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+Project Gutenberg's Frank on the Lower Mississippi, by Harry Castlemon
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
+other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
+the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
+www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
+to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
+
+Title: Frank on the Lower Mississippi
+
+Author: Harry Castlemon
+
+Posting Date: January 11, 2015 [EBook #6958]
+Release Date: November, 2004
+First Posted: February 17, 2003
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FRANK ON THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Garcia, Juliet Sutherland, Charles Franks,
+and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+FRANK ON THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI.
+
+BY
+
+HARRY CASTLEMON
+
+
+
+
+  CONTENTS
+
+
+  CHAPTER    I.--THE NEW PAYMASTER
+
+  CHAPTER   II.--A NIGHT EXPEDITION
+
+  CHAPTER  III.--ARCHIE IN A PREDICAMENT
+
+  CHAPTER   IV.--A MARK FOR THE UNION
+
+  CHAPTER    V.--A RUN FOR LIFE
+
+  CHAPTER   VI.--FRANK TURNS DETECTIVE
+
+  CHAPTER  VII.--FRANK'S FIRST COMMAND
+
+  CHAPTER VIII.--AN UNLUCKY FLIGHT
+
+  CHAPTER   IX.--UP THE WASHITA
+
+  CHAPTER    X.--THE PROMOTION
+
+  CHAPTER   XI.--THE RIVAL SPIES
+
+  CHAPTER  XII.--A SCOUTING PARTY
+
+  CHAPTER XIII.--TOM THE COXSWAIN
+
+  CHAPTER  XIV.--A REBEL TRICK
+
+  CHAPTER   XV.--HONORABLY DISCHARGED
+
+
+
+
+FRANK ON THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+The New Paymaster.
+
+
+Vicksburg had fallen, and the army had marched in and taken possession
+of the city. How Frank longed to accompany it, that he might see the
+inside of the rebel stronghold, which had so long withstood the advance
+of our fleet and army! He stood leaning against one of the monster guns,
+which, at his bidding, had spoken so often and so effectively in favor
+of the Union, and for two hours watched the long lines of war-worn
+soldiers as they moved into the works. At length a tremendous cheer
+arose from the city, and Frank discovered a party of soldiers on the
+cupola of the court-house, from which, a few moments afterward, floated
+the Stars and Stripes. Then came faintly to his ears the words of a
+familiar song, which were caught up by the soldiers in the city, then by
+those who were still marching in, and "We'll rally round the flag,
+boys," was sung by an immense choir. The rebels in the streets gazed
+wonderingly at the men on the spire, and listened to the song, and the
+triumphant shouts of the conquering army, which proclaimed the beginning
+of the downfall of their confederacy.
+
+To Frank, it was one of the proudest moments of his life--a sight he
+would not have missed to be able to float at the mast-head of his vessel
+the broad pennant of the admiral. All he had endured was forgotten; and
+when the Old Flag was unfurled in the air which had but a short time
+before floated the "stars and bars," he pulled off his cap and shouted
+at the top of his lungs.
+
+Having thus given vent to his feelings of exultation, in obedience to
+orders, he commenced the removal of his battery on board the Trenton. It
+was two days' work to accomplish this, but Frank, who was impatient to
+see the inside of the fortifications worked with a will, and finally the
+battery was mounted in its old position. On the following day, the
+Trenton moved down the river, and came to anchor in front of Vicksburg.
+Shore liberty was granted, and Frank, in company with several of his
+brother officers, strolled about the city. On every side the houses bore
+the marks of Union shot and shell, and the streets were blocked with
+fortifications, showing that had the city been taken by storm, it was
+the intention of the rebels to dispute every inch of the ground. Every
+thing bore evidence to the fact that the fight had been a most desperate
+one; that the rebels had surrendered only when they found that it was
+impossible to hold out longer.
+
+In some places the streets ran through deep cuts in the bank, and in
+these banks were the famous "gopher holes." They were [ca]ves dug in
+the ground, into which a person, if he happened to hear a shell coming,
+might run for safety. Outside the city, the fortifications were most
+extensive; rifle-pits ran in every direction, flanked by strong forts,
+whose battered walls attested the fury of the iron hail that had been
+poured upon them. It was night before Frank was aware of it, so
+interested was he in every thing about him, and he returned on board his
+vessel, weary with his long walk, but amply repaid by seeing the inside
+of what its rebel occupants had called "the Gibraltar of America."
+
+During the next two days, several vessels of the squadron passed the
+city, on their way to new fields of action further down the river. One
+of them--the Boxer, a tin-clad, mounting eight guns--had Frank on board.
+He had been detached from the Trenton, and ordered to join this vessel,
+which had been assigned a station a short distance below Grand Gulf. As
+usual, he had no difficulty in becoming acquainted with his new
+messmates, and he soon felt perfectly at home among them. He found, as
+he had done in every other mess of which he had been a member, that
+there was the usual amount of wrangling and disputing, and it amused him
+exceedingly. All the mess seemed to be indignant at the caterer, who did
+not appear to stand very high in their estimation. The latter, he
+learned, had just made an "assessment" upon the mess to the amount of
+ten dollars for each member; and as there was no paymaster on board, the
+officers had but very little ready money, and were anxious to know where
+all the funds paid into the treasury went to. He also found that the
+caterer's authority was not as much respected as he had a right to
+claim, for during the very first meal Frank ate in the mess, a dispute
+arose which threatened for a time to end in the whole matter being
+carried before the captain.
+
+One of the members of the mess, who was temporarily attached to the
+vessel, was a pilot who had been pressed into the service. He was a
+genuine rebel, and frequently said that he was called a traitor because
+he was in favor of allowing the South to "peaceably withdraw from the
+Union." The doctor, a little, fat, jolly man, and a thorough Unionist,
+who believed in handling all rebels without gloves, took up the sword,
+and the debate that followed was long and stormy. The pilot, as it
+proved, hardly knew the reasons why the South had attempted to secede,
+and was constantly clinching his arguments by saying, "Men who know
+more, and who have done more fighting during this war than you, Doctor
+Brown, say that they have a right to do so." The debate waxed hotter and
+hotter, until some of the other members of the mess joined in with the
+doctor against the pilot, and the caterer, thinking that the noise the
+disputants made was unbecoming the members of a well-regulated mess, at
+length shouted:
+
+"Silence! Gentlemen, hereafter talking politics in this wardroom is
+strictly prohibited."
+
+"Eh?" ejaculated the doctor, who was thoroughly aroused, "Do you expect
+us to sit here and listen to a conscript running down the Government--a
+man who never would have entered the service if he had not been
+compelled to do so? No, sir! I wouldn't hold my tongue under such
+circumstances if all the six-foot-four caterers in the squadron should
+say so. You are not a little admiral, to come down here and hoist your
+broad pennant in this mess-room."
+
+The caterer was astounded when he found his authority thus set at
+defiance, and without further parley he retired to his room; and in a
+few moments returned with the books, papers, and the small amount of
+money that belonged to the mess; laying them on the table, he said:
+
+"Gentlemen, you will please elect another caterer."
+
+The debate was instantly hushed, for not one member of the mess, besides
+the caterer just resigned, could have been hired to take the
+responsibility of managing affairs. When the officers had finished their
+dinner, they walked carelessly out on deck, as if the question of where
+the next meal was to come from did not trouble them in the least.
+Nothing was done toward an election; no one took charge of the books or
+papers, and when the table was cleared away they were thrown
+unceremoniously under the water-cooler. The money, however, was taken
+care of by the doctor. Dinner-time came, and when Frank, tired and
+hungry, was relieved from the deck, he inquired what was to be had to
+eat.
+
+"There's nothing been done about it yet," answered the officer who
+relieved him. "The steward went to several of the members of the mess,
+and asked what they wished served up; but they told him that they had
+nothing to do with the caterer's business, and the consequence is, if
+you want any thing to eat, you will have to go into the pantry and help
+yourself."
+
+Frank was a good deal amused at the obstinacy displayed by the different
+members of the mess, and wondered how the affair would end. The mess
+could not long exist without some one to take charge of it; but for
+himself he was not at all concerned. He had paid no initiation fee,
+because no one had asked him for it, and he knew that as long as there
+were provisions in the paymaster's store-rooms, there was no danger but
+that he would get plenty to eat. He found three or four officers in the
+pantry making their dinner on hard-tack, pickles, and raw bacon. They
+were all grumbling over the hard fare, but not one of them appeared
+willing to assume the office of caterer.
+
+Things went on in this way for nearly a week, (during which time they
+had arrived at their station,) and the doctor, who was fond of good
+living, could stand it no longer. He went to the caterer who had
+resigned, and, after considerable urging, and a solemn promise that
+politics should not again be discussed in the mess, the latter was
+persuaded to resume the management of affairs. The change from hard
+crackers and pickles to nice warm meals was a most agreeable one, and
+the jolly doctor, according to promise, was very careful what questions
+were brought up before the mess for discussion.
+
+By this time, as we have before remarked, the Boxer had arrived at her
+station. Her crew thought they were now about to lead a life of idleness
+and inactivity, for not a rebel had they seen since leaving Vicksburg.
+But one morning, while the men were engaged in washing off the
+forecastle, they were startled by a roar of musketry, and three of the
+sailors fell dead upon the deck.
+
+The fight that followed continued for two hours, the rebels finally
+retiring, not because they had been worsted, but for the reason that
+they had grown weary of the engagement. This was the commencement of a
+series of attacks which proved to be the source of great annoyance to
+the crew of the Boxer. The guerrillas would appear when least expected,
+and the levee afforded them a secure hiding-place from which they could
+not be driven, either with big guns or small arms. They were fatal
+marksmen, too; and during the week following, the Boxer's crew lost ten
+men. One rebel in particular attracted their attention, and his reckless
+courage excited their admiration. He rode a large white horse, and
+although rendered a prominent mark for the rifles of the sailors, he
+always escaped unhurt. He would ride boldly out in full view of the
+vessel, patiently wait for someone to expose himself, when the sharp
+crack of his rifle would be followed by the report made to the captain,
+"A man shot, sir."
+
+Frank had selected this man as a worthy foe-man; and every time he
+appeared the young officer was on the watch for him. He was very expert
+with the rifle, and after a few shots, he succeeded in convincing the
+rebel that the safest place for him was behind the levee. One morning
+the foe appeared in stronger force than usual, and conspicuous among
+them was the white horse and his daring rider. The fight that ensued had
+continued for perhaps half an hour, when the quartermaster reported the
+dispatch-boat approaching. As soon as she came within range, the
+guerrillas directed their fire against her, to which the latter replied
+briskly from two guns mounted on her forecastle. The leader of the
+rebels was constantly in view, cheering on his men, and discharging his
+rifle as fast as he could reload. Frank fired several shots at him, and
+finding that, as usual, they were without effect, he asked the captain's
+permission to try a howitzer on him, which was granted. He ran below,
+trained the gun to his satisfaction, and waited for an opportunity to
+fire, during which the dispatch-boat came alongside and commenced
+putting off a supply of stores.
+
+At length the rebel mounted the levee, and reigning in his horse, sat in
+his saddle gazing at the vessels, as if not at all concerned. He
+presented a fair mark, and Frank fired, but the shell went wild and
+burst in the woods, far beyond the rebel, who, however, beat a hasty
+retreat behind the levee.
+
+"Oh, what a shot!" shouted a voice through the trumpet that led from the
+pilot-house to the main deck. "What a shot--altogether too much
+elevation."
+
+"Who's that, I wonder?" soliloquized Frank. "It _was_ a poor shot,
+but I'd like to see that fellow, whoever he is, do any better."
+
+After giving orders to have the gun reloaded and secured, he ran into
+the wardroom to look after his mail, at the same time inquiring of every
+one he met, "Who was that making fun of my shooting?" But no one knew,
+nor cared to trouble himself about the matter, for the subject of
+conversation was, "We've got a new paymaster."
+
+Frank was pleased to hear this, but was still determined to find the
+person who had laughed at his marksmanship, when he saw a pair of feet
+descending the ladder that led from the cabin to the pilot-house, and a
+moment afterward, a smart looking young officer, dressed in the uniform
+of a paymaster, stood in the wardroom, and upon discovering Frank,
+thrust out his hand and greeted him with--
+
+"What a shot! Been in the service more than two years, and"--
+
+"Why, Archie Winters, is this you?" exclaimed Frank, joyfully.
+
+"_Paymaster_ Winters, if you please" replied Archie, with mock
+dignity.
+
+"How came you here? What are you doing? Got any money?" hurriedly
+inquired Frank.
+
+"Got plenty of funds," replied his cousin. "But I say, Frank, how long
+has this fighting been going on?"
+
+"Every day for the last week."
+
+Archie shrugged his shoulders, and looked blank.
+
+"I guess I had better go back to Cairo," said he; "these rebels, I hear,
+shoot very carelessly. Just before we came alongside here, I was
+standing on the deck of the dispatch-boat, and some fellow cracked away
+at me, sending the bullet altogether too close to my head for comfort."
+
+"Oh, that's nothing, so long as he didn't hit you. You'll get used to
+that before you have been here a week. But, Archie, are you really
+ordered to this vessel?"
+
+Archie at once produced his orders, and, sure enough, he was an acting
+assistant paymaster, and ordered to "report to the commanding officer of
+the U. S. S. Boxer for duty on board that vessel."
+
+During the two years that Archie had been in the fleet-paymaster's
+office he had, by strict attention to his duties, worked his way up from
+"writer" to corresponding clerk. He had had ample opportunity to learn
+the duties of paymaster, and one day he suddenly took it into his head
+to make application for the position. He immediately wrote to his
+father, informing him of his intention, procured his letters of
+recommendation, and a month afterward received the appointment.
+
+Hearing, through Frank, that the Boxer was without a paymaster, he
+succeeded in getting ordered to her, and, as he had not written to his
+cousin of his good fortune, the latter, as may be supposed, was taken
+completely by surprise.
+
+Archie was speedily introduced to the officers of the vessel, who were
+pleased with his off-hand, easy manners, and delighted with the looks of
+a small safe which he had brought with him, for they knew, by the very
+particular orders he gave concerning it, that there was money in it.
+
+At the end of an hour the rebels seemed to grow weary of the fight, for
+they drew off their forces; then, as soon as it was safe on deck, the
+cousins seated themselves on the guard, to "talk over old times." Frank
+gave descriptions of the fights in which he had engaged since they last
+met, and also related stories of mess-room life, with which Archie was
+entirely unacquainted; and to show him how things were conducted, told
+him of the jokes the officers frequently played upon each other.
+
+"Speaking of jokes," said Archie, "reminds me of a little affair I had a
+hand in at Cairo.
+
+"While the commandant of the station was absent on a leave, his place
+was supplied by a gentleman whom, for short, I will call Captain Smith.
+He was a regular officer, had grown gray in the service, and was one of
+the most eccentric men I ever saw. He was extremely nervous, too, and if
+a steamer happened to whistle while passing the wharf-boat, it would
+make him almost wild.
+
+"One day, a man who lived off somewhere in the woods, came down to Cairo
+to get an appointment for his son as master's mate. Our office, you
+know, was just to the right of the door, and, if there was any thing
+that bothered me, it was for some body to stick his head over the
+railing when I was busy, and ask, 'Is the commandant of the station in?'
+There was an orderly on watch day and night, always ready to answer such
+questions, and besides, there was an abundance of notices on the walls
+pointing out the different offices; but in spite of this, every stranger
+that came in must stop and make inquiries of me.
+
+"Well, this man came into the office, and as he had evidently never been
+there before, judging by the way he gaped at every thing, I told him
+that it was after office hours, and that he must call again the next
+morning about nine o'clock. He took a turn or two across the floor
+(by-the-way, he wore squeaking boots, that made a noise like a
+steam-whistle), and finally went out.
+
+"The next evening, just as I was locking up my desk, he came in again,
+and I repeated what I had told him the night before, that he must come
+at nine o'clock in the _morning_--not at night--if he wished to see
+the captain, and he went out, after making noise enough with his
+squeaking boots to set a nervous man's teeth on edge. Now, would you
+believe it, that evening, after I had finished my work, and was starting
+out for supper, I saw this man coming up the stairs. He met me with the
+usual question, 'Is the captain in?' and I suddenly hit upon a plan to
+get rid of him, for I had made up my mind that the man didn't know what
+he was about; so I replied:
+
+"'What do you want? Why don't you come here during our office hours, if
+you want to see me?'
+
+"I spoke in a gruff voice, and I was so bundled up--for the night was
+very cold--that I knew he wouldn't recognize me.
+
+"'I've been busy all day, cap'in,' said he; 'but the fact is'--
+
+"I was afraid that I would be obliged to stand there in the cold and
+listen to a long, uninteresting yarn, so I interrupted him.
+
+"'Speak quick, and don't keep me waiting.'
+
+"'Wal, cap'in,' said he, 'I heerd you are in want of officers, an' I
+come to get a place for my son; I hear the wages are purty good.'
+
+"'Yes,' I replied, 'we do want officers; but does your son know anything
+about a ship?'
+
+"'Oh, yes? He's run the river as deck-hand for goin' nigh on to three
+year.'
+
+"'Then he ought to know something, certainly. Come around tomorrow
+morning, at nine o'clock exactly, and I'll see what can be done for you.
+Now, mind, I say nine o'clock in the morning.'
+
+"Well, the next morning, at the appointed time, to my utter
+astonishment, the man was on hand, and, as usual, commenced walking up
+and down the floor with his squeaking boots. The noise disturbed
+everyone within hearing, and presently the captain, who was in his
+office, and so busy that he hardly knew what he was about, spoke in a
+sharp tone:
+
+"'Orderly, pull off those squeaking boots!'
+
+"'It isn't me, sir.' said the orderly; 'it's a gentleman out here
+waiting to see you, sir.'
+
+"'Then send him in--send him in at once, so that I can get rid of that
+noise.'
+
+"The man was accordingly shown into the presence of the captain, while I
+listened with both ears to hear what was said.
+
+"'Mornin', cap'in,' he began; 'I reckon I'm here on time.'
+
+"'Time! what time? What do you want?' inquired the captain, who always
+spoke very fast, as though he were in a hurry to get through with what
+he had to say. 'What do you want, my good man. Be lively now.'
+
+"'Why, cap'in, I come here to get that appointment for my son in this
+ere navy.'
+
+"'Appointment! For your son!' repeated the captain. 'Who is he? I never
+heard of him.'
+
+"'Wal, really now, cap'in, I'll be shot if you didn't tell me last night
+that you would make my son an officer. The wages are good, I hear, an'
+as I've a debt to pay off on the farm'--
+
+"'Don't bother me!' interrupted the captain, beginning to get impatient.
+
+"'But, cap'in,' urged the man, 'you can't bluff me off this 'ere way.
+You told me last night that you wanted officers; you know I met you on
+the stairs, and you promised, honor bright.'
+
+"'Eh!' ejaculated the captain, in surprise,'my good man, allow me to
+know what I'm about, will you? _Will_ you allow me to know myself?
+Orderly,' he continued, turning to that individual, who had stood by,
+convulsed with laughter, which he was vainly endeavoring to conceal,
+'orderly, do you think this man is in his right mind?'
+
+"The orderly said he didn't know; but, taking the man by the arm, showed
+him out of the office, telling him to come again, when the captain was
+not quite so busy.
+
+"The conversation had been carried on in a loud tone, and all the
+occupants of the different offices had heard it, and were highly amused,
+for they knew that somebody had been playing a joke on the countryman;
+but it was a long time before I told anyone of the share I had had in
+the affair."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+A Night Expedition.
+
+
+"The captain wishes to see you, gentlemen!" said the orderly, stepping
+up and saluting.
+
+The cousins repaired to the cabin, and after Archie had been introduced
+to the captain (for being utterly ignorant of the manner in which things
+were conducted on shipboard, he had not yet reported his arrival), his
+orders were indorsed, and the captain, turning to his desk, ran his eye
+hastily over an official document, and said:
+
+"Mr. Nelson, I have received instructions from the admiral to make you
+the executive officer of this vessel. Mr. Kearney's resignation has been
+accepted, and you will take his place. I am certain, from what I know
+and have heard of your past history, that I shall have no cause to
+regret the change."
+
+After a few moments' conversation with the captain upon unimportant
+matters, the cousins returned to the wardroom.
+
+Frank's constant attention to his duties had again been rewarded, and he
+was now the second in authority on board the vessel. All orders from the
+captain must pass through him, and in the absence of that gentleman he
+became commander. To say that Frank was delighted would but feebly
+express his feelings; he was proud of the honor, and determined that he
+would prove himself worthy of it. In fact, he had now reached the height
+of his ambition, although he had little dreamed that it would come so
+soon. He asked nothing more. He had worked hard and faithfully ever
+since he had entered the service, but in receiving the appointment of
+executive officer he felt amply rewarded.
+
+He was young in years for so responsible a position, but he had no fears
+of his ability to perform all the duties required of him, for the
+routine of ship life had become as familiar to him as was the road from
+Lawrence to his quiet little home on the banks of Glen's Creek. But his
+promotion did not affect him as it does a great many who suddenly find
+themselves possessed of power. He did not "stand upon his rank," nor in
+his intercourse with his messmates endeavor to keep constantly before
+their minds the fact that he was the second in command. Those who have
+been in the service--especially in the navy--will recall to mind
+incidents of this character; but our hero never forgot the respect he
+owed to his superiors, and his conduct toward those under him was marked
+by the same kindness he had always shown them.
+
+Frank knew that he had something of a task before him. Although he could
+now turn into his bunk at night without being called upon to stand his
+regular watch, he had more difficult duties to perform. He was
+responsible for the manner in which affairs were conducted about decks,
+for the neat appearance of the vessel and of the men; and as the former
+executive officer had been rather careless in this respect, Frank knew
+that his first move must be made in that direction.
+
+For the next two days, as the rebels did not trouble them, Frank worked
+early and late, and the results of his labor were soon made apparent.
+Every one remarked the improved appearance of the men, who, at the
+Sunday morning muster, appeared on deck in spotless uniforms and
+well-blacked shoes. After the roll had been called, and the captain, in
+company with Frank, proceeded to inspect the vessel, the young officer
+knew that his improvements had been appreciated when the former, who was
+an old sailor, said, with a smile of satisfaction:
+
+"Mr. Nelson, this begins to look something like a ship, sir. This really
+looks like business. The admiral may come here now and inspect the
+vessel as soon as he pleases."
+
+The next morning, as Frank sat at the table in the wardroom, engaged in
+answering the letters he had received by the dispatch-boat, and Archie
+was in his office straightening out his books and papers, a bullet came
+suddenly crashing through the cabin--a signal that the rebels had again
+made their appearance. Frank, who had become accustomed to such
+interruptions, deliberately wiped his pen, corked his ink-stand, and was
+carefully putting away his letters, when there was a hurrying of feet in
+the office; the door flew open, and Archie, divested of his coat,
+bounded into the cabin, exclaiming:
+
+"A fellow can't tell when he's safe in this country. I wish I was back
+in the fleet-paymaster's office. I wouldn't mind a good fair fight, but
+this thing of being shot at when you least expect it isn't pleasant."
+
+As Archie spoke, he hurriedly seized a gun from the rack, which had been
+put up in the cabin in order to have weapons close at hand, and sprang
+up the ladder that led into the pilothouse. Frank, although he laughed
+heartily at his cousin's rapid movements, was a good deal surprised, for
+he had always believed him to be possessed of a good share of courage.
+It would, however, have tried stronger nerves than Archie's; but men who
+had become familiar with such scenes, who had learned to regard them
+merely as something disagreeable which could not be avoided, could not
+sympathize with one in his situation, and many a wink was exchanged, and
+many a laugh indulged in, at the expense of the "green paymaster."
+
+When Frank had put away his writing materials, he ran below to see that
+the ports were all closed; after which he returned to the wardroom, and,
+securing a rifle, went into the pilot-house, where he found Archie
+engaged in reloading his gun, while the officers were complimenting him
+on a fine shot he had just made.
+
+"Mr. Nelson," exclaimed the doctor, as Frank made his appearance, "I
+guess your white horseman is done for now. The paymaster lifted him out
+of his saddle as clean as a whistle."
+
+Frank looked out at one of the ports, and, sure enough, there was the
+white horse running riderless about, and his wounded master was being
+carried behind the levee. The officers continued to fire as often as a
+rebel showed himself, but the latter seemed to have lost all desire for
+fighting, for they retreated to the plantation-house which stood back
+from the river, out of range of the rifles, where they gathered in a
+body as if in consultation, now and then setting up defiant yells, which
+came faintly to the ears of those in the pilot-house.
+
+"They are saucy enough now that they are out of harm's way," said
+Archie, turning to his cousin. But the latter made no reply. He stood
+leaning on his rifle, gazing at the guerrillas, as if busily engaged
+with his own thoughts, and finally left the pilot-house and sought an
+interview with the captain.
+
+"I have been thinking, sir," said he, as he entered the cabin and took
+the chair offered him, "that if that house out there had been burned
+long ago, we should not have had ten men killed by those guerrillas.
+They seem to use that building as their head-quarters, and if it could
+be destroyed they would cease to trouble us."
+
+"That's my opinion," replied the captain. "But who is to undertake the
+job? Who's to go out there, in the face of three or four hundred rebels,
+and do it? _I_ can't, with a crew of only fifty men."
+
+"I didn't suppose it could be done openly, sir; but couldn't it be
+accomplished by stratagem in the night, for instance?"
+
+The captain shook his head; but Frank, who was not yet discouraged,
+continued:
+
+"I have not made this proposition, captain, without thinking it all
+over--without taking into consideration all the chances for and against
+it--and I still think it could be accomplished."
+
+"Well, how would you go to work?" asked the captain, settling back in
+his chair with the air of a man who had made his decision, from which he
+was not to be turned.
+
+Frank then proceeded to recount the plans he had laid for the
+accomplishment of his object, to which the captain listened attentively,
+and when Frank had ceased, he rose to his feet and paced the cabin. He
+knew that the young officer had before engaged in expeditions similar to
+the one he now proposed, when, in carrying out his designs, he had
+exhibited the skill and judgment of a veteran. In the present instance,
+his plans were so well laid, that there appeared to be but little chance
+for failure. After a few moments' consideration, the captain again
+seated himself, and said:
+
+"Well, Mr. Nelson, it shall be as you propose. If you succeed, I am
+certain that this guerrilla station will be broken up; if you fail, it
+will only be what many a good officer has done before you."
+
+"I assure you, sir, I shall leave no plan untried to insure my success,"
+replied Frank, as he left the cabin.
+
+"What's the matter now?" inquired Archie, as his cousin entered the
+wardroom. "Been getting a blowing up already?"
+
+"Oh, no!" replied Frank. "Come in here, and I'll tell you all about it;"
+and he drew Archie into the office, where he proceeded to tell him all
+that had been determined upon. When he had finished, the latter
+exclaimed:
+
+"I want to go with you. Will you take me?"
+
+Frank thought of Archie's behavior but a few moments before, and
+wondered what use he could possibly be in an expedition like the one
+proposed.
+
+"If you do go," he answered, at length, "you'll be sorry for it. It
+requires those who are accustomed to such business; and you have never
+been in an action in your life. The undertaking is dangerous."
+
+"I don't care if it is," answered Archie. "That's just the reason why I
+want to go--to be with you; and I warrant you I'll stick to you as long
+as any body."
