 'em is my massa, an' de other is a captain in de army."
+
+"What are they doing on this island?"
+
+"Dey come here for to cotch young massa George Le Dell, 'cause dey
+knowed he would be shore for to come here."
+
+"Well, how many men are you going to bring over here to-morrow night?"
+
+"Twelve, sar, an' I fotch 'em in de big canoe."
+
+"At what hour?"
+
+"Midnight, when de moon hab gone down, an' my massa is on guard."
+
+Having got this important information, Frank released the negro, and
+regained his post without being discovered. At midnight he called his
+relief, and then lay down on the ground and fell asleep.
+
+After breakfast, the next morning, as the major went to the spring to
+fill his cup, Frank, who had followed close behind him, said suddenly:
+
+"We're in trouble again."
+
+"Yes, and always shall be," answered the major, coolly, "until we are
+safe at the North. But what is the matter now--any thing new?"
+
+"Yes," replied Frank, speaking in a whisper, lest he should be
+overheard. "Last night I discovered that there is a plot on foot to
+recapture us, and the attempt is to be made at midnight. These men we
+found here are not deserters, as they claim to be, but still belong to
+the army."
+
+The major, as if not at all concerned, raised the cup to his lips and
+slowly drained it, keeping his eyes fastened on Frank, who finally
+began to grow impatient, and inquired:
+
+"What shall we do to defeat them?"
+
+"Keep cool, for one thing," answered the major. "But tell me all the
+particulars."
+
+Frank then recounted every thing that had transpired. When he had
+finished, the major carelessly remarked:
+
+"The rascals played their parts pretty well; in fact, very well,
+indeed. Now, the first thing to be done is to go back to the camp and
+secure those two fellows. We'll determine upon our plans afterward."
+
+They accordingly slowly returned to the cabin, and found their men
+engaged, one in sharpening his Bowie-knife, and the other cleaning his
+rifle. The major walked straight up to one of them, and, seizing his
+musket, wrested it from him. The other, comprehending the state of
+affairs in an instant, exclaimed "Betrayed!" and turned to run, when
+Frank grappled with him and threw him to the ground.
+
+"What ish the matter here, any way?" exclaimed the captain, who was
+taken so completely by surprise that he stood riveted to the spot.
+
+"Lend a hand here," answered Frank, struggling desperately with his
+man, "and ask your questions afterward."
+
+The captain at once sprang to Frank's assistance; in a moment, the
+rebel was disarmed, and his hands bound behind his back. The major,
+in the mean time, having succeeded in securing his man, gave a hasty
+explanation of the matter, and ended by saying:
+
+"There is but one way for us to do, and that is to leave this place at
+once. Tie those two rebels to some of these trees, and then we'll be
+off."
+
+As soon as this was accomplished, and the major had satisfied himself
+that there was not the least chance for their escape, he said:
+
+"Now, we shall leave you here. Your friends will probably be along at
+midnight and liberate you."
+
+The rebels made no reply, and the fugitives, after collecting their
+weapons, again set out, taking the lieutenant with them. The major
+ordered George to lead them by the most direct route to Red River.
+This was a desperate measure, but their case was also desperate. The
+country on all sides of them had been alarmed, and, if Red River was
+closely guarded, the Washita was equally dangerous.
+
+So anxious were they to put as long a distance as possible between
+them and the scene of their late narrow escape, that they traveled
+until the next morning--stopping only to eat sparingly of some
+provisions which one of the soldiers had secured before leaving the
+island--and then camped in the swamp, and slept soundly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+Conclusion.
+
+
+The next evening, as soon as it was dark, they again started out. For
+three days they held their course straight through the woods, and,
+finally, releasing their prisoner, they bent their steps toward Red
+River, where, after many delays, they succeeded in securing a canoe.
+
+They traveled entirely by night, and, in a short time reached
+Alexandria, where they landed just above the village, and went ashore
+to reconnoiter. To their disappointment they found that the place was
+filled with soldiers, and that a pontoon-bridge had been thrown across
+the river, and was guarded at both ends.