+
+"Besides," began Frank, "if any thing should happen to you"--
+
+"I'm just as likely to get back as you are," replied Archie, excitedly,
+"and I want to go."
+
+After considerable urging, Frank finally asked and obtained permission
+for Archie to accompany the expedition, at which the latter was
+overjoyed. He was very far from realizing the danger there was in the
+undertaking, and had as little idea of what would be required of him as
+he had of the moon.
+
+The cousins passed the afternoon in the pilothouse, watching the
+movements of the guerrillas through spy-glasses, studying the "lay of
+the land," the directions in which the different roads ran--in short,
+nothing was omitted which they thought might be useful for them to know.
+Just before night a storm set in; the wind blew, and the rain fell in
+torrents; and, although Frank regarded it as something in their favor,
+under any other circumstances he would have preferred tumbling into bed
+to venturing out in it. The hammocks were not piped as usual, but all
+hands were to remain on deck during the night, to be ready to lend
+assistance in case it was required. At ten o'clock the cutter lay
+alongside the vessel, the crew were in their places, and Frank and his
+cousin, surrounded by the officers who had assembled to see them off,
+stood on the guards ready to start.
+
+"Paymaster," said Frank, turning to his cousin, "hadn't you better
+remain on board?" (He addressed him as paymaster, for, of course, it
+would have been contrary to naval rules to call him by his given name in
+the presence of the captain.)
+
+"No, sir," answered Archie, quickly buttoning up his pea-jacket with a
+resolute air. "Do you suppose I'm going to back out now? If you do, you
+are mistaken. I'm not afraid of a little rain."
+
+Frank made no reply, but, after shaking hands with the captain and
+officers, followed his cousin into the cutter, which floated off into
+the darkness amid the whispered wishes for "good luck" from all the
+ship's company who had witnessed its departure. Frank took the helm, and
+turned the boat down the river. Not an oar was used, for the young
+officer did not know but the rebels had posted sentries along the bank,
+whom the least splashing in the water would alarm. Archie sat beside his
+cousin, with his collar pulled up over his ears, and his hands thrust
+into the pockets of his pea-jacket, heartily wishing that Frank had
+chosen a pleasanter night for their expedition. For half an hour they
+floated along with the current in silence, until Frank, satisfied that
+he had gone far enough down the river to get below the sentries, if any
+were posted on the bank, gave the order to use the oars, and turned the
+cutter's head toward the shore, which they reached in a few moments.
+
+The crew quietly disembarked, and as the sailors gathered about him,
+Frank said,
+
+"Now, men, I'm going to leave you here until the paymaster and myself
+can go up to the house, and accomplish what we have come for. Tom," he
+added, turning to the coxswain of the cutter, "you will have charge of
+the boat, and remember you are in no case to leave her. We may be
+discovered, and get into a fight. If we do, and are cut off from the
+river and unable to get back, I'll whistle, and you will at once answer
+me, so that I may know that you hear me, and pull off to the vessel.
+We'll take care of ourselves. Do you understand?"
+
+The crew of the cutter were old sailors--men who had followed the sea
+through storm and sunshine all their lives. They had been in more than
+one action, too, during the rebellion, and had gladly volunteered for
+the expedition, supposing that they were to accompany Frank wherever he
+went. During the short time the latter had been on board the Boxer, they
+had become very much attached to him. Although he was a very strict
+officer, and always expected every man to do his duty promptly, he
+always treated them with the greatest kindness, and never spoke harshly
+to them. This was so different from the treatment they had usually
+received at the hands of their officers, that it won their hearts; and,
+although they admired his courage, they would have felt much better
+pleased had they received orders to accompany him.
+
+"Don't you understand, Tom?" again asked Frank, seeing that the coxswain
+hesitated.
+
+"Oh, yes, sir," replied the sailor, touching his hat; "I understand,
+sir. But, Mr. Nelson, may I be so bold as to ask one question--one
+favor, I may say?"
+
+"Certainly; speak it out," answered Frank, who little imagined what
+thoughts were passing through the minds of his men. "What is it? Do you
+wish to go back to the ship, and leave us here alone?"
+
+"No, sir," answered all the men in a breath.
+
+"Mr. Nelson," said the coxswain, "I never yet refused duty because there
+was danger in it, and I'm too old a man to begin now. You have here,
+sir, twelve as good men as ever trod a ship's deck, and you know, sir,
+that when you passed the word for volunteers for this expedition, you
+didn't have to call twice. But we all thought that we should go with you
+to the end; and, to tell the truth, sir, we don't like the idea of you
+and the paymaster going off alone among them rebels. You are sure to get
+into trouble, and we want to go with you."
+
+On more than one occasion had Frank been made aware of the affection his
+men cherished for him, and he felt as proud of it as he did of the
+uniform he wore; but he had never been more affected than he was on the
+present occasion.
+
+"Men," he answered, in a voice that was none of the steadiest, "I assure
+you I appreciate the interest you take in my welfare, and were I going
+to fight, I should certainly take you with me; but sometimes two can
+accomplish more than a dozen. Besides, I promised the captain that I
+would leave you here, and I must do so. Now, remember and pull off to
+the vessel if you hear me whistle."
+
+"Yes, sir," replied the coxswain; "but it'll be the first time I ever
+deserted an officer in trouble."
+
+The sailors were evidently far from being pleased with this arrangement,
+but they were allowed no opportunity to oppose it, even had they felt
+inclined to do so, for Frank and his cousin speedily disappeared in the
+darkness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+Archie in a Predicament.
+
+
+As soon as the young officers had reached the top of the bank, they
+paused to take their bearings, and to select some landmark that would
+enable them to easily find the boat again. Away off in the darkness they
+saw the twinkling of a light, which they knew was in the house which the
+guerrillas were using as their head-quarters.
+
+"Now, Archie," said Frank, "take a good look at this big tree here"
+(pointing to the object in question) "so that you will know it again.
+The boat lies in the river exactly in a line with that tree. Now, if you
+should be separated from me and discovered, make straight for the
+cutter. But if you are cut off from it, run up the river until you get a
+little above where the vessel lies, and then jump in and swim out to
+her. Do you understand?"
+
+"Yes," replied Archie.
+
+"Be careful of your weapons," continued his cousin, "and keep them dry
+and ready for instant use. Don't be captured--whatever you do, don't be
+captured!"
+
+"I'll look out for that," answered Archie "But, Frank," he continued,
+"why did you tell the men to pull back to the vessel if we should be cut
+off from the river? I should think that would be just the time you would
+want them to remain."
+
+"Why," replied Frank, "the very first thing the rebels would think of,
+if we were discovered, would be to capture our boat, and while part of
+them were after us, the others would run to the river and gobble up
+boat, crew, and all. Then they would know that we were still on shore,
+and would scour the country to find us. But if the boat goes off to the
+vessel, the rebels will be more than half inclined to believe that we
+have gone off too, and, consequently, will not take the pains to hunt us
+which they would do if they _knew_ we were still on shore. But let
+us be moving; we've no time to waste."
+
+Frank started toward the house, carefully picking his way over the wet,
+slippery ground, now and then pausing to listen, and to reconnoiter as
+well as the darkness would permit, and finally stopped scarcely a
+stone's throw from the building. Not a guerrilla had they seen. Not
+dreaming that the "yankee gun-boatmen" would have the audacity to attack
+them when they knew the rebels were so far superior in numbers, the
+latter had neglected to post sentries, and Frank was satisfied that
+their approach had not been discovered.
+
+"Now, Archie," said he, as they drew up behind a tree for concealment,
+"you stay here, and I'll see if I can set fire to that house."
+
+"There are people in it," said his cousin; "I just saw a man pass by
+that window where the light is."
+
+"Then they must look out for themselves," answered Frank. "That's what
+we have to do when they shoot into our cabin. Now, you stay here, and if
+you hear any shooting, run for the boat."
+
+"What will _you_ do?" asked Archie.
+
+"Oh, I'll take care of myself. Good-bye."
+
+As Frank spoke he moved silently toward the house, and was soon out of
+sight.
+
+"Now," soliloquized Archie, "I am to stay here, am I? That's what I was
+ordered to do, but I don't know whether I'll obey or not. It is evident
+Frank left me here to keep me out of harm's way. Perhaps he thinks that
+because I have never smelt powder, I am a coward; but I'll show him that
+I am not."
+
+So saying, Archie stepped out from behind his tree, and walked slowly
+toward the house. When he arrived opposite the window from which the
+light shone, he stopped and looked in. He did not, however, go up close
+to the window, or he certainly would have been seen; but he remained
+standing at a respectful distance, so that he would have some chance for
+escape, in case he should be discovered.
+
+The sight that met his gaze would have been sufficient to deter most men
+from attempting to burn the house. The room was filled with men, some of
+whom were lying on the floor on their blankets, others sitting around
+the table, and one or two were walking about the apartment. In the
+corner stood their arms, ready to be seized at a moment's warning. And
+this was but one of the rooms; perhaps the whole house was filled with
+guerrillas.
+
+"My eye!" said Archie to himself, "what a hornet's nest would be raised
+about our ears, if we should be discovered."
+
+His heart beat faster than usual, as he moved back from the window, and
+walked silently around to the other side of the house. Here also was a
+window, from which a light shone, and as, like the other, it was
+destitute of a curtain, every thing that went on within could be plainly
+seen by Archie, who took his station behind some bushes that stood at a
+little distance from the house. The room had three occupants, whom
+Archie at once set down as officers. One of them carried his arm in a
+sling. He was a tall, powerful-looking man, and Archie recognized in him
+the daring rider of the white horse--the chief of the guerrillas.
+
+"I wonder what the old chap would say if he knew I was about," thought
+Archie--"I, who gave him that wound. I'd be booked for Shreveport,
+certain."
+
+He was interrupted in his meditations by the movements of the officers,
+who arose and approached the door, bringing their chairs with them. The
+storm had ceased, and as there was no longer any necessity of remaining
+in the house, the rebels were, no doubt, moving to cooler quarters.
+Archie at once thought of retreating; but the thought had scarcely
+passed through his mind, when the door opened, the rebels walked out on
+the portico, and seating themselves in their chairs, deposited their
+feet on the railing; while the young officer stretched himself out
+behind the bush, heartily wishing that he could sink into the ground out
+of sight.
+
+"A very warm evening, colonel," said one of the rebels, fanning himself
+with his hat.
+
+"Very," answered the guerrilla chief, gently moving his wounded arm,
+little dreaming that the one who gave him that wound was at that very
+moment lying behind the bushes into which he had just thrown the stump
+of his cigar. "It's very warm. I wish I had that rascally Yank that shot
+me," he added, "this wound is very painful."
+
+Archie upon hearing this was almost afraid that the beating of his
+heart, which thumped against his ribs with a noise that frightened him,
+would certainly reveal to the rebels the fact that the "rascally Yank"
+was then in their immediate vicinity.
+
+"But, if our plans work," continued the colonel, "in less than a week
+from this time they will all be on the way to Shreveport."
+
+"May I ask, colonel," said the one who had not yet spoken, "how soon
+those boats will be ready?"
+
+"Major Jackson reports that they will be finished by to-morrow night,
+and it will take all of one day to run them down the creek to the
+river."
+
+"Then by Thursday evening," said the one who had first spoken, "we may
+be ready to make the attempt."
+
+"Yes, if the night is favorable."
+
+"But, colonel, all these gun-boats are supplied with hot water, and
+that, you know, is the worst kind of an enemy to fight. Men will run
+from that who wouldn't flinch before cold steel."
+
+"Oh, we must take the Yanks by surprise, of course. The boats will hold
+fifty men each, and we must drop down the river so that we will land one
+on each side of the vessel. If the night is dark--and we shall not make
+the attempt unless it is--we can get within pistol-shot of her before we
+are discovered, and by the time their men get fairly out of bed she's
+ours. Hark! what noise was that?"
+
+The rebels listened for a moment, and one of them replied:
+
+"I didn't hear any thing."
+
+"Well, _I_ did," returned the colonel, "and it sounded very much
+like some one shouting for help. I'm certain I heard it."
+
+Archie, who lay in his concealment, trembling like a leaf, was also
+confident that _he_ had heard something that sounded like a call
+for assistance. What if it was Frank in danger, and shouting to the
+cutter's crew for help? The thought to Archie was a terrible one, and he
+forgot the dangers of his own situation, and thought only of his cousin.
+But if Frank was in trouble, why did he not give the signal to the
+cutter's crew? Archie waited and listened for it, but did not hear it
+given.
+
+While these thoughts were passing through his mind, the rebels sat on
+the portico listening, and at length the colonel said:
+
+"I know I hear something now, but it is the tramping of a horse. I
+suppose it is Tibbs, coming with the mail."
+
+The colonel's surmise proved to be correct, for in a few moments a man
+rode up, and dismounting so close to Archie that the latter could have
+touched him, tied his horse to the very bush which formed his
+concealment; then, throwing a pair of well-filled saddle-bags across his
+shoulder, he ran up the steps, saying:
+
+"Good evening, gentlemen. What! colonel, are you wounded?" he added, on
+seeing the rebel's bandaged arm.
+
+"Yes; this makes four times I have been shot while in the service. But
+how is the mail?"
+
+"Rather heavy," answered the man. "If you have any letters to go, you
+will have to furnish another bag--these are full."
+
+"All right," said the colonel; then raising his voice, he called out,
+"Bob! Bob! Where is that black rascal?"
+
+"Heyar, sar," answered a voice, and presently a negro came around the
+corner of the house, and removing his tattered hat, stood waiting for
+orders.
+
+"Bob," said the colonel, "tell Stiles that the mail is all ready to go
+across the river."
+
+_Stiles!_ How Frank would have started could he have heard that
+name! He would have known then, had he not before been aware of the
+fact, that he was again among _Colonel Harrison's Louisiana
+Wild-cats_.
+
+The negro, in obedience to his orders, disappeared, but soon returned,
+with the intelligence that Stiles was not to be found.
+
+"Not to be found," echoed the colonel; "that's twice he has failed me.
+But this mail must not be delayed. Tell Damon I want to see him."
+
+The negro again disappeared, and in a few moments came back with a
+soldier, to whom the colonel said:
+
+"Damon, here's a mail that must go across the river to-night. Can you
+pull an oar?"
+
+"Yas," replied the man.
+
+"Then get some one to go with you, and start at once. The skiff, you
+know, is in the creek, just above where that Yankee gun-boat lies."
+
+"Yas," answered the man again, as he took the mail-bags which the
+colonel handed him.
+
+"This one," continued the rebel, pointing to a small canvas bag which
+one of his officers had just brought out of the house--"this one
+contains my mail--all official documents, to go to Richmond. Be careful
+of it. Don't let the Yankees get hold of you."
+
+"No," replied the soldier, as he shouldered the mail and disappeared.
+
+The conversation that followed, of which Archie heard every word, served
+to convince him that, although the rebels kept up a bold front, and
+appeared sanguine of success in their attempts to destroy the
+Government, yet among themselves they acknowledged their cause to be
+utterly hopeless unless some bold stroke could be made to "dishearten
+the Yankees."
+
+In spite of Archie's dangerous situation, which had tried his nerves
+severely, he listened to every word that was uttered, and even became
+interested in what the rebels were saying. Now and then he was called to
+a sense of his situation by the movements of the horse, which, being
+restive, came very near stepping on him as he pranced about.
+
+Damon had been gone about half an hour, and the colonel had just
+commenced explaining to the man who had brought the mail the manner in
+which the capture of the Boxer was to be effected, when suddenly the
+report of a pistol startled every one on the portico. A moment afterward
+came another, which was followed by a yell of agony.
+
+"What's that?" exclaimed the colonel, springing from his chair in alarm.
+"Are we attacked? Get out there, every mother's son of you!" he
+continued, as the men, having been aroused by the noise, came pouring
+out of the rooms in which they were quartered. "Every man able to draw a
+saber get out there! Run for the river! That's where the reports
+sounded, and if there are any boats there capture them. That will keep
+the Yankees on shore, and we can hunt them up at our leisure!"
+
+The men ran out of the house and started for the river at the top of
+their speed, at the same time yelling with all the strength of their
+lungs, while the colonel and his officers ran into their room, and
+hastily seizing such weapons as came first to their hands, followed
+after. To describe Archie's feelings, as he lay there behind that bush
+and listened to the sounds of pursuit, were impossible. The noise the
+rebels made seemed to bewilder him completely, for he lay on the ground
+several moments, it seemed to him, without the power to move hand or
+foot.
+
+Suddenly the thought struck him that now was the time to accomplish the
+object of the expedition. The house was deserted, and the yells, which
+grew fainter and fainter, told him that the rebels were getting further
+away. Yes, it was now or never. In an instant, Archie's courage and
+power of action returned. Springing to his feet, he ran to the end of
+the portico, on which were piled several bales of hay and bundles of
+fodder, which the rebels no doubt intended for their horses. But Archie
+determined that they should be put to a different use, for he quickly
+drew from his pocket two large bottles filled with coal oil, which he
+threw over the hay. He then applied a match, and in an instant it was in
+a blaze. He waited a moment to see it fairly started, and then sprang
+off the portico. As he passed the door, he heard an ejaculation of
+surprise, followed by the report of a pistol, and the noise of a bullet
+as it whizzed past his head. It frightened him, and at the same time
+acted upon him as the crack of a whip does upon a spirited horse; for
+when the rebel who fired the shot had reached the portico, Archie had
+disappeared in the darkness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+A Mark for the Union.
+
+
+Let us now return to Frank, whom we left setting out for the house,
+after having given Archie emphatic instructions to remain behind the
+tree until his return. He did not feel at all at his ease after he had
+left his cousin, for he might have stationed him in the most dangerous
+place that could have been found; and what if Archie should be
+discovered and captured? He was well enough acquainted with his cousin's
+disposition to know that he would not surrender without a fight; but
+what could he do when opposed by a regiment of veteran rebels? Frank
+thought not of his own peril, for that was something he had fully
+expected to encounter before he started. This was not the first time he
+had voluntarily placed himself in danger; but with Archie the case was
+different; and Frank was several times on the point of returning to his
+cousin and making use of his authority, as commander of the expedition,
+to send him back to the boat. By the time these thoughts had passed
+through his mind, he had reached a log-cabin which stood at a little
+distance from the house; and as he halted behind it, to shelter himself
+from the storm, still debating upon the course he ought to pursue in
+regard to Archie, some one inside the cabin commenced singing--
+
+  "I'll lay ten dollars down
+  And chuck 'em up one by one!"
+
+
+
+If there was any more of the song, the rebel evidently did not know it,
+for he kept singing these two lines over and over, now and then varying
+the monotony of the performance by whistling. Frank stood for some
+moments listening to him, and finally began moving cautiously around the
+cabin, to find some opening through which he could look and see what was
+going on inside. He presently discovered a hole between the logs, and,
+upon looking in, saw a man seated on the floor before a fire-place, in
+which burned some pine knots, engaged in whittling out an oar with his
+bowie-knife. On the floor near him lay one evidently just finished. At
+the opposite side of the room stood a bag, from the mouth of which
+peeped several letters.
+
+A thought struck Frank--which would be of the most benefit, to burn the
+house or to capture the mail, which might contain information of the
+greatest importance? Undoubtedly the latter would be of the most
+consequence. Then he debated long and earnestly upon the chances of
+escaping with the mail, should he attempt its capture. The man who had
+charge of it was a most powerful-looking fellow, who knowing the
+importance of his trust, and the certainty of receiving prompt and
+effective assistance from his comrades, would, no doubt, fight most
+desperately, unless he could be taken at disadvantage and secured before
+he had time to think of resistance. Besides, the cabin was scarcely
+fifty feet distant from the house, which Frank knew was filled with men,
+for he could hear them walking about the rooms and talking to each
+other. The least unusual noise would certainly alarm them, in which case
+escape would be entirely out of the question Frank, we say, thought over
+all these things, and finally coming to the conclusion that it would be
+worse than useless to attempt the capture of the mail, turned his
+attention to the house. How was he to set fire to it?
+
+Frank, we know, was not wanting in courage, but he had learned, by
+experience, that there are times when "discretion is the better part of
+valor." When he proposed the expedition, he had not expected to find the
+entire regiment quartered in the house. He had supposed that the men
+would find sleeping-rooms in the negro quarters, which were nearly a
+half mile back, while the house would be reserved for the officers. But
+the rebels surely would not remain up all night, and when they had all
+gone to bed would be the time to execute his purpose. He would not
+abandon his project until he had given it a trial, or fully satisfied
+himself that the undertaking was utterly impracticable. For the present,
+he would remain where he was; something might "turn up" which would be
+to his advantage.
+
+At this moment a man entered the cabin, the door of which stood open,
+and inquired:
+
+"Going over to-night, Stiles?"
+
+Frank was thunderstruck, and he now saw the necessity of attempting
+nothing unless it promised complete success. As the reader has already
+learned, he was among his old enemies, the Wildcats. Upon making this
+discovery he was both astonished and alarmed--astonished, for it seemed
+to him that he could scarcely make a move in any direction without being
+confronted by the redoubtable Wild-cats. This was the second time he had
+found himself among them before he was aware of it. He was alarmed,
+because he knew, by experience, the treatment he would receive if he
+should fall into their hands without the prospect of an immediate
+exchange.
+
+But his attention was again drawn to the men in the cabin.
+
+"Yes," replied Stiles, in answer to his companion's question, "I'm going
+over to-night--allers makin' due 'lowance for bein' ketched by the
+Yanks."
+
+"Here's some mail, then," continued the man, thrusting several letters
+into the bag. "How soon do you start?"
+
+"Jest as soon as Tibbs comes with the up-country mail, an' I get the
+kernel's letters. Was you takin' a chaw of tobaker, Bob?"
+
+"No, I wasn't," replied the other, quickly thrusting his hand into his
+pocket, as if to protect the precious article. "Tobacco is scarce."
+
+"Now, Bob," said Stiles, "I know you've got some. Me an' you's allers
+been good friends."
+
+The rebel could not withstand this appeal, although he produced his
+"plug" very reluctantly, and as he handed it to his companion, said:
+
+"Stiles, you're a dead beat. Go easy on that, now, if you please,
+because it's all there is in the regiment."
+
+The rebel cut off a huge piece of the weed, and, thrusting it into his
+cheek, went on with his work, while Bob returned to his quarters. He had
+scarcely quitted the cabin before Frank had all his plans laid. He would
+go back after Archie, and together they would lie in wait on the bank of
+the river, and, if possible, capture that mail. With this determination,
+he was moving slowly away from the cabin, when a door, which he had not
+before noticed, suddenly opened, and Stiles came out, and turning the
+corner, stood face to face with Frank, and scarcely an arm's length from
+him. With the latter, retreat without discovery was, of course,
+impossible. There was but one course he could pursue, and that presented
+but a small chance for success. He was, however, allowed no time for
+deliberation, for the rebel, quickly recovering from his surprise,
+turned to run; but with one bound Frank overtook him, and throwing him
+to the ground, caught him by the throat, stifling a cry for help that
+arose to his lips. This it was that had alarmed the colonel and Archie;
+and had the former investigated the matter, Frank would again have been
+a prisoner in the hands of the Wild-cats.
+
+Stiles struggled desperately to free himself from the strong grasp that
+held him, until Frank pulled one of his revolvers from the pocket of his
+pea-jacket and presented it at his head.
+
+"Do you surrender?" he asked, releasing his hold of the rebel's throat.
+
+"Yes," replied Stiles, faintly. "Don't shoot, Yank!"
+
+"You shall not be harmed if you behave yourself. Have you any weapons?"
+
+"No! They are all in the shanty!"
+
+Frank, after searching the rebel's pockets and satisfying himself of the
+truth of this statement, continued:
+
+"Get up! Now, I know you have friends all around you, but if you have
+the least desire to live, you'll not make any noise; although you may
+alarm the camp, it will not save you. Do you understand?"
+
+"Have I got a pair of ears?" asked the rebel.
+
+"Well, if you have, you hear what I say," returned Frank. "Now go this
+way," he added, pointing toward the river.
+
+The rebel, who had a wholesome fear of the revolver which Frank held in
+his hand, ready cocked, obeyed, without the slightest hesitation, and
+they reached the bank of the river, where the cutter lay, without being
+discovered.
+
+"Now," said Frank, "I want to ask you a few questions. Where do you keep
+the boat in which you were going to carry that mail?"
+
+"In the creek, jest above where that ar' gunboat lies, replied Stiles."
+
+"How many of you were to go?"
+
+"Two--me an' another feller."
+
+"Well, now, the colonel won't find you when he wants you. What will he
+do?"
+
+"Oh, he'll send some body else. The mail must go, an' it makes no odds
+who takes it, so long as he don't get ketched."
+
+"That's all I want to know," said Frank. Then, going to the top of the
+bank, he called out:
+
+"Tom, come up here!"
+
+The coxswain soon made his appearance, and Frank said:
+
+"Now, Stiles, you're a prisoner."
+
+"Dog gone ef I keer," he replied, "so long as I get plenty of grub an'
+tobaker."
+
+The rebel was marched down the bank, and Frank again bent his steps
+toward the house, intending to find his cousin, and, with his
+assistance, to capture the mail. When he arrived at the tree where he
+had left Archie, the latter was not to be seen. This, however, did not
+give him any uneasiness, for Archie, he thought, had doubtless gone back
+to the cutter. Frank had already made up his mind to go back after him,
+when he saw a man walk up to the cabin in which he had first discovered
+the man who was now his prisoner, and heard him call out:
+
+"Massa Stiles! de mail all ready, sar!"
+
+Receiving no answer, the negro walked into the cabin, but finding it
+vacant, went out to make the report to the colonel that Stiles was not
+to be found. From this Frank knew that he had no time to lose. Stiles
+had told him that some one else would be sent with the mail, and as it
+was all ready, a man would soon be found to take his place. If he went
+back after Archie, he might be too late. He must attempt it alone, and
+unaided. Walking out from behind the tree, he started toward the creek,
+where lay the boat in which the mail was to be carried.
+
+The creek he found without difficulty; but the boat was evidently hidden
+away, for he searched up and down the bank for it without success. If he
+found it, it was his intention to cut it loose, and allow it to drift
+out into the river, thus depriving the rebels of the means of carrying
+their mail. But failing in this, he ran up the bank, and awaited the
+coming of the rebels. It was a hazardous undertaking to attempt the
+capture of two men, both of whom were, no doubt, well armed; but Frank
+had great confidence in the _looks_ of his revolvers, and hoped to
+accomplish his object without alarming the rebels in the house.
+
+He had waited perhaps a quarter of an hour, when he heard footsteps
+approaching, and presently he discovered the two men for whom he had
+been watching. One carried the mail-bags, and the other a pair of oars,
+the same, no doubt, which Stiles had but a short time before completed.
+Frank waited until they were almost upon him, and then sprang up with a
+revolver in each hand, which he pointed straight at the heads of the
+men, exclaiming:
+
+"You're my prisoners. Don't make any resistance."
+
+The rebels were astonished, and the man who carried the mail-bags threw
+them down and held his arms above his head, in token of surrender. But
+the other, after regarding the officer for a moment, as if to make sure
+that it was a human being with whom he had to deal, dropped his oars,
+and before his captor was aware of his intention, drew a pistol and
+fired. Frank felt a sharp pain in his left shoulder, and the revolver
+which he held in that hand fell from his grasp. He had received his
+first wound, but although thoroughly frightened, he did not lose his
+presence of mind. If he had, he would soon have been recalled to a sense
+of his dangerous situation, for the rebel again cocked his revolver; but
+this time Frank fired first, and the rebel sank to the ground with a
+loud yell. In an instant Frank turned upon the other; but he appeared to
+be too much under the influence of fear to lend his comrade any
+assistance.