+
+After making all their observations, they retreated to the bank of the
+river, and held a consultation. Should they abandon their canoe, and
+strike off through the woods again? There were many objections to
+this plan. The country, for miles around, was, doubtless, filled with
+encampments, and guarded by pickets, and their progress would involve
+both danger and difficulty. Besides, they were almost worn out with
+travel and constant watching, and, even had there been no obstacles
+in their way, it would have been impossible for them to sustain a
+long journey across the country. It was finally decided to follow the
+river. They resolved to run the bridge, and hoped, aided by darkness,
+to escape discovery. It was necessary that some one should guide
+the canoe, and, as Frank perfectly understood its management, he was
+selected for the purpose.
+
+As soon as the moon had gone down, Frank seated himself in the stern
+of the canoe, and his companions stretched themselves out under the
+thwarts, as much out of sight as possible. As soon as all was ready,
+he moved their frail craft from the shore, with one silent sweep of
+the paddle, turning it toward the bridge.
+
+It was a dangerous undertaking; but Frank although perfectly aware
+of this, and knowing what his fate would be if he was recaptured, had
+never been more cool and self-possessed in his life. He remained at
+his station until they were within a hundred yards of the bridge. He
+then drew in his paddle, and laid on the bottom of the canoe, with the
+others, awaiting the issue.
+
+Propelled by the force of the current, the canoe rapidly approached
+the bridge, and, presently, they could distinctly hear the sentinels
+talking with each other. They had not been expecting an enemy in that
+quarter; but, in a few moments, that danger was passed. For miles
+below Alexandria, the river was lined with picket fires, and
+the slightest noise would have betrayed them. But they were not
+discovered; and, after a week's journey--during which the papers Frank
+had taken from the rebel lieutenant procured them food--they reached
+the Mississippi River.
+
+To their disappointment they learned that Vicksburg was still in
+possession of the rebels, and that they had two hundred miles further
+to go before they would be among friends again. After having come so
+far, they could not be discouraged, but, taking a few moments' repose,
+they again set out.
+
+The current in the river was very strong, and it was a month before
+they reached Vicksburg. One dark night, they ran by the city in
+safety, and the next morning, to their joy, they found themselves in
+sight of a gun-boat, for which they immediately shaped their course.
+As they approached her, Frank thought there was something about the
+vessel that looked familiar; and when they came alongside, he found
+that it was the Ticonderoga. She had been repainted, and some of
+her rigging altered, which was the reason he had not recognized her
+before.
+
+Frank almost cried with joy when he found himself once more on his own
+ship; and all the dangers he had undergone were forgotten in a moment.
+He saw many new officers on board, and a master's mate met them at the
+gangway, who, probably, held the position he once occupied.
+
+The captain stood on deck, but did not recognize him; and even the old
+mate, with whom Frank had been an especial favorite, gazed at him as
+though he were a perfect stranger.
+
+"Walk up on deck, men," said the officer who received them, and who,
+doubtless, took them for rebel deserters, "the captain wants to see
+you."
+
+Frank led the way up the ladder, and as they filed, one after the
+other, on to the quarter-deck, the captain inquired:
+
+"Where do you belong, men?"
+
+"I formerly belonged here, sir," answered Frank, raising his hat; "and
+I have the honor to report myself on board."
+
+"Report yourself on board!" repeated the captain, in a tone of
+surprise.
+
+"Yes, sir. I haven't been on board since we were down Yazoo Pass. I
+did not intend to remain away so long, when I left the ship, but I
+couldn't help it."
+
+"Explain yourself," said the captain, growing impatient; "I don't know
+what you mean."
+
+"My name is Nelson, sir; I was captured at"--
+
+"Why, Mr. Nelson!" exclaimed the captain, seizing his hand with a grip
+that almost wrung from him a cry of pain, "is it possible this is you?
+I never expected to see you again. 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. The dispatch boat will be along in a day
+or two, and I will send you up the river on her. I think it is nothing
+more than right that you should go home for a couple of months, at
+least, for you have been through a good deal for a young man of your
+age."
+
+The thought that he was soon to see his home again did Frank more good
+than all the medicine the doctor had given him; and, by the time the
+mail steamer arrived, he was able to walk about. In two weeks they
+arrived at Cairo. The steamer had scarcely touched the wharf-boat
+before Archie, who had seen his cousin standing on deck, sprang on
+board.