+
+All thought of concealment was now out of the question. The rebels in
+the house had, of course, been alarmed, and Frank's only chance for
+escape with his prisoner and the mail was to reach the cutter as soon as
+possible, and pull off to the vessel. Hastily relieving the prisoner of
+his weapons, he directed him to pick up the mail and follow the course
+he pointed out.
+
+The prisoner did as he was ordered; but they had not gone far when a
+loud yelling announced that the rebels in the house had been alarmed,
+and were in pursuit. Frank kept close behind his prisoner, who, through
+fear of the revolver, ran at a rapid rate, but they had further to run
+to reach the cutter than the guerrillas, and the latter gained rapidly.
+The prisoner, who was not long in discovering this, slackened his pace
+considerably, although he appeared to be doing his utmost. Frank,
+however, was not deceived. Thrusting his revolver into his pocket, he
+seized the rebel by the nape of the neck, and helped him over the ground
+in a manner more rapid than agreeable. Had the man been aware of the
+fact that his captor had but one arm that he could use, he might not
+have submitted so quietly as he did. Frank, whose whole mind was wrapped
+up in the idea of saving his prisoner and the mail, did not stop to
+think of this, but pushed his man ahead to such good advantage that they
+succeeded in reaching the cutter before their pursuers. He marched the
+rebel down the bank in the most lively manner, and tumbled him into the
+boat, where he was instantly seized and secured.
+
+The sailors, who had heard the noise of the pursuit, and waited
+impatiently for the appearance of their officer, were all in their
+places, and as Frank sprang in, he shouted:
+
+"Shove off--lively now, lads!"
+
+The cutter was speedily pushed from the shore, and the oars got out and
+handled by twelve strong fellows, all good oarsmen.
+
+"Let fall--give away together," again commanded Frank, who, in spite of
+the pain of his wound, began to chuckle over his good luck in securing
+the mail. "The rebs will give us a volley," he continued, "unless we get
+out of sight in the darkness before they reach the bank. So, pick her
+up, lads, and walk right away with her."
+
+The sailors, understanding the order, and rejoicing in the escape of
+their young officer, whose safety and well-being they regarded as
+infinitely of more importance than their own, gave way manfully on the
+muffled oars, which made no sound as they bent beneath the sturdy
+strokes, and the cutter flew noiselessly through the water, The rebels
+reached the bank but a few moments after the cutter had left, but
+neither seeing nor hearing any thing of her, they contented themselves
+with uttering their yells, and firing a volley into the darkness in the
+direction they supposed the boat had gone.
+
+But their attention was soon called to another quarter, for a bright
+flame shot up from the house. The boat's crew saw it, and could scarcely
+refrain hurrahing; but knowing that they were not yet out of range of
+the guerrillas' rifles, they gave vent to their jubilant feelings by
+redoubling their efforts at the oars.
+
+"Mr. Nelson," whispered the coxswain, "may I be allowed to say that was
+well done, sir!"
+
+"I didn't do that, Tom," answered Frank, in a faint voice, as he gazed
+in surprise at the burning house, and thought of his cousin. "Is
+Paymaster Winters in the cutter?"
+
+Frank hardly dared to ask the question, for if his cousin had been in
+the boat he would have known it before that time.
+
+"The paymaster!" repeated the coxswain; "no, sir. He went away with you,
+sir, and I haven't seen him since. He's missing, that's a fact."
+
+Frank felt ready to faint on hearing this, and very bitterly did he
+censure himself for allowing his cousin to accompany him! But regrets
+were useless; the mischief had been done, and could not be undone. He
+had one hope, however, to which he still clung--that Archie might be on
+board the vessel. Perhaps, not daring to attempt to find his way back to
+the cutter, through fear of capture, he had swam on board and was now
+safe. He would soon know.
+
+In a few moments they had reached the Boxer, and as the cutter came
+along side, Frank seized the mail-bags and sprang out. After giving the
+officer of the deck, who met him at the gangway, instructions in regard
+to the prisoners, he ran up the stairs that led to the wardroom. Here he
+met the captain, who, taking him familiarly by the arm, led him into the
+cabin, exclaiming:
+
+"Mr. Nelson, I congratulate you, sir; it was well done, sir! The house
+is all in a blaze."
+
+"Captain," said Frank, "I didn't do that, sir. Is the paymaster on
+board?
+
+"Why, no, sir; not unless he came with you."
+
+"I haven't seen him, captain, since I left him within a short distance
+of that house. If he is not on board, sir, he's out there yet, and he
+has fired the building."
+
+"Why, Mr. Nelson," exclaimed the captain, for the first time noticing
+Frank's pale face and useless hand, from which the blood was dripping,
+"you are wounded, sir. Orderly, orderly, send the doctor here at once."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+A Run for Life.
+
+
+Archie was as light of foot as an antelope, and fear lent him wings. In
+obedience to his cousin's instructions, he ran up the river, directing
+his course through a thick woods, jumping over logs and making his way
+through the bushes with a rapidity that surprised himself. The rebel who
+had discovered him followed for a short distance, but finding that he
+was losing ground, he stopped and fired his revolver in the direction he
+supposed Archie had gone; but the bullets went wide of the mark, and the
+latter, who now regarded his escape as a thing beyond a doubt, laughed
+when he thought how cleverly he had accomplished the object of the
+expedition.
+
+Having reached a safe distance from the house, he stopped and listened.
+He distinctly heard the crackling of flames, and presently a bright
+light shone over the trees. The building was fairly in a blaze. He was,
+however, allowed scarcely a moment to congratulate himself, for the
+yells of the guerrillas plainly told him that they had discovered the
+fire, and were commencing pursuit. Archie again set out, intent on
+reaching clear ground as soon as possible, for he knew that no plan
+would be left untried to capture him. His situation was still any thing
+but a pleasant one, but he was sanguine of reaching the vessel in
+safety, until a long-drawn-out bay came echoing through the woods, and
+drove the blood back upon his heart. The rebels were following him with
+a blood-hound!
+
+For a moment Archie staggered as though he had been struck a severe blow
+by some unseen hand, but quickly realizing the fact that his safety
+depended upon his own exertions and the use he made of the next few
+moments, he speedily recovered his presence of mind, and hastily
+securing his revolvers, which, up to this time, he had carried in the
+pockets of his pea-jacket, he pulled off that garment, and throwing it
+on the ground, started off at the top of his speed.
+
+Being thus relieved of a great incumbrance, he made headway rapidly,
+but, fast as he ran, he heard that dreadful sound coming nearer, mingled
+with loud yells of triumph from the pursuing rebels He had, with
+surprise and indignation, listened to Frank's description of his run
+from Shreveport, when he and his companions had been pursued with
+blood-hounds, little imagining that he would ever be placed in a similar
+situation.
+
+And how did it happen that he had not aroused the hound while he was
+about the house? Had he moved so silently that the animal had not heard
+him, or had he been in the building with the men? This question Archie
+could not answer. But one thing was certain, and that was that the hound
+was, at that very moment, on his trail, and unless he soon reached the
+river his capture was beyond a doubt. He, however, had no fears of being
+overpowered by the hound. He fully realized the fact that he would soon
+be overtaken, and had resolved to shoot the animal the moment he made
+his appearance.
+
+The yells of the rebels grew fainter, and Archie knew he was gaining on
+them. This gave him encouragement. In fact, since the hound had opened
+on his trail, after the first momentary feeling of terror had vanished,
+he had retained his coolness in a remarkable degree, and had counted
+over his chances for capture and escape with surprising deliberation for
+one who had never before been placed in so exciting and dangerous a
+situation. We have seen that he felt fear. Had it been otherwise he must
+have possessed nerves of steel, or have been utterly destitute of the
+power of reasoning; but that fear did not so completely overpower him as
+it had but a short time before, when he lay behind the bush, and
+listened to the guerrilla's plan for the capture of the Boxer and her
+crew. On the contrary, it nerved him to make the greatest exertions to
+effect his escape.
+
+In a few moments, to his great joy, he emerged from the woods and
+entered an open field, across which he ran with redoubled speed.
+Directly in front of him was another belt of timber, and beyond that lay
+the river, which, if he could reach, he would be safe. The baying of the
+hound had continued to grow louder and louder, and, when Archie had
+accomplished perhaps half the distance across the field, a crashing in
+the bushes and an impatient bark announced, in language too plain to be
+misunderstood, that the hound had discovered him.
+
+In an instant he stopped, faced about, and drew one of his revolvers.
+Stooping down close to the ground, he finally discovered the hound,
+which approached with loud yelps, that were answered by triumphant
+cheers from the pursuing rebels. Waiting until the animal was so close
+to him that he presented a fair mark, Archie raised his revolver and
+fired. The hound bounded into the air, and, after a few struggles, lay
+motionless on the ground. Scarcely waiting to witness the effect of the
+shot, the young officer sprang to his feet, and again started for the
+river. The yells of the rebels--who had heard the shot, and knew, from
+the silence that followed, that the hound was dead--again arose fierce
+and loud; but Archie, knowing that his pursuers had now lost the power
+of following him with certainty, considered the worst part of the danger
+as past.
+
+But he had to deal with those who could not be easily deceived. Colonel
+Harrison, knowing that the only chance for escape was by the river, had
+lined the banks with men, and, as Archie neared the woods, a voice
+directly in front of him called out:
+
+"It's all up now, Yank! Drop that shootin'-iron, or you're a gone
+sucker!"
+
+Archie's heart fairly came up into his mouth. He had little expected to
+find an enemy in that quarter, but, without waiting an instant, he
+turned and ran up the river again, hoping that he might soon be able to
+get above the sentinels. The rebel, hearing the sound of his footsteps,
+and knowing that he was retreating, shouted:
+
+"Halt, Yank! halt! or I'll shoot--blamed if I don't!"
+
+And he _did_ shoot, and Archie heard the bullet as it sung through
+the air behind him.
+
+The rebel, without stopping to load his gun, started in pursuit; but
+Archie, who was running for his life, soon left him behind. As the
+latter ran he heard shots fired on all sides of him, showing that he was
+completely surrounded.
+
+Escape seemed utterly impossible; and fearing that he might run into the
+very midst of the guerrillas when he least expected it, he threw himself
+behind a log in the edge of the woods, and awaited the issue of events
+with feelings that can not be described. He now had little hope of being
+able to elude his pursuers, who, he was certain, would keep the river
+closely guarded until daylight, when they would soon discover his
+hiding-place. He could not go on without fear of running against some of
+his enemies, in the dark, and to remain where he was, appeared equally
+dangerous. But of one thing he was certain--and as the thought passed
+through his mind, he clutched his revolvers desperately--and that was,
+if he was captured, it would require more than one man to do it.
+
+Presently he heard footsteps approaching, and two rebels came up. One of
+them he knew, by his voice, was the very man who had just fired at him.
+
+"I know he went this yere way," said he.
+
+"Wal, hold on a minit," said the other, panting loudly; "let's rest a
+leetle--I'm nigh gin out;" and he seated himself so close to Archie
+that, had it been daylight, he would certainly have been discovered.
+
+"I'll be dog-gone," said the one who had first spoken, "ef this 'ere
+night's work don't beat all natur'. Them ar Yanks ain't no fools, dog ef
+they ar!"
+
+"Who'd a thought it?" returned his companion. "Them ar two fellers come
+out here an' burn a house with more'n three hundred men in it? Dog-gone!
+But how did that other feller get away?"
+
+"Oh, he had a boat," answered the other, "an he got thar afore we could
+ketch him. He's on board his gun-boat afore this time. I jest ketched a
+glimpse of him as he was goin' down the bank. He had Damon by the neck,
+an' he was makin' him walk turkey, now I tell yer."
+
+"Damon ketched!" ejaculated his companion. "An' what's come on the
+kernel's mail?"
+
+"Gone up--the hul on it! Damon's got the bracelets on by this time. But
+come, let's go on."
+
+All this while the rebels had been coming up, and Archie could hear them
+in the woods, on all sides of him, yelling and swearing, like demons. He
+had one source of consolation, however--his cousin was safe; and,
+judging by the rebels' conversation, he had not gone back to the vessel
+empty-handed.
+
+Archie lay for some time listening to the movements of the rebels,
+almost afraid to breathe lest it should be overheard, when he was
+suddenly startled by a stunning report, which was followed by a hissing
+and shrieking in the air; a bright light shone in his eyes for an
+instant, and the next, the woods echoed with the bursting of a shell.
+The guerrillas had scarcely time to recover from their astonishment when
+there came another, and another, each one followed by groans and cries
+of anguish that made the young officer shudder.
+
+Frank Nelson had gained the Boxer in safety, and although surprised and
+alarmed at the absence of Archie--who, he thought, would make the best
+of his way back to the vessel when left to himself--he knew by the
+yelling of the rebels, and the pistol-shots that were occasionally
+heard, that they had not yet captured him. The noise of the chase
+plainly told the Boxer's crew that the fugitive was making the best of
+his way up the river, and Frank had opened fire on the rebels to create,
+if possible, a diversion in his cousin's favor. His shells were thrown
+with fatal accuracy, and the guerrillas, taken completely by surprise,
+and having no levee to protect them, beat a hasty retreat.
+
+Although threatened by a new danger, Archie was so overjoyed that he
+could scarcely refrain from shouting, and as soon as he was satisfied
+that his pursuers were out of hearing, he crawled from his concealment
+and ran toward the river. The shells still kept dropping into the woods
+at regular intervals, making music most pleasant to Archie's ears, for
+he knew that as long as the fire was continued, his chances for escape
+were increased. But in his eagerness he never thought of the men who had
+been posted on the bank, and as he dashed through the woods, several
+shots were fired at him by the rebels concealed in the bushes. But he
+reached the water in safety, and struck out for the vessel. A few random
+shots were fired at him, which Archie heard as they whistled past him;
+but his good fortune had not deserted him, and he again escaped unhurt.
+The reports of the guns on board the Boxer pointed out the direction in
+which he was to go, and in a quarter of an hour he was within
+hailing-distance of the vessel. The splashing he made in the water soon
+attracted the attention of the sentry on the forecastle, who, having
+been instructed by Frank, had kept a good look-out. A rope was thrown to
+Archie, who was pulled on board the vessel in a state of complete
+exhaustion.
+
+Frank was soon informed of the safe return of his cousin, and Archie,
+almost too weak to speak plainly, was carried to his room, where, after
+being divested of his wet clothes, he was put to bed, and left in a
+sound sleep. The next morning, however, he appeared in the mess-room, as
+lively as ever, and none the worse for his long run; while Frank, who
+began to suffer from his wound, was confined to his bed.
+
+The latter listened to his cousin's narration of the part he had borne
+in the expedition, and in admiration of Archie's bravery, forgot the
+lecture he had intended to administer. The officers, who had not
+expected such an exhibition of courage in one whose cheek had blanched
+at the whistle of a rebel bullet, were astonished, and it is needless to
+say that no more jokes were indulged in at the expense of the "green
+paymaster."
+
+For two months Frank held his position as executive officer of the
+Boxer, during which time the vessel was twice inspected by the admiral.
+He now had little to do beyond the regular routine of ship duties, for
+the guerrilla-station had been broken up by the burning of the
+plantation-house, and vessels were seldom fired into on the Boxer's
+beat. But this was not to continue long, for, one day, the dispatch-boat
+brought orders for him to report on board the Michigan--which lay at the
+mouth of Red River--as executive officer of that vessel.
+
+This was still another advancement, for the Michigan was an iron-clad,
+mounted fourteen guns, and had a crew of one hundred and seventy men.
+But Frank would have preferred to remain in his present position. After
+considerable hard work, he had brought the Boxer's crew into an
+admirable state of discipline; every thing about decks went off as
+smoothly as could be desired, and besides, Archie was on board, and he
+did not wish to leave him. But he never hesitated to obey his orders,
+and as soon as he had packed his trunk, and taken leave of his
+messmates, he went on board the dispatch-boat, and in a few days arrived
+at his new vessel.
+
+The captain of the Michigan had written to the admiral, requesting that
+a "first-class, experienced officer" might be sent him for an executive,
+but when Frank presented himself and produced his orders, that gentleman
+was astonished. After regarding the young officer sharply for a moment,
+he said:
+
+"The admiral, no doubt, knows his own business, but let me tell you,
+young man, that you have no easy task before you."
+
+He no doubt thought that a person of Frank's years was utterly incapable
+of filling so responsible a position. The latter, with his usual
+modesty, replied that he would endeavor to do his duty, and after he had
+seen his baggage taken care of, he went into the wardroom, where he
+found a young officer seated at the table reading. He arose as Frank
+entered, and thrusting out his hand, greeted him with--
+
+"I'm glad to meet you again, Mr. Nelson, and among friends, too."
+
+It was George Le Dell, the escaped prisoner, whom he had met during his
+memorable flight from Shreveport. Frank had not seen him, nor even heard
+of him, since he had left him on board the Ticonderoga; but here he was,
+"among the defenders of the Old Flag" again, in fulfillment of the
+promise he had made his rebel father, in the letter which Frank had read
+to his fellow fugitives in the woods, where they had halted for the day.
+He was not changed--his face still wore that sorrowful expression--and
+Frank found that he rarely took part in the conversation around the
+mess-table. He was an excellent officer, the especial favorite of the
+captain, and beloved by all his messmates, who, very far from suspecting
+the cause of his quiet demeanor, called him "Silence."
+
+Frank heartily returned his cordial greeting, and the two friends talked
+for a long time of scenes through which they had passed
+together--subjects still fresh in their memories--until the entrance of
+an officer put a stop to the conversation. Frank understood, by this,
+that he was the only one of the ship's company who knew any thing of
+George's past history.
+
+The change from the cool, comfortable quarters of the Boxer to the hot
+wardroom of the ironclad was not an agreeable one; but Frank was not the
+one to complain, and he entered upon his duties with his accustomed
+cheerfulness and alacrity. He was allowed very little rest. The captain
+of the Michigan--which was the flag-ship of the third division of the
+squadron--was a regular officer, who believed in always keeping the men
+busy at something, and Frank was obliged to be on his feet from morning
+until night. The decks were scrubbed every day, the bright work about
+the guns and engines cleaned, the small boats washed out, and then came
+quarters, and drilling with muskets or broad-swords. After this, if
+there was nothing else to be done, the outside of the vessel was
+scrubbed, or the chimneys repainted. In short, the Michigan was the
+pattern of neatness, and her crew, being constantly drilled, knew
+exactly what was required of them, and were ready for any emergency.
+
+For several months little occurred to relieve the monotony of ship-life
+beyond making regular trips from one end of their beat to the other; but
+when spring opened, gun-boats and transports, loaded with soldiers,
+began to assemble, and preparations were made for the Red River
+expedition. At length every thing was ready, and one pleasant morning
+the gun-boats weighed their anchors and led the way up the river.
+
+Frank stood on deck as the vessels steamed along, and could not help
+drawing a contrast between his present position and the one in which he
+was placed when he first saw Red River. Then, he and his companions were
+fugitives from a rebel prison; they had been tracked by bloodhounds, and
+followed by men at whose hands, if retaken, they could expect nothing
+but death. He remembered how his heart bounded with joy on the morning
+when he and his associates, in their leaky dug-out, had arrived in sight
+of the Mississippi. Then, he was ragged, hatless, and almost shoeless,
+weary with watching, and living in constant fear of recapture. Now, he
+was among friends, the Old Flag waved above him, and he was the second
+in command of one of the finest vessels in the squadron.
+
+The passage up the river was without incident worthy of note, and in a
+short time they arrived at the obstructions which the rebels had placed
+in the river nine miles below Fort De Russy. A vast amount of time and
+labor had been expended upon these obstructions, but they were speedily
+cleared away, and the fleet passed on. They had expected a stubborn
+resistance at the fort, but it had been captured by the army after a
+short engagement, and the gun-boats kept on to Alexandria.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+Frank turns Detective.
+
+
+A day or two after the arrival of the fleet at Alexandria, it became
+known that several persons belonging to the rebel secret service were
+hovering about in the vicinity of the village, with the intention of
+destroying some of the vessels by torpedoes--contrivances made to
+resemble pieces of coal--which were to be placed in those barges out of
+which the boats were supplied with fuel. By some means the names of
+these persons became known to the admiral, who issued a general order,
+calling on all the officers of the squadron to kill or capture them
+wherever found.
+
+The same day the order was issued Frank obtained shore liberty, and
+while roaming about the town, espied a name on a sign that immediately
+attracted his attention. It was one of the names borne in the general
+order.
+
+"There's one of the rascals, now," soliloquized Frank, "or, rather,
+where he has been. I wonder where he is. I'll see if I can't find out
+something about him. If he could be caught, he would be put in a place
+where he wouldn't lay any more plans to blow up Union gun-boats."
+
+The sign which had attracted his attention bore the name and occupation
+of the individual in question--"S. W. ABBOTT, Chemist."
+
+The store had been closed on the approach of the Union forces, and was
+now in the possession of several army surgeons and their assistants, who
+were overhauling its contents, and appropriating whatever they thought
+might be of service to them. A negro was leaning against the counter,
+and of him Frank inquired--
+
+"Boy, do you belong here?"
+
+"No, sar," he answered, indignantly; "I 'longs nowhar. I'se a free man,
+I is. I'se a soger."
+
+"Never been in this town before?"
+
+"No, sar."
+
+Frank left the store, and walked slowly up the street toward the hotel,
+wondering where he could go to make inquiries concerning the man whom he
+wished to find. It was evident that this was the hardest task he had yet
+undertaken. He knew the rebel's name, and that was all. He had no idea
+how he looked, and, although the admiral's order stated that he was
+loitering about the village, he might, at that moment, be fifty miles
+away, or Frank might have already passed him on the street.
+
+There were several men dressed in butternut clothes hanging about the
+hotel, and Frank determined to enter into conversation with one of them,
+and, if possible, learn something about Abbott. An opportunity was soon
+offered, for one of the butternuts approached him, and inquired--
+
+"Got any Northern money--greenbacks?"
+
+"Some," replied Frank.
+
+"Wal," continued the man, "I'll give you five dollars in Confederate
+money fur one dollar in greenbacks. Is it a bargain?"
+
+"Confederate money!" repeated Frank. "Of what use would it be to me? And
+I am greatly mistaken if it will be of use to you much longer."
+
+"Wal, I want your money fur a keepsake," replied the man. "I know you-uns
+don't like our money, but we-uns hev got to use it or go without any,"
+
+"Well, I'll trade," said Frank. "Your paper will no doubt be a curiosity
+to the folks at home." As he spoke, he produced the dollar, and the
+butternut drew out of his capacious pocket a huge roll of bills--tens,
+twenties, and fifties, enough to have made him independent if it had
+been good money--and selecting a five-dollar bill, handed it to Frank,
+who thrust it carelessly into his pocket.
+
+"I'll allow that you-uns don't seem to be a bad lot of fellers," said
+the butternut; "but I don't see what you-uns want to come down hyar to
+fight we-uns for. We-uns never done nothing to you-uns."
+
+"Every rebel I meet says the same thing," said Frank. "But who were the
+richest men in this place before the war broke out?"
+
+The man mentioned several names, among which was that of Abbott, the
+chemist.
+
+"Abbott, Abbott," repeated Frank, as if trying to recall the man to
+mind; "I've heard that name before. Is he a Northern man?"
+
+"No; he's allers lived at the South. His house is right back of the
+hotel, third door from the corner, on the right-hand side as you go up
+the street."
+
+Frank had learned something, but he did not think it safe to question
+the man further, for fear of exciting his suspicions; so, after a few
+unimportant remarks, he turned on his heel and walked into the hotel,
+which was used as the army head-quarters. Here he remained for nearly
+half an hour, to give the man of whom he had received his information
+time to leave the place, and then directed his steps toward Mr. Abbott's
+dwelling. He had no difficulty in finding it, for he followed the
+butternut's directions, and the rebel's name was borne on the
+door-plate. The house, however, was deserted; the blinds were closed, as
+were those of all the neighboring houses. Mr. Abbott, with his family,
+if he had any, had doubtless removed out of reach of the Union forces.
+Did he ever visit his home when in town? or did he make his
+head-quarters somewhere else? were questions that suggested themselves
+to Frank, but which, of course, he could not answer; neither did he dare
+to question any of the citizens, for they might be Mr. Abbott's friends,
+who would not fail to inform him that particular inquiries were being
+made, which would lead him to act more cautiously. Frank did not know
+what plan to adopt, but walked listlessly about the streets until he
+heard the Michigan's bell strike half-past three o'clock. He must be on
+board by four, as the admiral was to be there to inspect the vessel. He
+was reluctant to leave without having accomplished any thing more than
+the discovery of the rebel's dwelling; but there was no help for it, and
+he walked slowly toward the landing, where he found a boat waiting for
+him.
+
+That night, although he retired early, he slept but little, but tossed
+restlessly about in his bunk, endeavoring to conjure up some plan by
+which he might capture the rebel; and when he fell asleep, he dreamed
+about the subject uppermost in his mind. He thought that, after several
+days' patient watching, he finally discovered his man; but all attempts
+to capture him were unavailing. When he pursued, the rebel would
+disappear in a magical way, that was perfectly bewildering. Finally, he
+dreamed that the rebel assumed the offensive, and one day he met him in
+the street, carrying in his hand something that looked like a lump of
+coal, which he threw at Frank. It proved, however, to be a torpedo, for
+it exploded with a loud report, and as Frank sprang over a fence that
+ran close by the sidewalk, to escape, he came violently in contact with
+the walls of a house. At this stage of his dream he was suddenly
+awakened. To his no small amazement, he found himself stretched on the
+floor of his room, his head jammed against the door, through which one
+of the wardroom boys, a very small specimen of a contraband, was
+endeavoring to escape, while the look of terror depicted on his face,
+and the energy with which he strove to open the door, showed that he had
+sustained something of a fright. On the opposite side of the room stood
+the doctor, who gazed at Frank for a moment with open mouth and eyes,
+and then threw himself on the bed, convulsed with laughter.
+
+Frank rose slowly to his feet, and commenced drawing on his clothes,
+while the little negro disappeared through the door like a flash.
+
+"Mr. Nelson," said the doctor, as soon as he could speak, "you can't
+make that jump again, sir. I came in to awaken you," he continued, "and
+was just going to put my hand on you, when you sprang out of your bunk
+upon your trunk, and then back again; and just as the darkey was coming
+in, you made another jump, and landed against the door, frightening him
+so that I actually believe he turned pale. Were you dreaming?"
+
+"Yes," answered Frank, with a laugh; "I was getting out of the way of a
+torpedo."
+
+"Well, you certainly jumped far enough to get out of the way of almost
+any thing," replied the doctor, after he had indulged in another hearty
+fit of laughter. "Hurry up; breakfast is nearly ready."
+
+Frank felt the effects of his agility in the shape of a severe pain over
+his left eye, which had been occasioned by his head coming in contact
+with the door-knob, and his "big jump" was the source of a good deal of
+merriment at the breakfast-table.
+
+Frank went ashore in the ten-o'clock boat, and, after strolling about
+with his companions for a short time, invented a satisfactory excuse for
+his absence, and started toward Mr. Abbott's house, which, to his joy,
+he found open, with a negro engaged in sweeping the steps.
+
+"Boy, who lives here?" he inquired.
+
+The negro gave the desired information, adding: "He ain't hyar though,
+but missus will be home dis arternoon."
+
+"Where's your master?"
+
+"Oh, he done gone off somewhar. I 'spects he don't like for to see you
+Yankee sogers hyar."
+
+As the negro ceased speaking, having finished his work, he turned and
+went into the house, while Frank was about to move away, wondering what
+was the next thing to be done, when a boy approached and opened the
+gate.
+
+"What do you want?" asked Frank.
+
+The boy held up a letter which he carried in his hand, and Frank, seeing
+that it was addressed to Mrs. Abbott, at once concluded that it
+contained information which might be of the greatest value to him.
+
+"It is all right," said he; "I'll attend to it;" at the same time taking
+the note and handing some money to the boy, who departed well satisfied.
+Frank then walked down the street, and, as soon as he was out of sight
+of the house, opened the letter and read as follows:
+
+HEYWARD'S PLANTATION, _March_ 20, 1864.
+
+"Will be at home at eight o'clock this evening. Have my baggage ready to
+start for Shreveport early in the morning."
+
+No name was signed to the note, but Frank was certain that he now had
+the matter in his own hands, and that any preparations Mrs. Abbott might
+make for her husband's journey to Shreveport would only be thrown away.
+He at once directed his steps toward the landing, hailed his vessel for
+a boat, and when he had arrived on board and reported to the captain,
+showed that gentleman the note, at the same time requesting permission
+to remain on shore after dark, in order to capture the rebel.
+
+"I should be only too happy to allow you to do so, Mr. Nelson," said the
+captain, "for you seem to be particularly fortunate in every thing of
+this description you undertake. But, as it is the admiral's order that
+all officers repair on board their vessels at sundown, he must be
+consulted in regard to the matter. Orderly, tell the officer of the deck
+to have the gig called away. We will go up to the flag-ship," he
+continued, "and talk to the admiral."
+
+The gig was soon manned, and after Frank had buckled on his sword (for
+all officers visiting the flag-ship were required to wear their
+side-arms), he stepped into the boat with the captain, and in a short
+time they were in the presence of the admiral. The captain, in a few
+words, explained the nature of the visit, showed him the note Frank had
+intercepted, and ended by repeating the young officer's request that he
+might be allowed to remain on shore after dark.
+
+"Certainly," replied the admiral, "certainly. If you succeed, young man,
+we shall have one less of these secret-service fellows to fear." Then,
+turning to one of his clerks, he gave him an order which Frank did not
+hear, after which he asked:
+
+"How did you discover the whereabouts of this man Abbott, Mr. Nelson?"
+
+Frank then proceeded to give the admiral an account of all he had done,
+how he had seen the rebel's name on the sign, learned his residence, and
+secured the note. To all of which the latter listened with attention.
+
+"I hope you will succeed in capturing him," said he. "If you do, bring
+him here; I want a look at him. Here," he continued, as his clerk handed
+him a letter, "is a request that the provost-marshal will furnish you
+with a pass. Good luck to you, young man."
+
+Their business being finished, Frank followed the captain out of the
+cabin, and returned on board the Michigan.
+
+All that afternoon Frank was in a fever of excitement. He was impatient
+for the night to come, that he might know whether or not his attempt was
+to be crowned with success. A hundred things might happen to prevent it.
+The rebel might not come home, or the note might have been written with
+the intention of having it intercepted, in order to throw the one into
+whose hands it might fall on the wrong scent; or it might be written in
+cipher, and mean directly opposite to what Frank had supposed. But he
+consoled himself with the thought that he had done, and would still
+continue to do, all in his power to obey the admiral's general order,
+and if he failed, the blame would not rest with him.
+
+When the sundown boat was called away, Frank, after exchanging his
+uniform for a citizen's dress, and his cap for a tattered slouch-hat,
+thrust a revolver into his pocket, stepped into the cutter, and was soon
+set on shore. He walked directly to the office of the provost-marshal,
+which was in the hotel, and finding that officer at his desk, handed him
+the admiral's note, which ran as follows:
+
+  "U. S. FLAG-SHIP BLACKHAWK,
+  "OFF ALEXANDRIA, LA., March 20, 1864.
+
+
+"SIR:--Please furnish the bearer, Acting Ensign Frank Nelson, with a
+pass. He has important business to perform, which may detain him on
+shore most of the night, and it is absolutely necessary, for the
+successful accomplishment of his mission, that he should not be
+interfered with.     Very respectfully, your obd't serv't.,
+
+                           DAVID D. PORTER, _Rear Admiral_,
+                                       Com'd'g Miss. Squadron.
+  U. S. Provost Marshal,
+                Alexandria, La.
+
+
+"Your business must be important indeed, judging by the language of this
+note," said the marshal. "You shall not be troubled."
+
+While he was speaking he had been writing an order commanding "all
+guards and patrols to allow the bearer the freedom of the city, as he
+was under special orders from the admiral, and must not be detained."
+
+"There," said he, after he had finished the pass and handed it to Frank.
+"That will take you through all right. You have my best wishes for your
+success."
+
+Frank thanked him, and putting the pass carefully away in his pocket,
+walked out of the hotel fully satisfied on one point, and that was, if
+his success depended upon the good wishes of his friends, failure was
+impossible. He walked slowly down the street toward the place where the
+soldiers were encamped; for as it lacked fully an hour and a half of the
+appointed time, he did not wish to be seen loitering about the house, as
+it might excite the suspicions of its inmates, who would not fail to
+send word to Mr. Abbott that the house was being watched. Time moved
+altogether too slowly for the impatient young officer, but at length he
+heard the flag-ship's bell strike half-past seven, and as it had begun
+to grow dark, he walked toward the house, and took his station in the
+shadow of some trees on the opposite side of the street. At the end of
+an hour his patience was rewarded, for he heard the sound of approaching
+footsteps, and a man passed by the house. Frank knew, from the
+suspicious manner in which he gazed about, that if it was not the man
+for whom he was waiting, it was some other guilty fellow who ought to be
+secured. Presently he returned, and after again looking cautiously about
+him, ascended the steps and knocked lightly at the door, which was
+almost instantly opened, and a voice exclaimed:
+
+"Massa Abbott, I'se glad to"--
+
+The rest of the sentence Frank did not hear, for the moment the man
+entered the hall, the door was closed again. Now was the time for Frank,
+who hastily crossed the street, and noiselessly ascended the steps. Here
+he paused for a moment to draw his revolver, and then suddenly opened
+the door and sprang into the hall. He was met by the negro, the same, no
+doubt, whom he had heard welcoming his master, who, not liking the looks
+of the huge six-shooter which the officer flourished before his eyes,
+beat a hasty retreat. Frank kept on and entered the parlor, where he
+found his man standing in the middle of the floor, pale and breathless.
+No one else was in the room.
+
+"Mr. Abbott," said Frank, "you're my prisoner!"
+
+The man, who was so terrified that he seemed to have lost even the power
+of speech, surrendered his weapons and submitted to his captor, who led
+him out of the house and toward the flag-ship, which they reached in
+safety. The admiral received Frank with great cordiality, and after
+listening to his account of the manner in which the capture of the
+prisoner had been effected, he ordered the cutter called away, and the
+young officer, rejoicing over his success, was sent on board his vessel.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+Frank's First Command.
+
+
+The next morning, just after quarters, while the officers were getting
+ready to go on shore, a boat from the flag-ship came alongside, and the
+officer in charge of it was shown into the cabin, as he said he had
+business with the captain. Frank, who thought he had accomplished
+sufficient to satisfy him to remain on board, sat in the wardroom
+reading, when the orderly entered and informed him that the captain
+desired his presence in the cabin.
+
+"Mr. Nelson," said he, "here's an order from the admiral, directing me
+to furnish you with a cutter and an armed crew, and to send you to the
+flag-ship for orders. I am also instructed to appoint an executive to
+fill your place during your absence. I expect you will be sent off on
+some expedition; so you had better prepare for a long trip."
+
+The officer who brought the order having returned to his vessel, the
+captain accompanied Frank on deck, and ordered the second cutter to be
+called away and furnished with a crew well armed. In a short time the
+boat was ready, and Frank, buckling on his side-arms, took leave of the
+captain and started toward the flag-ship, wondering what duty he was now
+called upon to perform, and fully determined that whatever orders he
+might receive, however dangerous or difficult, should be executed, if
+within the bounds of possibility.
+
+When he arrived on board the Blackhawk, an officer, who appeared to be
+waiting for him, conducted him into the cabin, where the admiral sat
+writing at his desk.
+
+"Good morning, Mr. Nelson," said he; "take a chair, sir."
+
+Frank took the seat pointed out to him, and the admiral, taking from his
+desk a bundle of papers, carefully tied up, continued:
+
+"It has always been my habit, Mr. Nelson, not to let a brave or skillful
+action pass unrewarded, any more than I would allow a bad one to pass
+unpunished. I am now about to give you a much more important, and
+perhaps dangerous, commission than has yet been intrusted to you. This
+package contains official documents of the greatest importance, and I
+want you to go down the river, and deliver it to the commanding naval
+officer, whom you will find at Acklen's plantation, opposite the mouth
+of Red River. I know there are rebels all along the banks, but whatever
+you do, don't allow these letters to fall into their hands. There are
+iron weights in the package, and if you should be in danger of capture,
+throw it overboard. You will take passage on the army transport that now
+lies at the stern of this vessel, all ready to start. I send the cutter
+and armed crew with you, for the reason that the rebels may sink the
+transport, in which case you can escape in your boat; for those letters
+must go through, if possible; perhaps the success of this expedition
+depends upon them. The transport, you will find, is in command of a
+second-lieutenant. I should feel much safer if I could put one of my own
+officers in charge, but, as the boat belongs to the army, I have no
+authority in the matter. After you have executed your orders, return, by
+first opportunity, to your vessel, and report to me by letter. Now, sir,
+you may go, for they are waiting for you. Remember, I say the success or
+failure of this entire expedition may depend upon you; and don't forget
+that you are the young man that saved the Milwaukee."
+
+Frank bowed himself out of the cabin, sprang into the cutter, and
+started toward the transport that lay alongside of the bank, a short
+distance below the flag-ship. As he stepped on board, he was met by a
+flashy-looking young lieutenant, dressed in a brand-new uniform, who
+greeted him with the inquiry:
+
+"Are you ready at last? I have been waiting an hour for you. Business is
+business, you know, and when I command a ship, I don't like to be
+detained."
+
+The lieutenant said this, probably, to impress upon Frank's mind the
+important fact that he was the captain of the steamer, and must be
+respected and obeyed accordingly. Frank, who knew that he was not
+subject to the orders of the lieutenant only so far as the safety of the
+vessel was concerned, replied that he had come as soon as he could after
+he had received his orders, and turning to his men, directed part of
+them to make the cutter fast to the stern of the steamer, and the others
+to carry their arms to the boiler-deck, where they could be readily
+seized in case of emergency. The transport was a small side-wheel boat
+belonging to the quarter-master's department. The deck-hands were all
+soldiers--perhaps half a dozen of them in all--the only steamboatmen on
+board being one pilot, four engineers, and as many firemen. The steamer
+was armed with two howitzers, mounted on the boiler-deck, and the
+muskets of the soldiers were stacked in the cabin. The boilers were
+protected by bales of cotton, which were piled on the guards, and the
+pilot-house was defended in the same manner. A few bales were also
+placed on the boiler-deck to serve as a breastwork. The whole was under
+the command of the lieutenant, who, judging by the orders he issued,
+knew nothing whatever of the management of a boat.
+
+Frank had been on board but a few moments, when the engineer's bell
+rang, to inform the pilot that all was ready for the start. The boat was
+made fast by a single line, which ran from the forecastle to a tree on
+the bank, and the gang-plank was out. The lieutenant's first order was,
+"Haul in that plank." The soldiers obeyed, and then came the command for
+"somebody to run out there and untie that line."
+
+One of the soldiers sprang ashore and began trying to cast off the line,
+which was drawn as taut as a four-mile current could make it. He worked
+for several moments, but, of course without success (for the line should
+first have been slackened up on board), and then called out:
+
+"Loosen up that other end, there!"
+
+"No, no!" replied the lieutenant, "that would allow the boat to swing
+away from the bank, and then how would you get on board? It must be
+untied from that tree first."
+
+What difference it could possibly make in regard to the boat's swinging
+away from the bank, whether the line was first slackened up on shore or
+on board, Frank could not determine.
+
+He was astonished at the lieutenant's ignorance, and amused at his novel
+mode of casting off a line, while the sailors, who had gathered in a
+group on the forecastle, watched the operation with a smile, wondering
+how the affair would end, as they knew that the line could not be
+"untied" from the tree unless first slackened up on board. But the
+lieutenant seemed to have his own idea of the manner in which it ought
+to be accomplished, and was constantly ordering the man to "Hurry up,
+there!" The soldiers worked and pulled, but all to no purpose, and the
+lieutenant, becoming impatient, ordered two more of the men to his
+assistance. But the knot, which had been awkwardly made, was jammed, and
+resisted their utmost efforts.
+
+"I never did see such a clumsy set of fellows," said the lieutenant, at
+length, turning to Frank, who stood beside him, making use of his
+handkerchief to conceal his laughter. "We ought to have been two miles
+down the river by this time."
+
+It was evident that he was fast becoming disgusted with his first
+attempt at "steamboating," but was too proud to ask advice. At length he
+turned and walked into the cabin, muttering, "I guess they will get it
+untied before night." But Frank was unwilling to wait so long. The delay
+was entirely unnecessary, and he had begun to get impatient.
+
+"Men," said he, addressing himself to the cutter's crew, who were
+convulsed with laughter, "some of you run out that gang-plank, and
+another slack up that line."
+
+These orders were promptly obeyed, and the difficulty was easily
+overcome.
+
+"All gone, sir," shouted Frank to the pilot, meaning that the line was
+cast off, and in a few moments the transport swung off from the bank,
+and was plowing her way down the river. Frank leaned over the railing,
+and wondered how a man so utterly ignorant of the management of a
+steamer, as was the lieutenant, came to be put in command, and at a
+time, too, when they might be placed in situations that would call into
+requisition all the skill and judgment of experienced men. He did not at
+all like the appearance of the young commander, for he was of the type
+of officers known as "upstarts," who like to show their authority, but
+are without the ability to successfully fill even the post of corporal.
+What if the transport should be fired upon and disabled? It was evident
+that in such an emergency nothing could be expected of a man who could
+not cast off a line. Frank's commission was too important to be
+intrusted to the care of such a man, and the young officer felt that he
+would much rather step into the cutter, and trust to the skill and
+courage of his twelve sailors, than to remain on board the transport.
+Calling the coxswain on deck, he directed that if they were attacked,
+the cutter should be kept ready for instant use, and in case the vessel
+was disabled, they would attempt to finish their journey in her. After
+giving these orders, Frank went up into the pilot-house, where he found
+the man at the wheel in no enviable state of mind.
+
+"I'm glad to see you," said he, as Frank entered, "for I want to talk to
+you. I'm not at all pleased with the looks of our skipper," he went on
+to say, "and how he came to be placed in command is a mystery to me.
+Perhaps the quarter-master thinks, like a good many men who see the
+Mississippi River for the first time, that any body can take charge of a
+steamboat; but suppose we should run aground--what does that lieutenant
+know about sparring off? or what if something about the engine should
+let down? why, we might go forty miles down the river before he could
+get us tied up to the bank. Besides, if we are fired upon, he'll
+surrender. Now, mark my words, he'll surrender before he will fight, and
+I'm opposed to that, for I was a prisoner once."
+
+"So was I," said Frank, "and I don't mean to fall into the rebels' hands
+again, if I can help it. I'll never be surrendered. That lieutenant may
+not fight, but I think his men will, and I have twelve good fellows, all
+well armed, on whom I know I can depend."
+
+"Then I feel better," said the pilot. "That's talk I like to hear; for
+if we are not disabled, we'll go through all right. There goes the bell!
+Go down and get your dinner."
+
+Frank deposited his weapons on a bench in the pilot-house and ran down
+into the cabin, where he found the lieutenant and two engineers seated
+at the table. The former seemed to have forgotten his failure of the
+morning, for he talked a good deal in a condescending manner, as if
+addressing his inferiors; and to Frank's inquiry if he expected trouble
+from the rebels, replied that he had not given the matter a moment's
+thought; that if they did attack the vessel, it would not be the first
+time he had smelt powder, and if the engineers and pilot could be
+depended upon, he had no fears but that he should be able to take the
+boat safely through. Frank replied that he trusted the officers would
+not be found wanting in courage; and when he had finished his meal, he
+went on deck again, and surprised the pilot, by offering to relieve him
+while he went down to his dinner. In his spare moments Frank, who wisely
+regarded it as the duty of every officer to acquaint himself with every
+part of the management of a vessel, had learned to handle the wheel, and
+he was an excellent steersman. He could make a landing or get a boat
+under way, as well as the most experienced pilot; and in the present
+instance he was fully capable of steering the boat, for as the water in
+the river was high, there was no danger of getting out of the channel.
+
+The pilot gave him his place, and after watching the movements of the
+young officer, who handled the wheel with all the confidence of an old
+river man, he went below to his dinner, satisfied that he had left the
+boat in safe hands. Frank remained at the wheel most of the afternoon,
+for the pilot, who would be on watch all night, had gone to bed to
+obtain a few hours' rest. About four o'clock, however, he made his
+appearance, and Frank went down into the cabin, and was engaged in
+reading a newspaper, when he heard the pilot shout through the trumpet
+to the engineers:
+
+"Here they are! Now, push her ahead strong. There's a battery just
+below."
+
+At the same moment there was a rush of feet on deck, and the lieutenant
+entered the cabin pale and breathless.
+
+"We're captured," said he, in a faint voice. "We're surrounded. The bank
+is black with rebels--ten thousand of them at least! It's no use to
+think of fighting."
+
+As he ceased speaking, he ran on deck again, followed by Frank, who
+found his men drawn up behind the cotton-bales, with their weapons in
+their hands, waiting for orders. The soldiers had cast loose the
+howitzers, and stood at their posts. The lieutenant stopped a moment,
+just long enough to say, "Boys, we're all captured!" and then ran into
+the pilot-house. As Frank stood talking to his men, and encouraging them
+with the famous words that never fail to nerve an American
+seaman--"Don't give up the ship!"--a rebel rode out on the bank, in full
+view of the steamer, and shouted:
+
+"Come ashore here, or we'll sink you."
+
+Frank looked toward the pilot-house, where the lieutenant had taken
+refuge, and waited to hear his answer. To his surprise and horror, he
+saw a hand extended waving a white handkerchief, and the coxswain
+exclaimed:
+
+"Mr. Nelson, he's surrendering us, sir!"
+
+With one bound Frank sprang up the steps that led to the pilot-house,
+caught the handkerchief and threw it overboard; and at the same moment
+the lieutenant was seized from behind and thrown to the deck. He
+instantly recovered his feet, and turning fiercely upon Frank and the
+pilot, exclaimed:
+
+"What are you about? Do you know that you have rendered yourselves
+liable to a court-martial? I'm commander of this vessel, and I'll shoot
+the first man that resists my authority!"
+
+"You shall never surrender us," said Frank, firmly, not the least
+intimidated by the other's threat. "If you will give orders for your men
+to prepare for action, no one will oppose you. We'll stick to you as
+long as a plank of this vessel remains above water."
+
+"I know my own business," replied the lieutenant. "Resistance is
+useless. We never could get by that battery, and I'm going to surrender
+to save our lives. Turn her toward the shore, pilot!"
+
+As he spoke, he walked out on deck, and calling out to the rebel, who
+had continued to follow the vessel:
+
+"I'll surrender! Pilot, I tell you to turn her in toward the shore."
+
+The pilot gave a glance at Frank, and reading in his face a firm
+determination to go through if possible, held the boat's head down the
+stream, while a murmur of indignation arose from the men on the lower
+deck, and the coxswain said, turning to his companions:
+
+"Sink my tarry wig, if that ar' chap ain't going to give us up without
+our having the least bit of a fight."
+
+Frank stood for a moment irresolute. Ought he to oppose the lieutenant,
+the lawful commander of the vessel? Was it his duty to stand by and
+allow himself and his men to be surrendered without even a show of
+resistance? And his dispatches, the importance of which the admiral had
+stated in such emphatic language, should he throw them overboard,
+instead of delivering them, as he had hoped to do, to the officer to
+whom they were addressed? No! Sooner than do that, he would put the
+cowardly lieutenant under arrest, and give the command to the pilot, a
+man whom he knew understood his business, and would not think of
+surrender until it had been clearly proved that successful resistance
+was entirely out of the question.
+
+While these thoughts were passing through Frank's mind, the boat, under
+an increased head of steam, had been rapidly nearing the battery, which
+could be distinctly seen about half a mile below, planted on the bank of
+the river.
+
+"Come ashore, if you surrender," shouted the rebel.
+
+"Pilot," said the lieutenant, in a weak voice, "I order you"--
+
+He never finished that order, for Frank seized him, and pulling him into
+the pilot-house, closed the door. He made an attempt to draw a revolver,
+but the pilot threw him to the deck, when Frank wrested the weapon from
+him and retained it in his possession.
+
+"All ready forward there?" he shouted to the men on the boiler-deck.
+
+"Ay, ay, sir," answered the coxswain. "Mr. Nelson's in command," he
+added, turning to his companions. "Douse my to'-gallant top-lights but
+we'll have a skirmish now sure."
+
+"Do you surrender?" shouted the man on the bank.
+
+The reply he received was a shot from the pilot's revolver, which made
+him beat a hasty retreat. He had scarcely disappeared when a cloud of
+men arose from behind the levee, and a volley of bullets rattled into
+the boat. It was answered by a shout of defiance from the men behind the
+cotton-bales; but the pilot, who stood just in front of Frank, staggered
+for a moment, and sank heavily to the deck. Frank was horrified. With
+that man at the wheel, he had entertained no fears of their ability to
+run by the battery; but now that he was left alone, with the duties of
+both commander and pilot devolving upon him, his hopes fell again. But
+he could not remain long inactive, for the boat, being without a guide,
+began to swing toward the shore. Hastily seizing the wheel, he turned
+her head down the river again, when the battery opened upon them, and a
+storm of shells plunged into the water and whistled through the air
+about the boat. Only one struck her, and that passed through one of the
+smoke-stacks, and bursting, demolished part of the roof of the
+pilothouse. Then, as fast as the guns could be loaded, the battery
+played upon the transport, and Frank heard the shells crashing through
+the cabin and exploding in the air above him. But he stood bravely at
+his post, his only fears being of his inability to turn the point on
+which the battery was planted, or that one of the shells might penetrate
+the cotton-bales and strike the boilers or some part of the machinery.
+But as he neared the battery, he discovered that the boat was struck
+less frequently; that the rebels, in their excitement, were firing
+wildly. His own men, cool and collected, encouraged by the example of
+their officer, had not yet fired a shot; but when the boat arrived
+opposite the battery, they opened upon it with the howitzers and small
+arms with terrible effect. The point, which extended into the bend where
+the battery stood, was long and sharp, a bad place for one unaccustomed
+to handling a boat; but Frank passed it in safety, under a full head of
+steam, and cheers of triumph arose from his men, which the rebels
+answered with yells of rage, and continued to follow the transport,
+sending bullets and shells after her as fast as they could reload. But
+they were speedily left behind, and their yells died away in the
+distance.
+
+Frank's dispatches were safe.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+An unlucky fight.
+
+
+As soon as Frank was certain that the rebels had given up the pursuit,
+he called two of his men on deck, and directed them to carry the pilot,
+who now began to show signs of returning consciousness, into the cabin.
+
+During the fight the lieutenant had remained behind one of the
+cotton-bales, where the pilot had thrown him, so completely overcome
+with fear that he did not think of renewing his attempts to enforce his
+authority. But now that the danger was over, he arose to his feet and
+walked out of the pilot-house. As the sailors came up, in obedience to
+Frank's order, they passed the lieutenant without giving the customary
+salute, and acted as though they considered him beneath their notice.
+They lifted the pilot tenderly in their arms, carried him down stairs,
+and laid him on his bed.
+
+There was no surgeon on board, and Frank was anxious to reach a gun-boat
+as soon as possible, in order to place the pilot, who was the only one
+injured, under the care of a medical man. He kept his place at the
+wheel, his supper being brought up to him by one of his men, and shortly
+after dark came within sight of the lights of a vessel which was lying
+at anchor in the stream. He blew the whistle, to let her know that he
+was approaching, to which the steamer, which proved to be a gun-boat,
+replied by hoisting her signal-lights. Frank having no signals, whistled
+again, and rang the bells for the engineer to run slowly. As soon as he
+came within hailing distance, a voice called out:
+
+"Steamer ahoy!"
+
+"Ay, ay, sir!" shouted Frank, in reply.
+
+"What steamer is that?"
+
+"Army transport Key-West, bound for the mouth of the river, with
+dispatches from the admiral."
+
+"Come alongside, here," shouted the voice.
+
+"Ay, ay, sir," replied Frank, and he commenced turning the boat's head
+toward the vessel, while a hurrying of feet and a noise of dropping
+handspikes on the gun-deck, told him in plain language that the captain
+of the gun-boat was not at all satisfied with the report he had made,
+and had called his crew to quarters, to be in readiness to sink the
+transport if she should attempt to run by. It was an uncommon thing
+during the expedition for boats to run in Red River after night, unless
+supplied with the necessary signals, and the young officer was not at
+all surprised at the precautions taken by the gun-boat.
+
+Frank by this time had turned the transport around, and was coming up at
+the stern of the gun-boat, when the lieutenant came on deck, and
+entering the pilot-house, inquired:
+
+"Are you the captain of this ship?"
+
+"I have had no orders to act as such," replied Frank.
+
+"Then why do you answer hails, and land here without my permission? I'll
+have you court-martialed."
+
+"I answered the hails because you were not on deck; and I land here
+because I have been ordered to do so by the captain of that gun-boat."
+
+"Well, I am not under his orders; he has no authority over me, and I
+order you to turn around at once, and start down the river again."
+
+"If I should undertake that," replied Frank, with a laugh, "this vessel
+wouldn't last long. Every cannon on this aide of that gun-boat points
+straight at us, and if we should turn around, they would blow us out of
+water."
+
+"They would, eh?" said the lieutenant, angrily. "I'll have the whole lot
+of them up before a court-martial. I'm a second-lieutenant, sir, and
+must not be detained, as I am on important business. Turn around at
+once."
+
+Frank made no reply, and at that moment the bow of the transport touched
+the gun-boat, and one of the sailors sprang out with a line. As soon as
+the boat was made fast, he put on his side-arms, and taking his
+dispatches, walked out of the pilot-house, leaving the lieutenant almost
+beside himself with rage. As soon as he stepped on board the gun-boat,
+he was shown into the presence of Captain Wilson, the same who had
+commanded the Ticonderoga when Frank was attached to her.
+
+"Oh, is it you, Mr. Nelson?" he exclaimed, seizing the young officer's
+hand and shaking it heartily. "Then it's all right. I did not know but
+you were a rebel, and were going to run by; so I got my guns all ready
+to sink you. Sit down. Are you in command?"