+
+We can not describe the meeting. To Archie it was like finding one
+risen from the dead; for he had heard of Frank's capture, and had
+never expected to see him again. A multitude of questions were asked
+and answered on both sides; and when Frank informed Archie that he
+was on his way home, the latter abruptly left him, and hurried to the
+fleet paymaster to ask permission to accompany his cousin. This, as
+business was dull, and as Archie had always been very faithful, was
+readily obtained. They made preparations for immediate departure.
+After Archie had telegraphed to his father that Frank was safe--taking
+care, however, not to say one word about their coming home--they took
+their seats in the cars, and soon arrived safely in Portland. Frank
+remained there only one day, and then set out for Lawrence.
+
+Only those who have been in similar circumstances can imagine what
+Frank's feelings were, as he stood on the deck of the Julia Burton,
+and found himself once more in sight of his native village. Familiar
+objects met his eye on every side. There were the weeds that
+surrounded the perch-bed, where he, in company with George and Harry
+Butler, was fishing when he made the acquaintance of Charles Morgan,
+who was afterward the leader of the Regulators. Above the perch-bed
+was the bass-ground, and to the left was Reynard's Island, where
+the black fox had been captured. Near the middle of the river lay
+Strawberry Island, which had been the silent witness of many a sailing
+match between the yachts of the village; in short, every thing looked
+exactly as it did when, just fifteen months before, he had sailed down
+the river on that same steamer, on his way to Portland.
+
+As soon as the steamer was made fast to the wharf, Frank gave his
+trunk in charge of a drayman, and set out on foot for the cottage;
+for, impatient as he was to get home, he wished to have time to enjoy
+the sight of each familiar object along the road; besides, he wished
+to come in upon his folks (who little dreamed that he was so near to)
+suddenly, and take them by surprise. Every thing in the village, and
+along the road, looked as natural as ever; not a tree, bush, or stump
+seemed to have been removed. At length he reached the bend in the road
+which brought him in sight of his home. He stopped to gaze upon the
+scene. Not a thing about the house or orchard had been changed. He
+noticed that a part of the rose-bush which covered his window, and
+which had been broken off in a storm the night before he left, still
+swung loose in the wind; and even his fish-pole, which he had hung up
+under the eaves of his museum, had not been touched.
+
+While he stood thus, trying in vain to choke back the tears, he was
+aroused by a well-known bark; the next moment Brave bounded over the
+fence, and came toward his master at the top of his speed. He had been
+lying in his accustomed place in front of the house; he had seen Frank
+approaching, and had recognized him in an instant. Frank wound his
+arms around the faithful animal's neck, and, after caressing him for
+a moment, again started toward the house, Brave leading the way, with
+every demonstration of joy. As soon as Frank succeeded in quieting
+him, he walked through the gate, noiselessly opened the door leading
+into the hall, and paused to listen.
+
+He heard Julia's voice singing one of his favorite songs, while a
+loud clatter of dishes told him that Hannah was still in charge of the
+kitchen.
+
+Brave ran into the sitting-room, barking and whining furiously, and
+Frank heard his mother say:
+
+"Julia, I guess you did not close the front door when you came in. Be
+quiet, Brave. What is the matter with you?" and Mrs. Nelson, dressed
+in deep mourning, came into the hall. The next moment she was clasped
+in her son's arms.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Let those who have sons and brothers in the service imagine the joy
+that prevailed in that house! They had heard of Frank's capture,
+through Archie and the captain of the Ticonderoga, and, afterward,
+that he was killed at Shreveport, while attempting to run by the
+guards.
+
+"Mother," said Frank, as soon as the greeting was over, "you told me,
+when I went away, never to shrink from my duty, but always to do what
+was required of me, no matter what the danger might be. Have I obeyed
+your instructions?"
+
+Reader, will you answer the question for her? and will you follow
+Frank through his adventures before Vicksburg and on the Lower
+Mississippi?
+
+The End
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Frank on a Gun-Boat, by Harry Castlemon
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12808 ***