+
+Frank replied that he was not, and then proceeded to repeat the orders
+he had received from the admiral, telling the captain of the fight with
+the battery, but carefully omitting any thing that related to the
+conduct of the lieutenant, he ended by saying that the pilot was
+wounded, and requesting that the doctor might be sent on board to attend
+to him, which was done at once, the captain offering to send another
+pilot to take his place.
+
+The transport lay alongside nearly two hours, during which time the
+pilot's wound, which was not dangerous, was dressed. The doctor then
+declared that he was able to go on to the mouth of the river, where he
+could be placed under the care of an army surgeon. Frank then took his
+leave of the captain, and stepped on board the transport, accompanied by
+one of the gun-boat pilots, who was well-known to the young officer, and
+he was confident that the lieutenant, if he should again take it into
+his head to give any unnecessary orders, would hear the truth plainly
+told. He was an old acquaintance of the wounded pilot, from whom he had
+heard the whole history of the trip from Alexandria; but as he had said
+nothing about the matter to Frank, the latter was not aware that he knew
+it.
+
+The pilot took his station at the wheel, while Frank seated himself on
+the boiler-deck railing. The lieutenant stood close by, and, without
+waiting to hear whether or not the engineers were ready to start,
+shouted:
+
+"Untie that line."
+
+"Hold on!" shouted the pilot. "Do you want to send us adrift without any
+steam? Wait till I tell you we're all ready."
+
+The engineers of the transport, taking advantage of the landing, had
+allowed the steam to go down, in order to repair some part of the
+machinery that was out of order, and had the line been cast off just
+then, the boat would have been at the mercy of the current, and in
+danger of sinking, for a short distance below lay an iron-clad ram,
+anchored in the river. The lieutenant had given his command in a loud
+tone, in order to be heard by the crew of the gun-boat, and the rebuff
+he had met from the pilot did not tend to quiet his feelings, which were
+considerably agitated by the thought that he was not in reality the
+commander of the vessel. He was astonished at the pertinacity with which
+his subordinates (as he considered them) countermanded his orders, and
+wondered what was the use of being captain of a vessel if he was not to
+be obeyed. But perhaps the new pilot did not know who he was. He would
+inform him. With this determination, he walked up to the pilot-house,
+and inquired:
+
+"Do you know, sir, that I command this boat?"
+
+"Yes," replied the pilot, "I know all about that. But you had better go
+and turn in; you are only in the way here. All ready, Mr. Nelson," he
+continued, as the engineer's bell rang at this moment.
+
+Frank gave the necessary orders, and in a few moments they were again on
+their way down the river, while the lieutenant walked into the cabin and
+threw himself on a lounge, heartily wishing there were no gun-boat men
+in existence. As soon as they were fairly under way, Frank, seeing that
+the lieutenant took no further notice of what was going on, ran below to
+set the watch; then, after satisfying himself that every thing was right
+about decks, and that their weapons were ready for instant use, he
+stretched himself on a blanket in the cabin, and with his precious
+dispatches (which he had carried with him wherever he went) for a
+pillow, was soon fast asleep.
+
+About midnight he was suddenly awakened by a terrific crash, and sprang
+to his feet to find the cabin shrouded in darkness and filled with
+smoke. Hastily thrusting his dispatches into his pocket, he commenced
+groping for his side-arms, which, on retiring, he had placed by his
+side, while a commotion on deck told him that the crew were hurrying to
+their stations. When he had found his sword, he ran out of the cabin,
+and saw his men drawn up behind the cotton-bales, under charge of the
+coxswain, who ran up to his officer and hurriedly asked for orders. The
+latter did not long remain ignorant of the nature of the attack, for a
+shell plunged into the cabin which he had just left, and, exploding with
+a deafening report, filled the air with fragments of furniture, and tore
+a large hole in the deck above the boilers. The night was very dark, but
+still there was light enough for Frank to see that the boat, no longer
+obeying her helm, was drifting broadside toward the battery, the
+position of which could be easily determined by the flash of its guns;
+and it was evident that unless those guns could be speedily silenced,
+the transport would be altogether demolished, or disabled so that she
+would fall into the hands of the rebels. Turning to the coxswain, Frank
+inquired:
+
+"Is that cutter ready for immediate use?"
+
+"All ready, sir," was the answer.
+
+"Let loose those guns, then. Fire!"
+
+The two howitzers belched forth their contents, but while they were
+being reloaded, another broadside from the battery plunged into the
+boat, followed by the hissing and shrieking of steam. A shot had struck
+the boilers! The thought had scarcely passed through Frank's mind, when
+the pilot sprang down the steps, exclaiming:
+
+"Mr. Nelson, the tiller-rope is shot away, sir, and the boat is on
+fire!"
+
+In short, much sooner than Frank had expected, the transport was a
+complete wreck.
+
+The cotton-bales on the guards had been set on fire by a bursting shell;
+the tiller-rope shot away, rendering it impossible to steer the boat;
+the boilers penetrated, and the engine-room filled with hot steam, which
+now began to rise and envelop the men on the boiler-deck. Soldiers and
+sailors at once deserted their quarters and ran about in confusion,
+while Frank, with his handkerchief in his mouth, to prevent his inhaling
+the steam, stood wondering, where so many things were to be done, which
+ought to be done first. He was quickly called to action by the pilot,
+who, as he ran down the steps that led to the forecastle, exclaimed:
+
+"Let every man take care of himself!"
+
+When that man, who had been in nearly all the battles fought on the
+Mississippi River--who had run the batteries at Vicksburg, and had
+twice, in the heat of action, swam from a sinking vessel--when _he_
+deserted his post, it was useless for any one to remain. The transport
+could be of no further use to them, and to stay on board was to court
+either death from the hot, blinding steam, or the shells that all the
+while came crashing into the boat, or capture and hard treatment at the
+hands of the rebels. So thought Frank, as he followed his men to the
+forecastle, intending to enter the cutter, and, if possible, run by the
+battery and reach the Mississippi.
+
+The steam rolled over the lower deck in thick clouds, rendering it
+impossible for him to go aft. There was now but one way to reach the
+cutter, and that was to jump overboard and swim to her. This order was
+promptly given, and as promptly obeyed by the men, who sprang into the
+water, one after another, followed by Frank, who, however, had lingered
+a moment to pull off his side-arms and coat, which would only impede his
+progress, and to secure his dispatches, which he tied to his waist with
+a strong cord he happened to have in his pocket.
+
+But when he reached the stern of the boat, he found that this means of
+escape had been destroyed. A shell from the battery had struck the
+cutter, and her wreck, still hold by the rope with which she had been
+made fast, floated along with the steamer, which was slowly drifting
+toward the bank. Only one of his men was to be seen, and that was the
+coxswain, who was holding on to the wreck, awaiting the appearance of
+his officer. The others, giving up all hopes of escape, had doubtless
+turned toward the shore.
+
+"Now, here's a job, sir," said the coxswain, apparently as unconcerned
+as if there had not been a rebel within a hundred miles. "Here _is_
+a job. What's to be done now, sir?"
+
+Frank had just asked himself the same question. He could easily reach
+the shore, which was but a few yards distant, but there he would
+certainly be captured by the rebels, who were running along the bank,
+yelling like demons.
+
+There was but one course he could pursue and save himself and
+dispatches, and that was to swim down the river and endeavor to pass the
+battery. In the darkness he might escape undiscovered.
+
+"Bob, are you a good swimmer?" he asked, turning to the coxswain.
+
+"Yes sir! can swim all day," was the reply.
+
+"Then follow me as silently as possible, and we may yet escape."
+
+As Frank spoke, he swam down the river with swift, noiseless strokes,
+anxious to get as far as possible from the boat before the fire, which
+now began to make rapid headway, should light up the river and discover
+them to the rebels. The latter had ceased firing, and were scattered
+along the bank, making prisoners of the transport's crew as fast as they
+touched the shore. When Frank had reached the place where the battery
+was stationed, he turned upon his back, and allowed himself to float
+along with the current, and, aided by the darkness and the smoke of the
+burning transport, which blew down the river, he and his companion
+passed the dangerous point undiscovered. Here Frank again struck out,
+his every movement followed by the coxswain, who was close behind him,
+and who floated through the water like a cork.
+
+For nearly an hour they remained in the river, and it was not until the
+shouts of the rebels could be no longer heard, that Frank, feeling for
+the present safe from pursuit, swam to the shore and sat down to rest,
+and to determine upon their future movements.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+Up the Washita.
+
+
+All noise of pursuit, if any had been made, had died away, and not a
+sound disturbed the stillness of the woods. But Frank had learned, by
+experience, that silence was not indicative of safety, for it might, at
+any moment, be broken by the report of muskets, or a sudden demand for
+surrender from enemies who had followed them so silently that their
+approach had not been discovered. He bent suspicious glances upon the
+woods on all sides of him, and was ready to plunge into the water again
+upon hearing the least sounds of pursuit.
+
+What had become of the wounded pilot, the lieutenant, and the rest of
+the cutter's crew? All who had succeeded in reaching the shore, were,
+beyond a doubt, prisoners.
+
+Frank shuddered when he thought of the hard fare and harder treatment
+that awaited the poor fellows, recalling to mind incidents of his own
+capture and escape, which made him doubly anxious to reach the
+Mississippi as soon as possible, where he would be safe among friends.
+
+After resting nearly an hour, for their long swim had wearied them, they
+continued their flight down the river, being careful to keep close to
+the bank, so that in case of emergency they could again take to the
+water. The shore was covered with logs and bushes, and their progress
+was slow and laborious. But daylight came at length, and shortly
+afterward they discovered a transport coming up the river. When she
+arrived opposite to them, Frank hailed her, and the boat landed and took
+them on board. Frank gave the information that there was a battery
+above, and the captain, not liking the idea of trusting his unarmed
+vessel within range of its guns, ordered the pilot to round-to and start
+down the river again. The order was obeyed at once, and Frank and the
+coxswain, who now began to breathe more freely, went below and stood
+before the fire-doors to dry their clothing. About noon they arrived at
+the Mississippi River, the transport landing alongside the vessel of the
+commanding naval officer, to whom Frank delivered his dispatches in
+triumph, at the same time apologizing for his appearance, for he was
+without coat, hat, or side-arms.
+
+Among these dispatches of the admiral were orders for two tin-clads to
+report at Alexandria. These vessels were to be used to keep the banks
+clear of rebels, to carry dispatches, and to convoy unarmed steamers up
+and down the river. The necessary orders were promptly issued, and in a
+short time the tin-clads came alongside; their commanders received their
+instructions, after which the vessels steamed up Red River, one of them
+having Frank and the coxswain on board. The former had in his possession
+several official documents addressed to the admiral. If he could have
+seen the inside of one of them, he would have found (greatly to his
+surprise) that it contained a complete history of the run from
+Alexandria, that it spoke in the highest terms of his skill and bravery,
+and ended with a recommendation for a master's appointment. This letter
+had been written by the captain to whom Frank had delivered his
+dispatches, he having learned the full particulars from the coxswain,
+whom he had summoned into his presence while Frank was in the wardroom
+eating his dinner. The sailor described all that had happened in glowing
+language, dwelling with a good deal of emphasis upon the "pluck"
+displayed by his young officer, and the ignorance and cowardice of the
+lieutenant, and ended with saying, "He didn't think of nothing, sir, but
+them dispatches; and it an't every man that could have saved 'em, sir."
+The captain fully agreed with the coxswain, and when the latter was
+dismissed, he gave his pants a vigorous hitch, and said to himself, "If
+Mr. Nelson don't get another stripe around his arm now, may I be
+keelhauled." And one, to have seen him, would have thought that he was
+as much pleased at the prospect as though he was about to receive the
+appointment himself. Frank, of course, knew nothing of this, and little
+imagining that he was carrying a recommendation for his promotion, he
+put the letters carefully away in his pocket, thinking, no doubt, they
+were all-important official documents.
+
+A short time before dark they arrived at the junction of the Black and
+Washita Rivers, where Frank found the Michigan anchored, in company with
+four or five other gun-boats. He reported his safe return to his
+captain, and then went into the wardroom and sat down to report to the
+admiral by letter, according to his instructions. After all he had
+passed through, one would suppose that his report would have been a long
+one; but he wisely thought that all the admiral cared to know was that
+his dispatches had been safely delivered. He therefore wrote, in the
+briefest manner--
+
+"I have the honor to report that, in obedience to your orders of the
+20th inst., I took passage on board the United States army transport
+"Key-West," for the mouth of Red River, with dispatches, which were
+delivered into the hands of the commanding naval officer there. I have
+to-day returned on board my vessel."
+
+This was all. No glowing description of the gallant manner in which he
+had taken the transport by the battery, no mention of the ever-watchful
+eye he had kept upon his dispatches, or of his long swim from the
+burning wreck, but a few simple lines, that told the admiral all he
+wished to know; namely, that his letters had reached their destination.
+This report Frank placed before the captain, who wrote upon it "approved
+and respectfully forwarded," (for all letters from subordinate officers
+to the admiral had to pass through the captain's hands,) and the letter
+was put into the general mail. Frank then, in obedience to the captain's
+order, proceeded to give that gentleman a minute account of the manner
+in which he had executed his orders, together with the names of the men
+belonging to the cutter's crew who were missing, and wound up with the
+request that "something might be done for the coxswain," for he was a
+brave man, and a good sailor. As the Michigan had but one boatswain's
+mate, (she was entitled to two,) the captain determined to promote the
+man, who was at once summoned into the cabin and presented with the
+boatswain's whistle. He retired, proud of his promotion, and firm in his
+belief that "the captain and Mr. Nelson were the best men afloat."
+
+Frank, so weary that he could scarcely walk, was glad to get to bed; but
+the captain sat for a long time at his desk, writing a letter to the
+admiral, which contained the statement that, in his opinion, "Acting
+Ensign Frank Nelson, by the gallant manner in which he had executed the
+important business intrusted to him, had nobly earned his promotion,
+and, by the skill and judgment he had exhibited in handling the
+transport, had shown that he was fully capable of taking charge of a
+_vessel of his own_, and that his past history, taken in connection
+with his recent exploit, was sufficient guarantee that the honor of the
+flag would never suffer in his hands."
+
+Frank, all unconscious of the admiration his gallant behavior had
+excited in the mind of the captain, slept soundly until daylight, when
+he was called up to get the vessel under way. The expedition was
+composed of five gun-boats, and its destination was Monroe, a small town
+about two hundred miles up Washita River. Its object was to capture
+cotton, and to destroy any fortifications that might be found along the
+banks. The remainder of the fleet, which was at Alexandria when Frank
+left, had gone up Red River, toward Shreveport. Had he been allowed his
+choice in the matter, Frank would have preferred to accompany the latter
+expedition, as he then would have been able, after Shreveport had been
+captured, to visit the prison in which he had been confined, and from
+which he had escaped in so remarkable a manner. He thought over all the
+scenes through which he had passed--his capture, the march to
+Shreveport, his flight from the prison, the bayonet-fight in the woods,
+the chase by blood-hounds--and they seemed to him like a dream.
+
+George Le Dell, who was the officer of the deck, stood close beside
+Frank, gazing about as if every object that met his eye was a familiar
+one. Every turn of the paddle-wheels was bringing him nearer to the home
+of his childhood, from which he was now excluded by the stern mandate of
+his rebel father. Ever since he had been attached to the Michigan, he
+and Frank had been bosom friends. The dangers through which they had
+passed while fugitives from a rebel prison--their hair-breadth escapes
+from recapture--could never be forgotten. No one on board besides Frank
+knew any thing of George's past history. In accordance with the latter's
+desire, the secret was closely kept, and no one imagined that the pale,
+quiet young officer was any relation to the rebel general whose house it
+had been ordered should be burned. Ever since the receipt of that order,
+every one remarked that George Le Dell had been unusually thoughtful,
+but no one knew the cause.
+
+"Mr. Nelson," said he, at length, "I wish I could have gone up Red
+River. I want to see home once more, but I don't want to stand by and
+see the old house burned over the heads of my mother and sisters. I
+don't deny that the order is a just one, but I don't want to see it
+executed. I begin to believe that I am a good prophet," he continued,
+after a moment's pause. "I told father, in the last letter I ever wrote
+to him, that this war would bring him nothing but suffering and
+disgrace, and I think he will find that I told the truth."
+
+As George ceased speaking, he turned and walked to another part of the
+deck, to meet the captain, who at that moment came out of his cabin.
+
+Among all the ship's company, there was but one that could sympathize
+with George, and that one was Frank. The young officer cherished an
+honest enmity toward the traitors whose bloody hands were stretched out
+to pull down the Old Flag under which his ancestors had fought and died,
+but when Frank looked upon the pale face of his messmate, and listened
+to his oft-repeated sentiments of loyalty, and heard him, in his quiet
+way, expressing his firm belief in the final triumph of the Government
+and the total overthrow of the rebellion, and when he witnessed his
+quiet submission to his cruel fate, knowing that he was cut off from all
+further intercourse with his relatives, he could not help pitying both
+him and his rebel parents. But he knew, from those letters he had read,
+and which George still preserved, and from what he had witnessed on that
+memorable night when he and his companions had stopped at the plantation
+and asked for food, that the general and his family had taken part with
+the rebellion, not to secure any rights which they imagined had been
+denied them, but to assist in "establishing a confederacy of their own,
+whose corner-stone should be slavery," and to destroy "every vestige of
+the old Union." Like George, he knew that the order to burn the house
+was a just one; but he would have been much better pleased had some
+other boat been selected to execute it. He did not pity the rebels so
+much, but he did not want to witness the sorrow his messmate would
+experience when he saw the home of his boyhood enveloped in flames.
+
+The next day, as the two friends stood together on deck, George suddenly
+said--
+
+"We're almost there. I know these woods well. I've caught many a string
+of fish off that log that lies in the water just ahead."
+
+About half a mile further on, the Michigan came round a sharp bend in
+the river, and they saw the plantation before them. Every thing looked
+just as it did on that long-to-be-remembered night when George had
+suddenly presented himself before his relatives, who thought him safe in
+the prison at Tyler. There were the broad stone steps that led up to the
+portico on which the major had stood while making known his wants, and
+just in front of them were the posts to which the general and his sons
+had fastened their horses before entering the house.
+
+The fleet did not stop, as they had expected, but kept on up the river,
+and in a few moments more the plantation was out of sight. No doubt the
+burning of the house was to be put off until their return.
+
+The expedition reached Monroe without mishap, and without seeing a
+single armed rebel, only stopping now and then to pick up cotton, which
+was scattered all along the bank. The vessels remained at anchor in
+front of the town for two days, and after burning the public buildings,
+and picking up some escaped Union prisoners, started down the river
+again. The Michigan led the way, and on the afternoon of the second day
+came to anchor in front of General Le Dell's plantation.
+
+"Mr. Nelson," said the captain, as he stepped down out of the
+pilot-house, "order two companies of small-armed men to be called away,
+and you and Mr. Le Dell get ready to go on shore with me. By the way,"
+he added, turning to George, "I have orders to burn out this rebel
+namesake of yours."
+
+"So I have heard, sir," replied George, while not a muscle of his face
+quivered to show the surprise and sorrow he felt at being obliged to
+accompany the expedition ashore. He had hoped that some other officer
+would be chosen to accompany the captain, but he could not ask to be
+excused from duty without exciting suspicions. The reason why he did not
+wish to go could be easily guessed, and if the truth became known, it
+would be followed by what he particularly desired to avoid--the sympathy
+of all his messmates. He would accompany the expedition, but he would
+neither enter the house or go into the presence of his mother and
+sisters, and he might return without being recognized. By the time he
+had buckled on his sword and returned to the deck the men were ready,
+when, in obedience to Frank's order, he marched them on board the tug,
+which lay at the stern of the Michigan. When they reached the shore,
+Frank instructed George to post sentries all around the house, both to
+guard against surprise, and also to prevent the escape of any rebel
+soldiers who might chance to be in the building, after which he
+accompanied the captain to the door, where they were met by Mrs. Le Dell
+and her daughters, who coldly received their salutations, and waited for
+them to make known the object of their visit.
+
+"Madam," said the captain, addressing himself to Mrs. Le Dell, "I am
+ordered to burn your house."
+
+"I have been expecting it for a long time," was the reply.
+
+"I will give you a reasonable time," continued the captain, "to remove
+your valuables."
+
+The lady then requested that an hour might be allowed her to send for a
+neighbor, who lived several miles distant, to come with his team to
+remove the furniture to a place of safety, as all the wagons about the
+plantation had been given up to the rebel army. This was granted, and a
+note, which was first presented for the inspection of the captain, was
+at once dispatched to summon the neighbor.
+
+In the meantime, Frank and George were strolling about the plantation,
+the latter feasting his eyes on every familiar object, and recalling to
+mind incidents of the "good old times," as he expressed it. Frank also
+recognized two objects; one was the barn where he and his
+fellow-fugitives had halted to hold a consultation before going up to
+the house; and the other was the fence behind which the captain had left
+their prisoner, bound hand and foot. While thus engaged, a little boy,
+who had approached them without being discovered, suddenly called out,
+
+"George!"
+
+The latter turned, as the familiar voice reached his ear, and held out
+his hands to his brother, who sprang toward him, threw his arms around
+his neck, and burst into tears. There was one among George's relatives
+who still remembered and loved him.
+
+"George," sobbed the little fellow, "are you a Yankee 'bolitionist?"
+
+Tears choked George's utterance, and the boy, suddenly breaking from his
+arms, ran toward the house, and scrambling up the steps, burst into the
+room where the captain and ladies were seated, and astonished them all
+with:
+
+"Mother, mother! George is here! He's come back!"
+
+Both mother and daughter appeared to be considerably agitated upon
+receiving this news, and the captain noticing it, the suspicion flashed
+across his mind that it was one of their rebel friends. He glanced out
+at the door, and saw his two officers standing quietly together, the
+sentinels walking their beats, and felt satisfied that the rebel,
+whoever he was, might consider himself a prisoner.
+
+"Who do you mean, my little man?" he asked, putting his hand on the
+boy's head. "What is his other name?"
+
+"George Le Dell," replied the boy, promptly. "He's my brother. He's out
+there," and he pointed toward the place where George and Frank were
+standing.
+
+"Is that your brother?" asked the captain in surprise, as he turned
+toward Mrs. Le Dell for an explanation.
+
+"I have a son in the Federal navy," replied the lady.
+
+"Then, madam," said the captain, "if that young man out there is your
+son, allow me to say that you have every reason to be proud of him."
+
+At this moment the neighbor for whom they had sent arrived, and he and
+the captain held a long conversation; after which, to his surprise,
+Frank was ordered to collect the men and march them on board the tug.
+The Michigan remained at her anchorage until the flag-ship of the
+expedition came down, when the two captains had a short consultation,
+and both vessels got under way and steamed down the river. The reason
+given why the order to burn the house was not executed was this: Unlike
+the majority of rebel commanders, General Le Dell had always treated
+Union prisoners who had fallen into his hands with the greatest
+humanity. Although he seemed to be particularly spiteful toward George,
+whom he called a "young traitor," he always endeavored to make the
+condition of other prisoners as tolerable as possible. The truth of this
+was attested by the soldiers they had picked up at Monroe, all of whom
+were officers, and they had done much toward saving the property. The
+captain of the Michigan had delayed to fulfill his orders until the
+arrival of his superior, in order to communicate some news he had
+received from the man who had been sent to remove the furniture, and
+when the flag-ship arrived, the order had been countermanded.
+
+"Perhaps every thing will come out right after the war," said George, as
+the two friends stood watching the plantation as long as it remained in
+eight. "If it does, we'll have the old house to live in."
+
+On the way down the river, large quantities of cotton were captured,
+which made both officers and men look forward to a good share of
+prize-money, and one afternoon--about a week after leaving Monroe--they
+reached Black River in safety.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+The Promotion.
+
+
+The next day, in obedience to orders from the admiral, the Michigan
+steamed up Red River, and came to an anchor in front of Fort De Russy. A
+few rebel soldiers had taken possession of the fortifications, and the
+vessel had scarcely dropped her anchor when they opened upon her with
+muskets. All hands were ordered under cover, and for two days were kept
+closely confined below. The bullets, which constantly whistled over the
+deck, did no damage beyond cutting down the flag--which, however was
+promptly hoisted again--and battering up the officers' rooms on the
+quarter-deck, which were not iron-clad. Several attempts were made to
+dislodge the rebels, but, as usual, without success. On the third day,
+however, a heavy firing up the river, in the direction of Alexandria,
+announced that the expedition was returning, and the rebels, fearing
+capture, hastily withdrew. Toward evening the fleet came in sight, some
+of the transports having gun-boats alongside of them for protection. The
+entire fleet bore marks of the handiwork of the rebels, in the shape of
+battered casemates, broken chimneys, and shattered upper works. Little
+had been accomplished beyond the capture of cotton, and both officers
+and men teemed delighted to find themselves once more on the way to the
+Mississippi River.
+
+In about an hour after the first boats of the fleet had made their
+appearance, a tin-clad came down, bearing the admiral's flag, and
+rounded-to and landed a short distance below the Michigan. Close behind
+her came another of the mosquito fleet, towed by a transport. Both
+vessels were badly cut up, especially the gun-boat, which was almost a
+wreck. Both chimneys had either been broken off by branches of trees or
+shattered by a shell, and her casemates were pierced in a hundred
+places. Her engines had also been disabled, and her wheel hung
+motionless in the water. Still she retained enough of her former
+appearance for Frank to recognize in her his old vessel, the Boxer;
+besides, he saw his cousin on the guards waving his handkerchief to him.
+While Frank stood watching the vessel, wondering how any of her crew
+could have escaped, and how Archie had conducted himself during the
+fights through which he had passed, the captain came up out of his cabin
+and exclaimed:
+
+"Mr. Nelson, you're wanted on board the flagship! Don't wait to get your
+side-arms, but go at once. The admiral is in a great hurry to see you!"
+
+Frank, wondering what new orders he was about to receive, ran down the
+ladder that led to the afterguard, reached the shore on a plank that
+extended from the stern of the vessel to the bank, and in a short time
+was in the presence of the admiral.
+
+That gentleman was so busy that he did not notice Frank, until one of
+his clerks exclaimed:
+
+"Admiral! here's Captain Nelson, sir."
+
+"Ah, yes," said the admiral, scarcely looking up from his work. "Sit
+down, captain; I'm very busy just at present."
+
+_Captain!_ Frank knew that neither the admiral nor his clerks were
+in the habit of making mistakes, but he thought they were certainly
+mistaken this time. Perhaps they were so busy they had not taken time to
+see who he was. But he was not kept long in suspense, for the admiral,
+after signing his name to several documents, turned in his chair, and
+picking up some letters that lay on his desk, handed them to Frank,
+saying:
+
+"Captain, there are your orders. I only wanted to see you to say that I
+wish them obeyed with the least possible delay. Have the Boxer back here
+as soon as you can, for I want to use her. Get your baggage on board and
+start at once."
+
+Frank, so bewildered that he scarcely knew what the admiral was saying,
+took the letters and hurried back to the Michigan. The captain met him
+at the gangway, and extending his hand, said, with a smile:
+
+"I'm sorry to have you leave us, Mr. Nelson. I suppose you have got it?"
+
+"I have something, sir," replied Frank, "but I don't know what it is."
+
+As he spoke, he tore open one of the envelopes, and hastily running his
+eye over the letter it contained, found, to his astonishment, that he
+was an acting master. The next one he opened was an order for him to
+report "to the commanding officer of the U. S. S. Boxer for duty and
+_command of that vessel_." The other contained instructions for him
+to "proceed to Cairo without delay, and place his vessel under repairs,
+and as soon as she was put in condition for service, to return and
+report to the admiral."
+
+"Just as I expected," said the captain, who seemed to be as highly
+elated as Frank himself. "Just as I expected, sir. You deserve it, and I
+congratulate you."
+
+Frank made some reply, in his excitement he hardly knew what, and
+hurried off to pack his trunk and bed-clothes. This being accomplished,
+his baggage was carried to the cutter, which lay alongside, and after
+taking leave of the captain and his messmates, he stepped into the boat
+and started for his vessel, which still lay at the bank, below the
+flagship, with the transport which was to tow her to Cairo. As he
+stepped on board the Boxer, he was met by Archie, and several of his old
+messmates, who greeted him cordially. The executive officer was in
+command, and to him Frank showed his orders, and requested that his
+baggage might be conveyed into the cabin. He then went on deck, and
+after ascertaining that the transport was ready to start, ordered the
+line cast off, and both vessels were soon on their course down the
+river.
+
+After finding they were fairly under way, Frank, accompanied by Archie,
+went into the cabin, and sat down to collect his thoughts, for, in the
+excitement of his unexpected promotion, he moved like one in a dream.
+The cabin steward had already taken his trunk into his state-room, and
+was engaged in making his bed. Captain Nelson! How strangely it sounded;
+and Frank repeated it several times, and gazed about the cabin as if he
+could scarcely believe that he was awake. He read his appointment and
+orders over and over again, both to fully understand what was required
+of him, and to convince himself that he was in reality the commander of
+a vessel. When he was made the executive officer of the very boat he now
+commanded, he had reached the height of his ambition, and his present
+position was a step higher than he had dared to look.
+
+The captain of a gun-boat generally lives in a little world of his own.
+He has a cabin all to himself, messes alone, and rarely has intercourse
+with his officers, except upon business. If he has a messmate, it is
+either a clerk, or the paymaster or doctor of the vessel. Frank was not
+entitled to a clerk, but he had a paymaster, and, at his request, Archie
+at once commenced the removal of his baggage into one of the vacant
+state-rooms in the cabin. While thus engaged, the orderly announced the
+executive officer, who entered to inquire if Frank had any orders to
+give. The latter replied that he had not, and for nearly an hour he
+remained in conversation with the executive, during which he learned the
+exact state of affairs about decks. Every thing appeared to be going on
+smoothly, and Frank had no desire to show his authority by issuing
+unnecessary orders. One by one the wardroom and steerage officers came
+in to congratulate the young commander, and when bed-time came they
+returned to their quarters, saying among themselves that "Captain Nelson
+didn't feel any bigger in his new position than he would if he were
+nothing but a Johnny master's mate."
+
+One afternoon, after they had reached the Mississippi River, as Frank
+sat at his desk, writing a letter to his mother, and Archie lay on the
+sofa close by, engaged in reading, there was a commotion on deck, and
+the orderly burst into the cabin, exclaiming--
+
+"Rebels, cap'n! A battery just ahead, sir!" And he had scarcely spoken,
+when there was a roar of cannon, and the shells burst over and about the
+vessels.
+
+"Call to quarters," said Frank, as he sprang to his feet and ran into
+his room after his side-arms and the keys to the magazine.
+
+The orderly disappeared, followed by Archie, who, throwing his book into
+the furthest corner of the cabin, ran on deck, without even waiting to
+get his hat.
+
+After ordering the executive, who met him at the door, to have the lamps
+in the magazine lighted, and to prepare for action, Frank ran into the
+pilothouse, and looking up the river, discovered a smoke arising from a
+point half a mile in advance of them.
+
+"Captain," shouted the commander of the transport, who stood in his
+pilot-house, "what do you want me to do?"
+
+"Take us up the river as fast as you can," shouted Frank, in reply.
+
+The captain had evidently seen some stirring times while up Red River.
+He was not accustomed to the noise and confusion of battle, and his
+actions indicated that he did not like the idea of attempting to run by
+the battery. But his orders from the admiral were to take the Boxer to
+Cairo as soon as possible, and he dared not disobey them.
+
+"All ready below, sir," was the word at this moment passed up through
+the trumpet.
+
+All the guns on board the Boxer were pointed at the battery, and the
+crew impatiently waited for the order to fire. Frank stood at his post,
+watching the battery through a spy-glass, and waiting until they should
+come to close quarters, so that he could make every shot count. All this
+while the shells had been dropping into the water, and shrieking through
+the air about the vessels, and one or two had found a lodgement in the
+wheel-house of the transport. They kept on in silence until they arrived
+almost opposite the battery, which stood out in plain view, unprotected
+by levee or other breastwork, and Frank then gave the order to open upon
+them. The crash that followed the order, as every gun that could be
+brought to bear upon the battery belched forth its contents, was
+terrific. Shells and canister rattled over the bank, cutting down the
+rebel gunners, and disabling one of their cannon. As quickly as
+possible, the guns were reloaded, and almost before the rebels had
+recovered from their panic, another broadside was poured into them, and
+when the smoke cleared away, the battery was standing deserted. Here was
+an opportunity that, to Frank, had he possessed men enough to back him
+up, would not have been lost; he would have landed, and captured the
+battery. But he was ignorant of the force of the rebels. There might be
+a regiment of them hidden away in the woods--enough to have captured the
+vessels the moment they touched the bank--and to have lost the Boxer
+scarcely a week after he had been placed in command of her would have
+been a misfortune indeed. He kept on up the river, shelling the woods as
+long as he could bring a gun to bear upon them.
+
+In a few days they arrived at Cairo, where Frank reported to the
+commandant of the station, and his vessel was at once placed in the
+hands of the workmen at the navy-yard. The work was rapidly pushed
+forward, and at the end of a month she was declared ready for service,
+and after she had been furnished with a full crew from the receiving
+ship, and Archie had laid in a stock of paymaster's stores, the Boxer,
+in obedience to orders, started down the river to report to the admiral.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+The Rival Spies.
+
+
+They found the admiral at Natchez, and when Frank had reported his
+arrival, he was ordered to take his station at Gaines' Landing--a place
+noted for guerrillas--which they reached in safety. For two or three
+days, nothing worthy of note transpired, the rebels, if there were any
+about, being careful not to show themselves.
+
+One night, while Frank was walking the deck, arm-in-arm with his cousin,
+the officer on watch approached, and said, in a low voice:
+
+"Look there, sir! What kind of a craft is that?"
+
+Frank looked in the direction indicated, and an object about the size of
+a man's head could be dimly seen in the water, silently but rapidly
+approaching the vessel. It came from toward the nearest shore, and the
+thought that it was a torpedo instantly flushed through his mind. Taking
+the spy-glass from the quarter-master, he leveled it at the object, and
+could distinctly see that it was a human head, and that it belonged to
+some one who was an excellent swimmer, for he was making rapid progress
+through the water.
+
+"I don't see any torpedo there," said he, at length, handing the glass
+to his cousin, "for the fellow, whoever he is, is using both hands."
+Then raising his it voice, he called out, "Who comes there?"
+
+"A friend," was the scarcely audible reply.
+
+"Come on board here."
+
+"That's just what I want to do," answered the man, who, with a few more
+strokes, was near enough to be seized by the quarter-master--who had ran
+below with a lantern--and lifted upon the guards.
+
+"Who are you, and what are you doing here at this time of night?" asked
+Frank, as soon as the man had come on deck.
+
+"My name is William Striker," was the answer, "and I am an escaped Union
+scout."
+
+Frank took the lantern from the quarter-master's hand and held it up, so
+that he could obtain a good view of the man's face. He was certain he
+had seen it before, but could not remember where.
+
+"I have a better memory than you, sir," said the man at length. "I have
+seen you before. I met you in the trenches at Vicksburg."
+
+As the man spoke, he produced a bundle of wet papers, from which he
+selected one that he handed to Frank. It was the appointment of major,
+and addressed to William Striker, United States Scout. But this was no
+proof that the man was in reality what he professed to be, for Frank
+remembered that he had once passed himself off as Lieutenant Somers, of
+the rebel army, and had shown his appointment and orders to prove it. It
+was true that he wore the dress of a Union major, but that might have
+been obtained in the same manner that Frank once got his rebel uniform.
+There was something suspicious in a man's presenting himself on board
+the vessel at that time of night, and in so uncommon a manner.
+
+"Well," said Frank, "if you were in the trenches at Vicksburg, tell me
+something that happened there."
+
+The soldier then told Frank of the experiment of which the latter had
+made use to see "how far off the rebels were," during which he lost his
+cap, the rebel who captured it offering to "trade" for it a tattered
+slouch-hat with a bullet-hole in it, and informed him that he was the
+scout who had told him the story of his "partner" Sam, and their raid
+into the rebel camp, which resulted in the capture of Colonel Peckham.
+He also related other little incidents which Frank had not forgotten,
+and which proved that he was in reality the scout whom he had met in the
+trenches, and not a rebel spy, as he had at first feared. Being fully
+satisfied on this point, the major was conducted into the cabin, and
+while he was exchanging his wet clothes for some that Frank and Archie
+had provided for him, the former ordered his steward to prepare supper
+for their guest, for he knew, by experience, that a man who had been a
+prisoner among the rebels was hungry. The major sat down to the table
+with a most ravenous appetite, and the good things the steward had
+prepared rapidly disappeared. When he had finished his meal, in answer
+to Frank's inquiry how he came to be a prisoner, he gave the following
+account of his adventures, which he remarked were a "little ahead of any
+thing he had ever gone through."
+
+"In the first place," said he, "I must tell you what became of my
+comrade, Sam, as it was in endeavoring to assist him that I was
+captured. His career as a scout, although an exciting one, full of
+stirring adventures and hair-breadth escapes, was brought to a close
+soon after the capture of Vicksburg.
+
+"When the army again took up its line of march, we made several
+excursions into the rebel lines, and one night we stopped at a
+plantation-house to shelter ourselves from the rain, for it was storming
+violently, and also to see if we could not pick up some information that
+might be of use to us. The only inmate of the house was an old woman,
+who, believing us to be rebels, talked freely with us on all subjects;
+and during the conversation, which finally turned upon scouting,
+informed us that there was a scout in the rebel army who was far ahead
+of any "Yank" that ever lived. He was described as a daring,
+quick-witted fellow, and many a disaster that had befallen us was owing
+to him. As I listened to the stories told of him, I came to the
+conclusion that there was a good deal of truth in them, and that some
+spy must indeed have been in our camp, for the woman was acquainted with
+several moves we had made, and which had been defeated, the particulars
+of which, I thought, were known only to the general and his staff. This
+led me to believe that the scout, whoever he was, staid about
+head-quarters, else how could he obtain so much information.
+
+"The woman seemed to be well acquainted with him and his movements, and
+told us of several of his exploits, which, if true, showed the spy to be
+a man admirably fitted for his position. I listened attentively to all
+she said, in hopes I should learn something of his personal appearance,
+for I had made up my mind that as soon as I could find out his
+movements, he and I would have a meeting, But all I could learn was that
+his name was Bob Cole.
+
+"'Well,' said I,'do you know that as long as I have been in the army, I
+have never seen this man?'"
+
+"'Haven't yer!' exclaimed the woman, in surprise. 'Wal, come to think, I
+don't know as that is so funny, arter all, 'cause he's in the Yankee
+camp most of the time, an', as they think he is one of them, he goes an'
+comes when he pleases, He's a smart one, I tell yer. Some of the boys
+told me that he is a goin' to bring in a prisoner this week, in the
+shape of a Yankee scout an' spy. Bill Striker is his name, I believe. Do
+yer know him?'
+
+"I couldn't help starting when I found that I was known to this noted
+rebel; but the woman didn't notice it, and I replied:
+
+"Oh, yes! I've heard of him.'
+
+"'Cordin' to all accounts,' continued the woman, 'this Yankee an't much
+behind Bob, for he has often been in our camp, an' he don't allers go
+back empty-handed. If he ketches a feller in an out-of-the-way place, he
+is sartin to gobble him up. But his time is most up now, 'kase Bob never
+fails in any thing when he onct gets his mind sot on it, an' when I
+heerd that he was a goin' to ketch this Yank, I believed he would do it.
+
+"It was very encouraging to sit there and listen to a person talk so
+confidently of my speedy capture; but, as it happened, I had been put on
+my guard, and another thing, I didn't have quite as much faith in Bob
+Cole as his rebel friends had, and was in no way concerned about his
+being able to fulfill his promise. It set me to thinking, however, and I
+determined I would not sleep sound until I had found him, and then there
+would be a prisoner taken, sure; but it wouldn't be Bill Striker.
+
+"'What kind of a looking man is he?' I asked, at length.
+
+"'Oh, he's a'--
+
+"Just at this moment we heard several horsemen going by the house, and
+Sam exclaimed:
+
+"'There are some of our boys now. Perhaps we are wanted.'
+
+"I knew well enough what he meant. Although we had frequently met rebels
+while scouting about through their lines, we were not at all fond of
+them, and did not want to be in their company if we could help it.
+
+"Those who had just gone by might at any moment return and enter the
+house; and besides, it occurred to me that if I was so well known to the
+rebel spy, I was not safe except in our own camp. I might, at any time,
+run into a trap he had laid for me. At any rate, we thought it best to
+get within our lines as soon as possible; so, without waiting to hear
+the woman's description of Bob Cole, we bid her good night.
+
+"We reached our camp in safety, reported our return, and the next
+morning I walked up to headquarters, where I remained until dark,
+talking with the general's hostler, and keeping an ear open for news,
+but was obliged to go away without hearing any. The next day I was kept
+busy carrying dispatches, and when I returned at night, I learned that
+Sam had gone into the rebel camp, as they were making some movement, the
+particulars of which the general was anxious to learn. I thought nothing
+of it at the time, but when night came and he did not return, I began to
+fear that he had been captured or killed. It then occurred to me that if
+I could get back to the house where lived the woman who had told us of
+Bob Cole, I might learn something that would be to my advantage; so I
+put on my rebel uniform, and in a few moments was out of the lines. I
+reached the house in safety, and was delighted to find there were no
+rebels about. The woman seemed glad to see me, brought me a cup of water
+to drink, and after a few minutes' conversation exclaimed:
+
+"'Wal, they've gobbled up one of them fellers!'
+
+"'Which one?' I asked.
+
+"'I don't know his name. Bob done it. He seed him leave the Yankee camp,
+an' follered him, an' while they were ridin' along together, he tuk out
+his pistol an' told the Yank to give up his we'pons; but the feller
+wouldn't do it, an' Bob had to shoot him. But he didn't kill him; he
+only shot him through the shoulder. He's sartin to be hung.'
+
+"You can easily imagine my feelings as I sat there and listened to this.
+It required a strong effort to subdue my feelings.
+
+"'How does Bob Cole disguise himself?' I asked, in as firm a voice as I
+could command. 'What does he do in the Yankee camp?'
+
+"'That's what nobody, 'sides Bob an' the general, knows,' answered the
+woman. 'Didn't you never see him? He's a little man, has black hair and
+eyes, wears no whiskers, and allers rides a little gray horse. He's
+smart, I tell yer.'
+
+"After talking awhile longer with the woman without learning any thing
+further, I mounted my horse and returned to camp. While I was eating my
+supper, I called to mind all the scouts with whom I was acquainted, but
+not one of them answered to the description of Bob Cole. There was one
+man in camp, however, who _did_ answer the description, and that
+was the general's hostler. Could it be possible that he was the spy?
+
+"At this moment an orderly entered to tell me that I was wanted at
+head-quarters. I followed him to the general's tent, received my orders,
+and began to get ready for the journey. As I came out of the tent I met
+the hostler, who inquired:
+
+"'Are you off again to-night, Bill?'
+
+"I replied in the affirmative, and he continued:
+
+"'Well, good luck to you. Don't let the rebs get hold of you.'
+
+"I mounted my horse and rode out of the camp, fully satisfied that if he
+was the spy I would soon know it.
+
+"The night was very dark, but I had traveled the road often enough to be
+well acquainted with it, and in an hour after I left our camp, I had
+passed the rebel sentries, and was fairly within their lines. As I was
+riding quietly along, keeping a good look-out on all sides, and pausing
+now and then to listen, I suddenly heard the clatter of horses' hoofs
+behind me, and some one called out, in a low voice:
+
+"Bill! Bill Striker!'
+
+"I instantly stopped, and a moment afterward up galloped the hostler.
+
+"'Don't make so much noise, Jim,' said I, nastily. 'But what on earth
+brings you here? Where are you going?'
+
+"'I'm after you,' he replied. 'The general told me to overtake you, and
+say that he had neglected to give you some very important orders.'
+
+"All this while he had been coming nearer and nearer to me, and having
+now got within reach, he suddenly seized my bridle, and presenting a
+revolver, exclaimed:
+
+"'Bill Striker, your scouting is up now! You're my prisoner!'
+
+"If he imagined that he had taken me by surprise he was very much
+mistaken. In an instant I had knocked aside the revolver, which
+exploded, sending the ball harmlessly past my head, and in a moment more
+I had wrested the weapon from him. Then, almost before he had time to
+think twice, I lifted him off his horse and laid him across my saddle,
+in front of me, as if he had been a bag of corn. He was very strong, as
+wiry as an eel, and struggled most desperately; but I had him at
+disadvantage, and when I thought of Sam, who was now a prisoner through
+the treachery of this fellow, I felt as if I had the strength of ten
+men. By the time I had fairly got hold of him, I was tearing down the
+road toward our lines, while his own horse had gone on toward the rebel
+camp. My only danger was in being cut off by the pickets. These passed,
+I would be safe, for I had no fears of being overtaken. There was no
+time to avoid them in jumping over fences and running through fields,
+for I knew that the report of the revolver had been heard, and that,
+unless I could reach our lines in a very few moments, Bob Cole would
+again be a free man and I would be the prisoner. I used my spurs freely,
+and my horse, which seemed to understand that he was called upon to make
+use of his best speed, carried us over the ground at a tremendous rate.
+In a short time I came within sight of a fire burning by the side of the
+road. I heard a loud command to halt, followed by the noise of a bullet
+as it whistled by my head, and the pickets were passed in safety. Half
+an hour afterward I dismounted in front of the general's tent, and
+delivered up my prisoner. You can't imagine how surprised our boys were
+to learn that we had had a rebel spy in our camp so long without knowing
+it. Bob Cole had played his cards remarkably well, and if Sam and I had
+not stopped at that house to get out of the rain, there's no knowing how
+much longer he would have been at liberty. But he was safe in the
+guard-house at last, and I must confess that I breathed more freely. If
+he was the only rebel who knew me, there was now no danger of running
+into a trap laid for my capture. My first hard work must be to attempt
+Sam's release. I knew it would be worse than useless to return to the
+rebel camp that night, for it had been aroused, and my own chances of
+escape would be none of the surest; so I let two days pass before
+setting out, and then I did not follow my usual course, but took a
+roundabout way to get behind their camp, where I would not run so much
+risk of meeting the pickets.
+
+"I reached the lines in safety, and as I was riding along by the side of
+the road, keeping my horse on the grass, to make as little noise as
+possible, I heard horsemen approaching, and presently up galloped a
+party of rebels. I thought they would pass without discovering me, but
+was mistaken, for one of them drew in his horse and exclaimed--
+
+"'Wal, ef here an't another,' and I was speedily surrounded, and
+commanded to 'hand over my we'pons.'
+
+"'Look here, boys,' said I, 'I've got a pass,' and I made a motion to
+produce it.
+
+"'Oh, we don't want to see your pass,' said the corporal who had charge
+of the squad; 'we've seed a dozen to-night that wasn't no 'count. You
+must go to the guard-house, 'cause you know it's the general's orders
+that nobody goes out o' camp.'
+
+"This showed me that I was not suspected of being a Federal, but was
+arrested as one of their own men who was endeavoring to get out of the
+lines.
+
+"'I know it's mighty hard,' continued the corporal, 'not to let a feller
+go home, when p'rhaps it an't five miles off; but orders is orders, you
+know. Howsomever, you wont hev no trouble to get out o' the guard-house,
+'cause--by gum! ef here an't some more,' and, as he spoke, he left me,
+and rode up to three men who were crouching in the fence-corner by the
+roadside. These were speedily secured, and we went on our way toward the
+guard-house. The rebel army, it appeared, was encamped in a part of the
+country where a number of regiments had been raised, and the men,
+anxious to see home and friends once more, were deserting by
+hundreds--'taking French,' as we call it. As we rode along, I learned
+something, from the conversation of my captors, that made me wish I had
+never taken Bob Cole prisoner, and that was, that Sam had died from the
+effects of the wound he had received while resisting the rebel. This
+was, perhaps, better than being hung, but how I wished I had known it
+before taking the spy to camp. I had put myself in danger without being
+able to be of any assistance to Sam, and I now set my wits to work to
+conjure up some plan for escape.
+
+"Finally, after capturing one more rebel who was about to 'take French,'
+we reached the guard house, which was a rickety old barn. As we entered
+the door, the rebels, with whom the house was filled, greeted us with
+loud yells, and slapped us on our backs, as though they looked upon our
+capture as a most excellent joke. The majority of our fellow-prisoners
+were confined for attempting to leave the camp to visit their friends;
+but putting them in the guard-house was only a farce, for I had not been
+in the room fifteen minutes before I saw three men make their escape
+through a window. I determined to try the same thing; so, after waiting
+a few moments, to see that they were not brought back, I walked up to
+the window and looked out. A sentinel was standing at the corner of the
+building, but as soon as he saw me he shouldered his gun and walked off,
+whistling. It was plain that he had no objections to my making my escape
+if I wished to do so, and, as soon as he was out of sight, I crawled out
+of the window, dropped to the ground, and walked off with an appearance
+of unconcern I was very far from feeling.
+
+"I had lost my horse, but that did not trouble me, for the camp was not
+far off, and I had no fears of pursuit. I had scarcely got safely out of
+their lines, however, before I became aware that I was followed. I
+turned and saw a party of men, who, keeping their horses on the grass at
+the side of the road, had succeeded in getting within pistol-shot before
+I heard them. As I sprang over a fence I heard my name pronounced,
+followed by the report of several revolvers and carbines, that sent the
+bullets about me altogether too close for comfort.
+
+"Well, to make a long story short, I laid about in the woods for a
+month, making a raid now and then on a chicken-roost, to supply my
+commissary department; but all this while the rebels followed me like
+blood-hounds. I had gone miles out of my way--in fact, I did not know
+where I was, until one day I was in with a party of guerrillas. I told
+them I was a reb on French leave, and on my way to visit my friends, who
+lived on the opposite side of the river. From them I learned that the
+Mississippi was sixty miles distant, and was also informed that there
+was a gun-boat at Gaines's Landing, and was advised to keep out of her
+way. This was the best news I had heard in a long time, and I determined
+to make the best of my way here. I came off to the vessel in the night,
+because I did not know but there might be rebels on the watch, and as I
+was entirely unarmed, I did not want to run any risks. Since leaving our
+camp, I have traveled nearly two hundred miles without a weapon of any
+kind, not even a pocket-knife; and if either of you has ever been a
+prisoner, you can easily imagine that I am overjoyed to find myself safe
+among friends once more. And now, captain," continued the scout, "I have
+a proposition to make you. The leader of these guerrillas whom I met
+back in the country makes his head-quarters in a deserted
+plantation-house about forty miles from the river. He never has more
+than two or three men with him, the others being scattered over the
+country, stealing horses from both rebels and Union people. Now, I would
+like to help capture him and break up his band of guerrillas, for he's a
+perfect demon, and never takes any prisoners. There is a house about ten
+miles from here where we can get all the horses we need, and three or
+four men could do the job nicely. This guerrilla's brother was formerly
+the captain of the band, but he was killed by a party of rebels, just as
+he was about to hang a couple of Union prisoners he had taken--gun-boat
+men, I believe. His name is Thorne, and--what's the matter, captain?"
+
+Frank had started upon hearing the name of the guerrilla chief at whose
+hands he and the mate had so nearly suffered death, and from which they
+were rescued by the Wild-cats, and just as he finished relating the
+story of the "Close Shave," the orderly entered the cabin and announced
+the dispatch-boat "General Lyon" approaching.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+A Scouting Party.
+
+
+Frank, of course, could not agree to the scout's proposition without
+first obtaining permission of either the admiral or Captain Wilson--the
+commander of the division to which the Boxer belonged. He did not know
+where to go to find the former, and besides, the latter had given him
+strict orders not to leave his station until relieved by some other
+vessel, and to allow no one to go ashore. The very nature of these
+orders put it out of his power to obtain liberty to carry out the
+proposed expedition. He went to bed pondering upon what the major had
+told him, and fell asleep without being able to conjure up any plan by
+which the capture of the rebel might be effected.
+
+The next morning, while at breakfast, the orderly entered the cabin and
+reported a gun-boat approaching. Frank at once went on deck, and when he
+had made out her signals, he found, to his delight, that it was the
+Manhattan, the flagship of the division to which the Boxer belonged.
+After ordering the officer of the deck to have the gig called away,
+Frank ran into the cabin, put on his side-arms, and, in company with the
+major, put off to the iron-clad.
+
+Captain Wilson received them cordially, listened with a good deal of
+interest to the scout's plan for the capture of the guerrilla, and
+finally gave Frank permission to "do as he pleased in the matter,"
+adding, "You have never yet failed in an undertaking of this kind, and I
+shall fully expect you to succeed in the present instance. I will be
+here again in about a week, and you can turn the prisoner over to me."
+The confident manner in which the captain spoke of his success, made
+Frank more determined than ever to capture the guerrilla, if within the
+bounds of possibility. After giving a short report of the state of
+affairs on his station, he returned to the Boxer, highly delighted with
+the result of the interview. Archie was no less pleased, for, although
+he had not said a word about accompanying his cousin, he looked upon it
+as a settled thing that he was to be one of the expedition. Frank, who
+knew the danger of the undertaking, and was anxious to keep Archie out
+of harm's way, would have preferred to leave him behind; but, as the
+latter had shown, in a remarkable manner, that he was equal to any
+emergency, the young commander could not deny him on the ground that he
+had never "smelt powder."
+
+The major advised Frank to take at least one more man; and this one was
+soon forthcoming in the shape of Tom, the coxswain of the first cutter,
+the same who had been left in charge of the boat on the night that Frank
+and Archie had broken up the head-quarters of the "Louisiana Wildcats."
+He was at once summoned into the cabin, and after the object of the
+proposed expedition had been explained to him, Frank inquired: "Now,
+Tom, do you want to go with us?" "Douse my to'-gallant top-lights! yes
+sir," he replied, eagerly. "But, Cap'n Nelson, I wouldn't like to be
+left behind, sir, when it comes to the dangerous part of the business,
+like I was on the night when the paymaster burned that house. I want to
+go with you to the end, sir, an' if I ever show the white feather, then
+may I be keelhauled!"
+
+Frank assured him that he would be allowed to accompany them wherever
+they went, and the coxswain departed satisfied.
+
+When night came, the gig was called away, and Frank, accompanied by the
+major, Archie, and the coxswain, was set on shore. When the boat had
+returned to the vessel, which was now in command of the executive
+officer, the major led his companions through the woods toward the place
+where the horses were to be obtained. They traveled in silence,
+following the motions of their guide, who walked along as if he well
+understood what he was about. The expedition certainly promised better
+than any in which Frank had before engaged. It was led by a man
+accustomed to scenes of danger, and was altogether composed of those
+whose courage and determination had, more than once, been thoroughly
+tested. They were all well armed, and, in addition to a brace of
+revolvers, the coxswain carried a heavy saber; for, as he remarked, he
+might be called upon to "repel boarders," and he wanted some weapon that
+he knew how to use.
+
+After three or four hours' walk through the woods they came to a fence,
+where the major paused. Before them was a wide field, in which stood a
+plantation-house. Bright lights gleamed in the windows, and the major
+turned to his companions and said:
+
+"There are more people in the house than there were last night."
+
+They all listened intently, and could hear an indistinct murmur of
+voices, and now and then the tramping of horses in the road that ran in
+front of the house.
+
+"There are some rebel soldiers in there," continued the major, "and we
+can now get our horses without any difficulty, already saddled and
+bridled."
+
+As he spoke, he led the way along the fence toward the road, and they
+presently came in sight of half a dozen horses which were tied in front
+of the house. No orders were necessary, for each one knew what was
+required of him. In a few moments they had quietly secured their horses,
+and were riding noiselessly down the road. As soon as they were out of
+sight of the house, they began to make an examination of their prizes,
+and found that the rebels, who, no doubt, had little dreamed that any
+one would disturb them there, had left their sabers attached to their
+saddles, and their pistols in their holsters. Frank and Archie also
+found themselves possessed, the former of a fine double-barrel shot-gun,
+loaded with buck-shot, and the latter of a heavy carbine; and the
+ammunition for each of these weapons had been left on the saddles. The
+horses were splendid animals, evidently the fruits of a raid upon some
+well-stocked barn-yard, for they appeared fresh and vigorous, and had
+undoubtedly been accustomed to the best of care. As soon as they were
+out of hearing of the people in the house, they put their horses into a
+gallop, and as the road was excellent, they made rapid headway. For hour
+after hour they kept on, stopping only now and then to water their
+horses. Just before daylight the major, who had scarcely spoken during
+the whole ride, suddenly came to a halt. As his companions gathered
+about him, he said, almost in a whisper: "Now, boys, we are at our
+journey's end. There's the house!" and as he spoke, he pointed to a
+large building just ahead of them. "My advice, captain," he continued,
+turning to Frank, "would be to ride carefully up in front of the house,
+hitch our horses--for of course, we must not lose them--and then burst
+open the door and gobble up the guerrilla before he has time to get out
+of bed."
+
+This plan was adopted. Riding noiselessly up to the gate, they
+dismounted, and after tying their horses, they drew their sabers (as it
+was their intention to rely entirely upon the _sight_ of these
+weapons to bring the guerrilla to terms). Then they entered the yard,
+and ascended the steps that led on to a wide portico. Here the major,
+who was in advance, paused a moment, to see that his companions were
+close behind him, and then, placing his shoulder against the door, with
+one strong push, forced it open. They all sprang into the house, Frank
+and Archie being close beside the major, and found themselves, to their
+utter astonishment, in the presence of a dozen guerrillas, who started
+from their blankets in alarm. So great was their surprise, that both
+parties for an instant stood gazing at each other, as if suddenly
+deprived of the power of action.
+
+"Sink my tarry wig, Cap'n Nelson, but here's a scrape for honest men to
+be in!" exclaimed the coxswain, who had kept as close to his officer as
+possible. "Here _is_ a scrape!"
+
+Their position was not an enviable one. There they were, forty miles
+from their vessel, almost in the heart of an enemy's country, and
+confronted by three times their number of armed rebels, who, no doubt,
+could be speedily reinforced. It was too late to retreat, even had they
+felt disposed to do so. But the idea never once entered their heads. So
+intent were they upon the capture of the guerrilla chief, that they
+thought of nothing else, and they were perfectly well aware that the
+only way to get out of the house was to fight their way through their
+enemies.
+
+The period of inaction lasted only for an instant; then a few of the
+rebels, springing to their feet, retreated precipitately through the
+back door; but the others, recovering from their surprise, and
+comprehending the nature of the attack, bravely stood their ground, and
+one tall fellow sprang forward and struck savagely at the major with his
+sword. But the scout was on the alert, receiving the blow upon his own
+saber, and before the rebel had time to renew his attack, a shot from a
+revolver stretched him lifeless on the floor.
+
+This opened the fight. The example of the rebel was quickly followed by
+his comrades, who, depending wholly upon their sabers, rushed upon the
+officers with the utmost fury. But they were bravely met. The latter
+stubbornly held their ground, and parrying the blows directed at them,
+used their revolvers with deadly effect. At this moment a door at the
+further end of the hall suddenly opened, and a man sprang out, carrying
+a short, heavy sword.
+
+"Give it to 'em, lads!" he shouted, hurrying forward to join in the
+fight. "Give it to 'em. No quarter to the Yankees!"
+
+This was the guerrilla chief, and the order he had just given told Frank
+and his companions, in plain language, that if overpowered, no mercy
+would be shown them.
+
+The rebels, encouraged by the voice of their leader, redoubled the fury
+of their attacks, and the officers were driven to the wall. The
+coxswain, on entering, had closed the door to prevent the escape of the
+guerrilla, and thus their retreat was cut off; but they had the
+advantage of position, for the rebels, unable to get behind them, must
+make their attacks in front. Already had their ranks been thinned by the
+fire of the revolvers, but those who had at first retreated now began to
+return and take the places of those who had been shot down. At last
+Frank's revolver was empty. He had another in his pocket, but could not
+get an opportunity to draw it. He must now depend upon his saber.
+Grasping it with both hands, he bravely met the attack of the leader of
+the guerrillas, who had succeeded in working his way in front of him.
+The latter's heavy sword descended with terrible force. Frank's guard
+was broken down, and he was sent reeling to the floor. The rebel again
+raised his sword, and, as Frank was entirely unarmed, he gave himself up
+for lost. One thought of home, of his mother and sister, flashed through
+his mind, and then he saw the bright blade swiftly descending. It was
+met, however, by the coxswain, who seeing the danger of his officer,
+interposed his own sword, and turned the rebel's weapon aside. Frank was
+on his feet again in an instant, and seeing a musket, with a bayonet
+attached, standing in the corner, he seized it with a shout of joy. If
+there was any thing he thoroughly understood, it was the
+bayonet-exercise. He remembered that the knowledge of it had once saved
+his life, and he had never let an opportunity to perfect himself in it
+pass unimproved. He now felt safe; and seeing the coxswain gradually
+retreating before the furious attacks of the guerrilla chief, he sprang
+forward, and with one blow sent the sword flying from his hand and bore
+him to the floor. This move was seconded by Archie, who sprang to his
+cousin's side with a revolver in each hand, firing right and left among
+the rebels, who, dismayed at the fall of their leader, began to retreat.
+But so closely were they followed, that escape was impossible. The
+chief, after trying in vain to regain his feet, and seeing the bayonet
+pointed straight at his breast, shouted most lustily for quarter.
+
+"Surrender!" shouted the major. "Throw down your arms!"
+
+The rebels having lost more than half of their number, and knowing the
+deadly effects of the revolvers which were aimed at their heads, gladly
+complied, and the fight was at an end.
+
+Although Frank and his companions had heard the order, "No quarter to
+the Yankees!" the thought of taking vengeance upon those who, had they
+been the victors, would have shown no mercy, never once entered their
+heads--they were more humane.
+
+With the surrender of the rebels the object of the expedition had been
+accomplished--the guerrilla chief was their prisoner!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+Tom the Coxswain.
+
+
+Now that the excitement was over, and Frank began to think more calmly,
+he found that he was wounded. The blow which had broken down his guard
+had spent its force on his head, which was bleeding profusely from a
+long, ragged cut. His face and clothing were covered with blood, but the
+wound had caused him no inconvenience. After Archie had bandaged it with
+his handkerchief, Frank began to look about him. The force of the rebels
+had originally consisted of fifteen men, of whom eight were lying,
+either dead or wounded, upon the floor. He could scarcely believe his
+eyes, and wondered how he and his companions had ever secured a victory
+against such heavy odds. Had the rebels, instead of relying upon their
+sabers and the superiority of their numbers, made use of the firearms
+that during the fight had become scattered about the hall, the result
+would have been far different. The fight, although a most severe one
+while it lasted, was not of more than five minutes' duration, and during
+that time eight rebels had been disabled, and six captured by four
+determined men; one only had escaped. As Archie afterward said, in a
+letter to his father, "It was the biggest _little_ fight" he was
+ever engaged in.
+
+"Now, boys," said the major, as soon as he had satisfied himself that
+the remaining rebels were disarmed, "we've no time to lose. Paymaster,
+you and the coxswain station yourselves in those doors, and keep a good
+look-out, to prevent surprise. Captain, we will secure these prisoners."
+
+One of the blankets that lay on the floor was speedily cut into strips,
+and with these the rebels, one after the other, were bound hand and
+foot. While this was going on, the leader of the guerrillas stood
+leaning against the wall, no doubt looking into the future, and
+pondering upon the punishment which, according to his own barbarous mode
+of warfare, he was certain would be meted out to him. He well knew what
+course _he_ would have pursued, had he been the victor instead of
+the prisoner, and, judging his captors by himself, he fully expected a
+speedy and terrible vengeance to be taken upon him. As these thoughts
+passed through his mind, he determined to make one bold effort at
+escape. Hastily glancing toward the door, where Archie stood looking up
+and down the road, he suddenly sprang forward, and giving him a violent
+push, that sent him headlong upon the portico, he jumped down the steps,
+and started for the gate at the top of his speed; but before he had gone
+half the distance, he was overtaken by the coxswain and thrown to the
+ground. The sailor, instead of standing in the door, in his eagerness,
+as he expressed it, to "ketch the first glimpse of any guerrilla craft
+that might be sailin' about," had come round to the front of the house
+just as the rebel had made his attempt to escape. Archie sprang to his
+feet and ran to the assistance of the coxswain, and by the time Frank
+and the major arrived, the rebel, who struggled most desperately, had
+been overpowered, and his hands bound behind his back. In a few moments
+more the prisoners were all secured, and, after a horse had been caught
+and saddled, the guerrilla placed upon it, his hands still bound, and
+the coxswain was ordered to take charge of him. The dead and wounded,
+together with the other prisoners, were left in the house, the doors of
+which were closed and fastened. They would, no doubt, soon be relieved
+by their friends, for the rebel who had escaped would, of course,
+procure assistance as soon as possible.
+
+As soon as the major had satisfied himself that every thing was ready
+for the start, he mounted his horse and led the way down the road. It
+was now broad daylight, and their first thought was to place a safe
+distance between themselves and the scene of the fight, and then halt in
+the woods until night, when they would return to the vessel. But if this
+plan was adopted, it would give the guerrillas, who, of course, would
+hasten to the rescue of their leader, time to get between them and the
+river, in which case their capture was certain. Frank, who believed that
+every instant of time was valuable, and who delighted in dashing
+exploits, was in favor of returning at once to the vessel. Their horses
+were comparatively fresh, and, if they rode rapidly, they could make
+good their retreat before a sufficient force could be collected to
+pursue them. The major and Frank talked over these different plans as
+they rode along side by side, and the latter course was finally adopted.
+It was at once communicated to the others, and they pushed forward with
+all possible speed. Frank and the major rode in front, followed by the
+coxswain, who held fast to the horse which their prisoner rode, and
+Archie brought up the rear. In this manner they dashed along, passing
+several plantation-houses, whose inmates ran to the doors and gazed at
+them in astonishment. Half a dozen miles were passed over in this way
+without stopping, except to water their horses, and without seeing a
+single armed rebel, and Frank began to hope that the dangerous part of
+the undertaking was passed. If attacked by a superior force, the chances
+were that they would not only lose their prisoner, whose capture had
+been effected in so gallant a manner, but also their own liberty, and
+the thought of the treatment they would receive, judging by the order
+the guerrilla chief had given his men at the commencement of the fight,
+was enough to nerve them to make the greatest exertions to effect their
+escape. They had reloaded their pistols, the effective use of which had
+gained them a victory over almost four times their number, and Frank and
+Archie carried the shot-gun and carbine which they had found attached to
+the saddles of their horses, ready for instant use.
+
+The rapid pace at which they were traveling had, at the end of an hour,
+put half a dozen miles more between them and the house where the fight
+had taken place, and they began to hope that, if they were followed at
+all, they were leaving the enemy behind. At length they came to a place
+where the road ran through a deep ravine, the sides of which were
+thickly covered with trees and bushes. They dashed along, their horses
+hoofs ringing loud and clear on the hard road, but as they came suddenly
+around a bend, almost before they were aware of it, they had run into
+the very midst of a small band of rebels, who were traveling as rapidly
+as themselves. They were not entirely unprepared for this encounter.
+Although they had hoped that they might be able to avoid it, they had
+held themselves in readiness for it, while the rebels, being taken by
+surprise, scattered in every direction, as if fully expecting to see a
+whole army of Federals close at their heels. As they dashed by, Frank
+fired both barrels of his gun, which emptied more than one saddle, and
+the others had just time to follow with a volley from their revolvers,
+when another bend in the road hid them from sight. It was quickly done.
+Before the rebels had time to think twice, the danger was over. The
+enemy had met them, sent three of their number to the ground, and
+disappeared as rapidly as they had come. But the rebels did not remain
+long inactive. They quickly satisfied themselves that those who had just
+passed were not the advance-guard of an army, as they had at first
+supposed, and presently the officers heard the clatter of hoofs behind
+them, accompanied with loud yells, and knew that the guerrillas had
+commenced the pursuit. Although, as we have said, the rebels had but a
+small force, they still greatly outnumbered Frank's party, and nothing
+but the most rapid flight could save them. Frank's only fear was that
+their pursuers would come in sight of them, and begin to pick them off
+at long range with their carbines, a proceeding which nothing but the
+numerous windings in the road prevented.
+
+"If we do not get into a scrimmage, boys," said the major, speaking as
+calmly as though he was at that very moment safe in the cabin of the
+Boxer, "we must stick together, if possible; but if they come on us in a
+heavy force, we must separate and every man take care of himself."
+
+"Oh, you needn't look so mighty pleased, Johnny!" exclaimed the
+coxswain, addressing himself to his prisoner, who now looking upon his
+rescue as beyond a doubt, could not repress a smile of triumph. "Shiver
+my timbers! you're not loose yet. You're just as safe here as though you
+were in the brig [Footnote: The brig is a small dark apartment in the
+hold of a vessel, in which culprits are confined.] and in double irons.
+Look as mad as you please, Johnny," he continued, as the guerrilla
+scowled savagely upon him, "a man who has smelt powder in a'most every
+battle fought on the Mississippi River an't often skeered by looks."
+
+The major had, several times during the retreat, cautioned the coxswain
+to keep a fast hold of his prisoner, and not to allow him to escape
+under any circumstances. But Frank, who knew his man, had never thought
+the caution necessary. He had often seen the sailor in action on board
+ship, and the gallant manner in which he had saved his officer's life
+during the fight at the house, had fully satisfied the young commander
+that the coxswain was not the man to shrink from his duty because it was
+dangerous. His reply to the major had been:
+
+"If this Johnny rebel an't safe in the brig tonight, sir, then Captain
+Nelson will have to make a new cox'son for the first cutter, an' another
+cap'n for that number two gun. I'll either take him safe through, or
+I'll never hear the bo'son pipe to dinner ag'in."
+
+All this while they had been tearing along the road as fast as their
+horses could carry them, but rapidly as they went, the sounds of pursuit
+grew louder, and the yells fiercer and more distinct, showing that the
+guerrillas were gaining on them. Suddenly they emerged from the woods,
+and found before them a long, straight road, with broad fields on each
+side. Before they could pass this, the rebels would certainly come in
+sight, and, if they did not overtake them, they would at least open fire
+on them with their carbines.
+
+Frank gradually drew in his horse and fell back beside his cousin.
+Archie was deadly pale, but he sat firmly on his horse and handled his
+carbine with a steady hand.
+
+"Archie," said he, "you and I must cover the retreat of the others.
+Don't waste your ammunition now."
+
+They had accomplished perhaps a quarter of the distance across the road
+when the foremost of their pursuers came in sight. In an instant Archie
+turned in his saddle, and leaving his horse to pick out his own road, he
+raised his gun to his shoulder and fired. A moment afterward a riderless
+horse was rearing and plunging about among the rebels, throwing them
+into confusion. This was the time for Frank, and he discharged both
+barrels of his gun in quick succession. The buckshot must have done
+terrible execution, for when the smoke cleared away, they saw the rebels
+retreating to the cover of the bushes. One, more daring than the rest,
+lingered a moment, to fire his carbine, and the fugitives heard the
+bullet sing through the air above their heads.
+
+Although they were not more than five minutes crossing the road and
+entering the woods on the opposite side, it seemed an age to them, and
+they had scarcely reached the cover of the trees, when the rebels again
+coming in sight, fired a scattering volley after them, which rattled
+through the trees and sent a shower of leaves and twigs about them. The
+guerrillas then continued the pursuit as fiercely as ever, every time
+they came in sight firing their carbines, which Archie answered with
+effect; but they wisely kept out of range of the buck-shot in Frank's
+double-barrel.
+
+Hour after hour the chase continued, the guerrillas every time they
+appeared having their ranks thinned by Archie's unerring rifle, until
+finally the fugitives heard a sound that told them in plain language
+that their danger was yet by no means passed. A whole chorus of hoarse
+yells arose from the depths of the woods, showing that their pursuers
+had received heavy reinforcements, and were urging forward their horses
+to overtake them, But the river was not more than two miles distant, and
+as the rebels were fully a quarter of a mile behind, they were confident
+they would yet escape, if their horses could hold out fifteen minutes
+longer. For some time past this had been their only fear. The rapid pace
+was telling on the animals severely, and Frank's horse especially began
+to show signs of distress, the young commander having several times been
+obliged to use the point of his saber to compel him to keep pace with
+the others. The rebels gained rapidly, and presently, just as the
+fugitives emerged from the woods, in full view of the river, they could
+hear the tramping of their horses behind them. Before them was a clear
+space of fully a mile in extent, that must be crossed before they
+reached the river, and their pursuers might overtake and capture them
+within sight of their vessel. Presently several men were seen running
+about on the deck of the Boxer, and then a puff of smoke arose from one
+of the ports, and a shell went shrieking over their heads and burst in
+the woods.
+
+The crew of the vessel, in obedience to Frank's orders, had kept a good
+look-out for them, and hearing the yells of the pursuing rebels, had at
+once opened fire. When the smoke cleared away, Frank saw the crew of the
+gig hurrying to their places. The boat was lowered into the water, and
+pulled rapidly toward the shore. If they could but reach the bank of the
+river they would be safe. At this moment the rebels appeared in sight,
+and a volley from their carbines sent the bullets about the fugitives
+like hail-stones. Frank turned in his saddle and fired one barrel of his
+gun among them, and was about to give them the contents of the other,
+when his horse stumbled and fell, throwing him at full length on the
+ground. Frank had been expecting this, and for the last half hour had
+ridden with his feet out of the stirrups, so that in case the accident
+did happen, he would not be entangled in the saddle. As it was, he was
+thrown some distance in advance of the horse, which, too exhausted to
+rise, lay panting on the ground. Frank, however, instantly recovered his
+feet, and was about to start after his companions, when he saw the
+coxswain, with a knife in his hand, working desperately to free himself
+from the saddle of his own fallen horse. Frank at once sprang to his
+assistance, and catching the knife from his hand, severed the strap that
+confined him, and set him at liberty. The coxswain, as soon as he had
+regained his feet, ran up to the horse which the prisoner rode, and
+which had stopped the moment the sailor fell, and pulling the guerrilla
+from the saddle, lifted him in his arms as though he had been an infant,
+and ran toward the boat. The rebels by this time were within easy
+rifle-range, and in spite of the shells that burst about them, seemed
+determined to effect the release of their leader, until one more
+accurately aimed than the others, exploded in their very midst, cutting
+down horses and riders with terrible slaughter; another and another
+followed, and when Frank and his companions stepped into the gig, the
+rebels were in full retreat. When they arrived on board the vessel, the
+coxswain delivered his prisoner to the master-at-arms, who ironed him,
+and lodged him safely in the brig.
+
+Their long ride had taxed their endurance to the utmost; but, by the
+next day, they had fully recovered from their fatigue, and shortly after
+dinner Frank ordered the officer of the deck to have all hands mustered.
+The crew speedily assembled on the quarter-deck, and among them stood
+the coxswain, who, at a motion from Frank, stepped out from among his
+companions, holding his cap in his hand, and looking altogether like a
+man who expected "a good blowing up" for some grievous offense. But he
+soon found that he was not to be reprimanded, for, to his utter
+astonishment, Frank proceeded to give the officers and crew a full
+account of the fight at the house, speaking in the highest terms of the
+old sailor's bravery. He then addressed the coxswain, saying:
+
+"Now, Tom, what can I do for you? What do you want? Would you like a
+leave of absence, to go home and visit your friends?"
+
+"Avast heavin' there, Cap'n Nelson, if you please!" answered the
+coxswain, hastily. "I was brought up on board a man-o'-war, sir," he
+continued, whirling his cap in his hand, "an' have follered the sea for
+goin' nigh on to thirty-five year, but this is the first time I ever had
+my cap'n say, 'Thank ye, Tom,' to me for doin' my duty. I an't the only
+chap, sir, that wouldn't see harm come to you. There's many a man in
+this crew that would have done the same thing, at the risk of his own
+life. As for home an' friends, sir, I have none. But, cap'n, there's one
+favor I have thought of askin' you for. There's no gunner's-mate on
+board this vessel, an' I think I can take charge of the magazine--don't
+you, sir?"
+
+This was a small reward for a man to ask of the captain, who would
+gladly have granted him any favor in his power; but promotion on board
+ship, among the men, is given only to the most deserving, and the old
+sailor made this request with a timidity he had never shown before an
+enemy; and even after he had made it, he regarded his officer as though
+he fully expected a refusal. But Frank, who could scarcely refrain from
+smiling at the man's earnest manner, turned to Archie and said:
+
+"Paymaster, please rate Thomas Willis on your books as gunner's-mate
+from the time the other mate was discharged."
+
+This was something more than the coxswain had expected. The former
+gunner's-mate had been discharged from the service nearly two months
+before, and this gave the old sailor a considerable amount of back pay.
+Frank had delayed the appointment of a gunner's-mate, not because he did
+not need one, but because there were many good men among his crew, and
+he wished to give the appointment to the most deserving, and thus make
+promotion something worth working for. Frank then dismissed the men, who
+returned to the lower deck, fully satisfied in their own minds that
+"Cap'n Nelson was the best man any crew ever sailed under."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+A Rebel Trick.
+
+
+The next day Frank and the major made out their reports of the
+expedition. The former's, as usual, was short and to the point,
+conveying, in a few lines, the information that their object had been
+accomplished. He described the fight in the house as a "short skirmish,"
+and made it appear that their success was owing to the gallant behavior
+of the major, Archie, and the coxswain. In fact, one, to have read the
+report, would have supposed that Frank had been merely a looker-on,
+instead of one of the principal actors. But the major went more into
+details, and the part Frank had taken in the fight was described in
+glowing language, and his bravery highly complimented. While thus
+engaged, the orderly entered the cabin and reported a small party of
+rebels approaching with a flag of truce. Frank went on deck, and saw
+several men galloping toward the vessel, waving a white flag, to attract
+their attention. When they reached the top of the bank, they dismounted
+from their horses, and appeared to be waiting for some one to come
+ashore.
+
+For some moments, Frank was undecided how to act. He remembered that he
+had once been sent on shore with a flag of truce which had not been
+respected, he having been detained a prisoner, and he did not like the
+idea of receiving a white flag from men whom he knew would not respect
+it themselves; besides, he had received no orders in regard to
+communicating with the rebels, and he did not know whether he had a
+right to do so or not.
+
+"Well, major, what do you think of this, sir?" he asked, turning toward
+the scout, who stood close at his side.
+
+"It's a trick of some kind, captain," replied the latter. "Depend upon
+it, it's a trick."
+
+"If that is so," said Frank, "I will try and find out what it is." Then,
+raising his voice, he called out, "What do you want out there?"
+
+"I want to come on board," shouted one of the rebels, in reply. "I want
+to see the captain."
+
+"Well, speak out; you can't come on board. What do you want?"
+
+The rebels consulted together for a few moments, and then one of them
+replied:
+
+"We have a Yankee prisoner, and want to exchange him for Captain Thorne.
+If you will let one of us come on board, perhaps we can make some
+arrangements with you."
+
+"You can't come on board," shouted Frank, "that's settled. But where's
+your prisoner?"
+
+"Out in the woods, under guard."
+
+"They've got no prisoner, captain," said the major. "All they want is to
+see the inside of your vessel, and find out how many men and guns you
+have."
+
+"Well, they'll have to go away without accomplishing their object," said
+Frank. "I can't make any arrangements for an exchange," he shouted,
+"until I see your prisoner."
+
+The rebels lingered a moment, as if in consultation, and then mounted
+their horses and rode away. Every one who had heard the conversation
+laughed at the idea of attempting to deceive Captain Nelson with so
+shallow a trick, and the circumstance was soon forgotten by all except
+Frank, who knew that the guerrillas would not abandon their project
+simply because their first attempt had failed. Although he made no
+remark, he resolved to be doubly vigilant, and to be ready for any
+emergency.
+
+Two days afterward the dispatch-boat came alongside, on her way up the
+river, and the major took passage on her for Cairo.
+
+"I'm sorry to be obliged to leave you, captain," said he, as he stood
+ready to start, "for, if I am not very much mistaken, you'll have lively
+times here before long. The rebels are up to something, depend upon it.
+Don't let them catch you off your guard. Good luck to you!"
+
+It was lonesome in the cabin after the major left, for he was a good
+companion, and both Frank and Archie had become very much attached to
+him.
+
+The dispatch-boat had scarcely left the Boxer, when the officer of the
+deck reported a canoe approaching. It came from up the river, and, by
+the aid of the spy-glass, they discovered that it contained two men and
+was loaded with vegetables. It was customary for gun-boats to purchase
+such provisions as they needed from the people who lived along the
+banks, and in some places market-boats were received regularly every
+day. The men were paid, either in money, or, as they generally
+preferred, in coffee, flour, or sugar, from the paymaster's store-rooms;
+but this was the first time the Boxer had ever been visited, and this
+circumstance, taken in connection with the flag of truce, made Frank
+suspicious.
+
+"Shall we allow them to come alongside, sir?" asked the officer of the
+deck.
+
+"Yes," replied Frank, who had already determined upon his plans, "allow
+them to come on board, if they wish to do so;" and here he gave the
+officer a few rapid orders, which the latter hurried below to execute.
+The Boxer had a full crew of sixty-five men, who were in an admirable
+state of discipline; but Frank had sent the officer below to order the
+most of the men into the hold, out of sight, and to remove the small
+arms about the deck. The major's warning was still ringing in his ears,
+and the young commander could not rid himself of the impression that the
+market men who were now approaching were in some way connected with
+guerrillas. If it was a trick, he resolved to help it along. As the boat
+approached, it was hailed by the sentinel on the fore-castle, who asked
+the men their business, and was informed that they had "garden truck"
+which they wanted to "swap for sugar, flour, an' sich like."
+
+The men were then permitted to come alongside, and one of them was at
+once conducted into the cabin, where a bargain was soon concluded, Frank
+agreeing to take the whole boatload of vegetables, and to give the man
+two pounds of flour, three pounds of sugar, and six pounds of coffee.
+The young commander was now fully satisfied that the only object of the
+men in visiting the vessel was not to dispose of their vegetables, for
+the man rather overdid his part. He gazed with open mouth at every thing
+he saw, in regular country style, but it was not natural, most of his
+wonder, as Archie expressed it, being "put on." The latter went below to
+order his steward to procure the provisions, and the man inquired--
+
+"Will yer let a feller look about a leetle? This is the fust time I was
+ever on a gun-boat."
+
+"Certainly," replied Archie, who had received his instructions from
+Frank; "look about all you please;" and while the steward was weighing
+the coffee and sugar, he accompanied the man about the vessel. There
+were not more than a dozen sailors on deck, and most of these appeared
+to be asleep.
+
+"Be these all the fellers you-uns hev got?" asked the man.
+
+"What's the use of having any more?" replied Archie. "There's no danger
+here."
+
+"That's so," was the answer; "I haint seed a rebel round for more 'n six
+months, dog-gone if I hev."
+
+The man walked slowly about the deck, carefully examining every thing he
+saw, and acting altogether like a backwoodsman who had never seen a
+gun-boat before. Finally, he said:
+
+"I've heered as how all these 'ere boats hev got hot water; has yourn?"
+
+"Oh, yes, we've got plenty of hot water, but it takes an hour to screw
+the hose on, so that we can use it."
+
+By this time the provisions were ready, and the market men took their
+departure, expressing themselves fully satisfied that it wouldn't be a
+"healthy job" for any rebels to attempt the capture of the Boxer, and
+promising to be on hand the next day but one with more "garden truck."
+
+As soon as their boat was out of sight, the hatches were raised, the
+crew poured up out of the hold, and in a short time the Boxer's deck
+presented its usual appearance of neatness and order. Frank's object had
+been accomplished, for the market men had gone away satisfied that
+twenty determined men could easily effect the capture of the gun-boat,
+and they seemed determined to make the most of what they had seen.
+Gaines's Landing had been a regular mail station, and the rebels had
+only been deterred from sending it across the river by the presence of
+the Boxer. The market men, however, had discovered, as they supposed,
+that the vessel was but poorly manned, and this being communicated to
+their leader, (for, as Frank had suspected, they belonged to a
+regularly-organized band of guerrillas,) the latter determined to
+dispatch his mail at once.
+
+That night, about ten o'clock, as Frank and Archie sat in the cabin
+reading, the orderly reported that lights were seen moving about on
+shore. This was something unusual, and when Frank had watched the light
+for a moment, he came to the conclusion that the rebels were making some
+movements, the nature of which he was, of course, unable to determine;
+but he resolved, if possible, to find out what was going on, and turning
+to the officer of the deck, ordered the cutter to be called away and
+furnished with an armed crew. This order was speedily and quietly
+executed, and when the boat was ready, Frank and his cousin stepped into
+it, and were pulled noiselessly up the river. The place where the light
+shone was about half a mile from the vessel, and when they came opposite
+to it, the crew rested on their oars, giving only an occasional stroke
+to keep the cutter from floating down the stream, and waited impatiently
+for the rebels to show themselves.
+
+The light, which gleamed from the shore opposite to the town, seemed to
+come from a dark lantern, for it would blaze up brightly for a moment,
+and then disappear. Presently an answering light was shown from the
+shore nearest to them, when Archie whispered--
+
+"There's a boat coming!"
+
+Frank listened, and could hear the slow, measured strokes of oars, which
+grew louder and louder as the boat approached. It seemed to be heading
+directly toward them, and in a few moments more it could be dimly seen,
+moving through the darkness.
+
+"Give way together!" commanded Frank, and the cutter, propelled by
+twelve oars, shot alongside the approaching boat, and the sailors seized
+the gunwale and held her fast. Resistance was useless. Three rebels
+quietly delivered up their weapons, and one large, well-filled mail-bag
+was stowed away under the stern sheets of the cutter. The prisoners were
+taken on board the Boxer, and delivered into the charge of the
+master-at-arms, while their boat, a leaky affair, requiring constant
+bailing to keep it afloat, was unceremoniously allowed to sink. The
+light on the opposite shore was still shown, now at shorter intervals,
+as if the persons who were managing it had begun to grow impatient. This
+was the source of much merriment among the sailors, who hoped the
+"rebels would not grow tired of waiting for their mail."
+
+The next day the Manhattan again came up the river, and, as she
+approached, made signals for Frank to go on board of her. The gig was
+called away, and taking the reports of the expedition the young officer
+and his prisoners shortly stood in the presence of Captain Wilson, who,
+as soon as he had secured the prisoners, conducted Frank into the cabin.
+The latter, after presenting his reports, proceeded to give the captain
+a history of the expedition which had resulted in the capture of the
+guerrilla chief, of the interview with the flag of truce, and of the
+manner in which he had deceived the market men and captured the mail,
+upon hearing which the captain sprang from his chair, and giving Frank a
+hearty slap on the back, exclaimed:
+
+"Well done, sir! well done! Then you are not entirely unprepared to hear
+what I have to tell you. I picked up a runaway darkey yesterday, who
+informs me that the rebels are making preparations to capture the
+Boxer!"
+
+"I knew something was going on, sir," replied Frank, "and if that is
+what they are up to, they will not find me unprepared."
+
+"Well, that is what they intend to do. They have been building two large
+boats, into which they are going to put a sufficient force to overpower
+you. The attempt is to be made on Wednesday night. Of course, they hope
+to be able to take you by surprise. This contraband I picked up says he
+worked on the boats, and that they will hold about forty men each. I
+shall not be far off when the fight takes place, although I do not
+suppose you will need any assistance."
+
+The two officers then began an examination of the mail, in hopes it
+would throw some further light upon the movements of the guerrillas; but
+most of the letters were unofficial, and not a word was said about the
+proposed attempt to capture the Boxer.
+
+At the end of an hour, Frank returned on board his vessel, and the
+Manhattan steamed down the river toward her station.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+Honorably Discharged.
+
+
+When Frank reached the Boxer, he sent for the executive officer, told
+him of what he had heard, and also laid before him the plans he had
+adopted to defeat the rebels, which met the hearty approval of that
+gentleman. Frank did not think it best to delay putting the vessel in a
+state of defense, for the rebels might make the attempt at any time; so
+he instructed the executive officer to see that the men were kept under
+cover, so that the rebels, if any were on the watch, might not be able
+to judge of their numbers. When hammocks were piped that night, not more
+than a dozen men answered the call, and when bedtime came, the sailors
+stretched themselves out on deck, ready to take their posts at a
+moment's warning. The guns were all carefully loaded, the hot-water hose
+got ready for use, and the anchor fixed so that it could be slipped in
+an instant. Outside, the appearance of the vessel was not changed, the
+only thing noticeable being the quantity of smoke that came out of her
+chimneys. At eight o'clock Frank inspected the boat, and after seeing
+that every man was in his place, he lay down on the sofa in the cabin,
+without removing his clothes, and fell asleep. When he awoke, he arose
+and went on deck, just as the ship's bell was striking midnight. It was
+very dark, and the only sound that broke the stillness was the splashing
+of the wheels of a steamer as she went on her way up the river. For an
+hour he remained on deck, listening, but without hearing any thing
+suspicious until just as he was about to return to the cabin. He had
+started down the stairs, when he heard a slight splashing ahead of the
+vessel, like a heavy oar dipped carefully into the water. He listened a
+moment, and the sound was repeated.
+
+"There they are! They're coming, sure!" said Archie, who stood at his
+cousin's side.
+
+"Yes, sir," said Tom, the gunner's-mate, who, in his eagerness to be the
+first to announce the approach of the rebels, had remained on deck
+during the whole night. "That's them, sir!"
+
+"Tell the officer of the deck to call all hands to quarters as quietly
+as possible," said Frank.
+
+The officer ran below, and the young commander heard the sound again,
+still faint, but nearer and more distinct than the others. It was well
+that he had not put off his preparations to receive the rebels, for they
+were certainly approaching. Presently the pilots came up and took their
+stations at the wheel, and a moment afterward the executive officer came
+up and reported the crew ready for action. So quietly had the men been
+aroused, that Frank had not heard them as they moved to their stations.
+Nearer and nearer came the sound of oars, and suddenly a large flatboat,
+crowded with men, loomed up through the darkness.
+
+"On deck, there!" whispered Frank, leaning over the rail and speaking to
+a sailor on the forecastle. "Slip that anchor."
+
+There was the rattling of a chain as this order was executed, and as the
+man sprang through one of the ports, a sheet of flame covered the
+forecastle, and two twenty-four pound shells went crashing and shrieking
+among the rebels.
+
+The pilots rang the bell for the engineers to "come ahead," and as the
+Boxer turned out into the river, thus bringing her broadside guns to
+bear on the boat, two more shells completed the ruin. The rebels were
+caught in their own trap. Their boat was sinking, half their number
+either dead or wounded, and all who were able to swim were springing
+into the water and making for the nearest shore.
+
+It was so dark Frank could not see the havoc that had been made among
+the guerrillas, and he was about to give them another broadside, when he
+heard loud cries for quarter. That boat was disposed of, and he turned
+to look for the other, (for Captain Wilson had said there were two of
+them,) but it was not to be seen. As he afterward learned, the
+guerrillas, having been completely deceived as to the force of the
+Boxer, had crowded sixty men into one boat, thinking that force
+sufficient to insure an easy victory. After running up the river nearly
+a mile without seeing any signs of the boat, the Boxer returned to her
+station, and found the rebel craft hard and fast aground. Her deck was
+covered with dead and wounded, and Frank at once turned his attention to
+taking care of the latter. Twenty-three wounded guerrillas were conveyed
+on board the vessel, and delivered into the charge of the doctor and his
+steward, together with nearly a dozen prisoners, who, being unable to
+swim, had not dared to leave the boat. The dead were left where they had
+fallen. The Boxer then returned to her anchorage, and Frank, feeling
+safe for the remainder of the night, ordered hammocks to be piped, a
+command which the sailors gladly obeyed, for their soft mattresses were
+much more comfortable than the hard deck. By the time every thing had
+been restored to order, the quarter-master reported the Manhattan
+approaching. Frank answered her signals, and as she came alongside,
+Captain Wilson sprang on board.
+
+"How is it, captain?" he inquired, as Frank met him at the gangway.
+"Mercy!" he exclaimed, as he entered the door and saw the wounded rebels
+lying in rows on the deck. "Lively while it lasted, wasn't it? How many
+men have you lost?"
+
+"None, sir," replied Frank. "If the rebels fired a shot at us, I don't
+know it."
+
+"When I heard the firing," continued the captain, "I was afraid you had
+neglected to make preparations to receive them, and had got yourself
+into a bad scrape. But I see you are able to take care of yourself."
+
+The captain then returned on board his vessel, which moved out into the
+river and came to anchor at a short distance from the Boxer, while Frank
+retired to his room and fell asleep, well satisfied with his night's
+work.
+
+Early the next morning, a single rebel appeared on the bank, with a flag
+of truce, and a boat being sent out from the Manhattan, he was conveyed
+on board that vessel. In a short time, however, it returned and set the
+rebel on board the Boxer.
+
+"I want permission to bury our dead," said the guerrilla, on being shown
+into the cabin.
+
+"You must see Captain Wilson about that," replied Frank. "I have no
+authority while he is here."
+
+"I have just been to see him," replied the rebel, "and he sent me to
+you. He says you command this station."
+
+This was a compliment seldom paid a young officer; but the fact was,
+Captain Wilson was so elated at Frank's success, that he determined to
+take every opportunity to make his approval known. The young commander,
+of course, granted the request, and soon after the Manhattan steamed
+down the river.
+
+About a week afterward, a tin-clad came up, and her captain came on
+board the Boxer and presented Frank with written orders to report to
+Captain Wilson without delay.
+
+"I expect," said he, "that you will take my old station. If you do, you
+will have your hands full, for boats are fired into every day; but,
+somehow, I was always at the wrong end of my beat to meet the rebels."
+
+When the captain had returned on board his vessel, the Boxer got up
+steam, and, in obedience to her orders, started down the river. They
+found Captain Wilson the next day, and Frank was assigned a new station.
+His beat was about five miles in length, and was a noted place for
+guerrillas. Steamboat captains dreaded to pass it, for their boats were
+fired into, and often badly cut up. The rebels had a battery of three
+guns, with which they were constantly dodging from one point to another,
+always taking good care, however, to keep out of reach of the gun-boats.
+On the second day Frank arrived at his station, and while running idly
+about--for his orders from Captain Wilson were to "keep moving"--a
+steamer passed them on her way up the river, and Frank ordered the pilot
+to round-to and follow her. The order was obeyed, but they had not gone
+more than half a mile, when a battery, mounted on a point which ran for
+some distance out into the river, opened on the steamer. The Boxer was
+at that moment behind the point and out of sight of the rebels, who,
+however, were soon made aware of her presence; for they had scarcely
+fired two rounds before a shell dismounted one of their guns. Their
+surprise was complete, and abandoning their battery, they ran into the
+woods for protection. The Boxer rounded the point, all the while
+shelling the woods, and Frank, seeing the guns deserted, landed with his
+vessel and secured them. That guerrilla station was, for the present,
+broken up. So thought Frank, who ordered the pilot to proceed up the
+river until he found the Manhattan. The next day the battery was
+delivered up to Captain Wilson, who sent it by the dispatch-boat to
+Mound City, which was then the naval station.
+
+From that time hostilities along the river gradually ceased. The Boxer
+for nearly a year ran from one end of her beat to the other without
+encountering a single armed rebel. Then came the news of the glorious
+success of the Army of the Potomac, followed by the intelligence of a
+general surrender of the rebel forces. The Boxer was dressed with flags,
+salutes fired, and officers and crew looked forward with impatience to
+the time when they would be permitted to return home. At length came the
+long expected order to report to the admiral at Mound City, where the
+reduction of the squadron was rapidly going on.
+
+Although Frank was impatient to see his quiet little home once more, he
+was reluctant to part from his crew, whom, upon his arrival at the
+navy-yard, he had received orders to discharge. One by one the sailors
+came into the cabin, and the hearty grasp of their hands, and the
+earnest manner in which they wished their commander "plain sailing
+through life," showed that their feelings were not unlike his own.
+
+One morning, upon inquiry at the navy-yard post-office, Frank was
+presented with two official documents, which proved to be leaves of
+absence for himself and Archie for three months, "At the expiration of
+that time," so read the document, "if your services, are no longer
+required, you will be honorably discharged from the navy of the United
+States. Acknowledge the receipt of this leave, and send your address to
+the department."
+
+As soon as this order had been complied with, the cousins began to make
+preparations to start for home. Their trunks had been packed several
+days before, in readiness for an immediate departure, and in three hours
+after the receipt of their leaves they had taken their seats in the
+train bound for Portland. The ride had never seemed so long, nor had the
+cars ever moved so slowly: but, in due time, they reached the city in
+safety. Frank remained but one day in Portland, for he was anxious to
+reach home. The "Julia Burton" still made her regular trips from Augusta
+to Lawrence, and on the third day he reached the village. Brave was the
+first to welcome him as he stepped out of the hack that had conveyed him
+from the wharf to the cottage, and not recognizing his master, muffled
+up as he was in his heavy overcoat, he stood at the gate, growling
+savagely, as if to warn him that he had ventured close enough. But one
+word was sufficient. The faithful animal had not forgotten the sound of
+the familiar voice, and bounding over the fence, he nearly overpowered
+his master with caresses.
+
+The meeting with his mother and sister we shall not attempt to describe.
+Those who have passed through similar scenes can easily imagine that joy
+reigned supreme in that house.
+
+About a week after his arrival at home, Archie Winters and his parents
+reached the village, the latter having "taken a holiday" in honor of the
+young paymaster's safe return. The cousins spent their furlough in
+visiting their old hunting and fishing-grounds, and in calling upon
+their friends. George and Harry Butler had returned, the former with an
+empty sleeve, having lost his arm in the Battle of the Wilderness. But
+all their companions had not been as fortunate as themselves. More than
+one had been offered upon the altar of their country, and many a
+familiar face was missing.
+
+At the expiration of their three months' leave, Frank and Archie
+received their honorable discharges from the service, the sight of which
+recalled vividly to their minds many a thrilling scene through which
+they had passed. How changed the scene now from that when they had first
+bid adieu to their homes, to join the ranks of their country's
+defenders! "Then a gigantic rebellion was in progress; armed men
+sentineled each other from Virginia to the Rio Grande; and the land was
+filled with the crash of contending armies. Now, the rebel forces are
+vanquished, their banner in the dust; the slave empire that was to rise
+upon the ruins of the Republic is itself in ruins; and the soldiers and
+sailors of the Union, returning their weapons to the arsenals, have
+exchanged their honored blue for the citizen's garb, and resumed their
+peaceful avocations, as modest and unassuming as though they had never
+performed the deeds of valor that have filled the whole civilized world
+with wonder."
+
+Frank and Archie are proud of the part they have borne in the war of the
+Rebellion, and will never forget their varied and eventful experience in
+the MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Frank on the Lower Mississippi, by Harry Castlemon
+
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook Frank on the Lower Mississippi, by Castlemon
+
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+Title: Frank on the Lower Mississippi
+
+Author: Harry Castlemon
+
+Release Date: November 2004  [EBook #6958]
+[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule]
+[This file was first posted on February 17, 2003]
+
+Edition: 10
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+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
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+
+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LOWER MISSISSIPPI BY CASTLEMON ***
+
+
+
+This eBook was produced by David Garcia, Juliet Sutherland,
+Charles Franks, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+FRANK ON THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI.
+
+BY
+
+HARRY CASTLEMON
+
+
+
+
+  CONTENTS
+
+
+  CHAPTER    I.--THE NEW PAYMASTER
+
+  CHAPTER   II.--A NIGHT EXPEDITION
+
+  CHAPTER  III.--ARCHIE IN A PREDICAMENT
+
+  CHAPTER   IV.--A MARK FOR THE UNION
+
+  CHAPTER    V.--A RUN FOR LIFE
+
+  CHAPTER   VI.--FRANK TURNS DETECTIVE
+
+  CHAPTER  VII.--FRANK'S FIRST COMMAND
+
+  CHAPTER VIII.--AN UNLUCKY FLIGHT
+
+  CHAPTER   IX.--UP THE WASHITA
+
+  CHAPTER    X.--THE PROMOTION
+
+  CHAPTER   XI.--THE RIVAL SPIES
+
+  CHAPTER  XII.--A SCOUTING PARTY
+
+  CHAPTER XIII.--TOM THE COXSWAIN
+
+  CHAPTER  XIV.--A REBEL TRICK
+
+  CHAPTER   XV.--HONORABLY DISCHARGED
+
+
+
+
+FRANK ON THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+The New Paymaster.
+
+
+Vicksburg had fallen, and the army had marched in and taken possession
+of the city. How Frank longed to accompany it, that he might see the
+inside of the rebel stronghold, which had so long withstood the advance
+of our fleet and army! He stood leaning against one of the monster guns,
+which, at his bidding, had spoken so often and so effectively in favor
+of the Union, and for two hours watched the long lines of war-worn
+soldiers as they moved into the works. At length a tremendous cheer
+arose from the city, and Frank discovered a party of soldiers on the
+cupola of the court-house, from which, a few moments afterward, floated
+the Stars and Stripes. Then came faintly to his ears the words of a
+familiar song, which were caught up by the soldiers in the city, then by
+those who were still marching in, and "We'll rally round the flag,
+boys," was sung by an immense choir. The rebels in the streets gazed
+wonderingly at the men on the spire, and listened to the song, and the
+triumphant shouts of the conquering army, which proclaimed the beginning
+of the downfall of their confederacy.
+
+To Frank, it was one of the proudest moments of his life--a sight he
+would not have missed to be able to float at the mast-head of his vessel
+the broad pennant of the admiral. All he had endured was forgotten; and
+when the Old Flag was unfurled in the air which had but a short time
+before floated the "stars and bars," he pulled off his cap and shouted
+at the top of his lungs.
+
+Having thus given vent to his feelings of exultation, in obedience to
+orders, he commenced the removal of his battery on board the Trenton. It
+was two days' work to accomplish this, but Frank, who was impatient to
+see the inside of the fortifications worked with a will, and finally the
+battery was mounted in its old position. On the following day, the
+Trenton moved down the river, and came to anchor in front of Vicksburg.
+Shore liberty was granted, and Frank, in company with several of his
+brother officers, strolled about the city. On every side the houses bore
+the marks of Union shot and shell, and the streets were blocked with
+fortifications, showing that had the city been taken by storm, it was
+the intention of the rebels to dispute every inch of the ground. Every
+thing bore evidence to the fact that the fight had been a most desperate
+one; that the rebels had surrendered only when they found that it was
+impossible to hold out longer.
+
+In some places the streets ran through deep cuts in the bank, and in
+these banks were the famous "gopher holes." They were [ca]ves dug in
+the ground, into which a person, if he happened to hear a shell coming,
+might run for safety. Outside the city, the fortifications were most
+extensive; rifle-pits ran in every direction, flanked by strong forts,
+whose battered walls attested the fury of the iron hail that had been
+poured upon them. It was night before Frank was aware of it, so
+interested was he in every thing about him, and he returned on board his
+vessel, weary with his long walk, but amply repaid by seeing the inside
+of what its rebel occupants had called "the Gibraltar of America."
+
+During the next two days, several vessels of the squadron passed the
+city, on their way to new fields of action further down the river. One
+of them--the Boxer, a tin-clad, mounting eight guns--had Frank on board.
+He had been detached from the Trenton, and ordered to join this vessel,
+which had been assigned a station a short distance below Grand Gulf. As
+usual, he had no difficulty in becoming acquainted with his new
+messmates, and he soon felt perfectly at home among them. He found, as
+he had done in every other mess of which he had been a member, that
+there was the usual amount of wrangling and disputing, and it amused him
+exceedingly. All the mess seemed to be indignant at the caterer, who did
+not appear to stand very high in their estimation. The latter, he
+learned, had just made an "assessment" upon the mess to the amount of
+ten dollars for each member; and as there was no paymaster on board, the
+officers had but very little ready money, and were anxious to know where
+all the funds paid into the treasury went to. He also found that the
+caterer's authority was not as much respected as he had a right to
+claim, for during the very first meal Frank ate in the mess, a dispute
+arose which threatened for a time to end in the whole matter being
+carried before the captain.
+
+One of the members of the mess, who was temporarily attached to the
+vessel, was a pilot who had been pressed into the service. He was a
+genuine rebel, and frequently said that he was called a traitor because
+he was in favor of allowing the South to "peaceably withdraw from the
+Union." The doctor, a little, fat, jolly man, and a thorough Unionist,
+who believed in handling all rebels without gloves, took up the sword,
+and the debate that followed was long and stormy. The pilot, as it
+proved, hardly knew the reasons why the South had attempted to secede,
+and was constantly clinching his arguments by saying, "Men who know
+more, and who have done more fighting during this war than you, Doctor
+Brown, say that they have a right to do so." The debate waxed hotter and
+hotter, until some of the other members of the mess joined in with the
+doctor against the pilot, and the caterer, thinking that the noise the
+disputants made was unbecoming the members of a well-regulated mess, at
+length shouted:
+
+"Silence! Gentlemen, hereafter talking politics in this wardroom is
+strictly prohibited."
+
+"Eh?" ejaculated the doctor, who was thoroughly aroused, "Do you expect
+us to sit here and listen to a conscript running down the Government--a
+man who never would have entered the service if he had not been
+compelled to do so? No, sir! I wouldn't hold my tongue under such
+circumstances if all the six-foot-four caterers in the squadron should
+say so. You are not a little admiral, to come down here and hoist your
+broad pennant in this mess-room."
+
+The caterer was astounded when he found his authority thus set at
+defiance, and without further parley he retired to his room; and in a
+few moments returned with the books, papers, and the small amount of
+money that belonged to the mess; laying them on the table, he said:
+
+"Gentlemen, you will please elect another caterer."
+
+The debate was instantly hushed, for not one member of the mess, besides
+the caterer just resigned, could have been hired to take the
+responsibility of managing affairs. When the officers had finished their
+dinner, they walked carelessly out on deck, as if the question of where
+the next meal was to come from did not trouble them in the least.
+Nothing was done toward an election; no one took charge of the books or
+papers, and when the table was cleared away they were thrown
+unceremoniously under the water-cooler. The money, however, was taken
+care of by the doctor. Dinner-time came, and when Frank, tired and
+hungry, was relieved from the deck, he inquired what was to be had to
+eat.
+
+"There's nothing been done about it yet," answered the officer who
+relieved him. "The steward went to several of the members of the mess,
+and asked what they wished served up; but they told him that they had
+nothing to do with the caterer's business, and the consequence is, if
+you want any thing to eat, you will have to go into the pantry and help
+yourself."
+
+Frank was a good deal amused at the obstinacy displayed by the different
+members of the mess, and wondered how the affair would end. The mess
+could not long exist without some one to take charge of it; but for
+himself he was not at all concerned. He had paid no initiation fee,
+because no one had asked him for it, and he knew that as long as there
+were provisions in the paymaster's store-rooms, there was no danger but
+that he would get plenty to eat. He found three or four officers in the
+pantry making their dinner on hard-tack, pickles, and raw bacon. They
+were all grumbling over the hard fare, but not one of them appeared
+willing to assume the office of caterer.
+
+Things went on in this way for nearly a week, (during which time they
+had arrived at their station,) and the doctor, who was fond of good
+living, could stand it no longer. He went to the caterer who had
+resigned, and, after considerable urging, and a solemn promise that
+politics should not again be discussed in the mess, the latter was
+persuaded to resume the management of affairs. The change from hard
+crackers and pickles to nice warm meals was a most agreeable one, and
+the jolly doctor, according to promise, was very careful what questions
+were brought up before the mess for discussion.
+
+By this time, as we have before remarked, the Boxer had arrived at her
+station. Her crew thought they were now about to lead a life of idleness
+and inactivity, for not a rebel had they seen since leaving Vicksburg.
+But one morning, while the men were engaged in washing off the
+forecastle, they were startled by a roar of musketry, and three of the
+sailors fell dead upon the deck.
+
+The fight that followed continued for two hours, the rebels finally
+retiring, not because they had been worsted, but for the reason that
+they had grown weary of the engagement. This was the commencement of a
+series of attacks which proved to be the source of great annoyance to
+the crew of the Boxer. The guerrillas would appear when least expected,
+and the levee afforded them a secure hiding-place from which they could
+not be driven, either with big guns or small arms. They were fatal
+marksmen, too; and during the week following, the Boxer's crew lost ten
+men. One rebel in particular attracted their attention, and his reckless
+courage excited their admiration. He rode a large white horse, and
+although rendered a prominent mark for the rifles of the sailors, he
+always escaped unhurt. He would ride boldly out in full view of the
+vessel, patiently wait for someone to expose himself, when the sharp
+crack of his rifle would be followed by the report made to the captain,
+"A man shot, sir."
+
+Frank had selected this man as a worthy foe-man; and every time he
+appeared the young officer was on the watch for him. He was very expert
+with the rifle, and after a few shots, he succeeded in convincing the
+rebel that the safest place for him was behind the levee. One morning
+the foe appeared in stronger force than usual, and conspicuous among
+them was the white horse and his daring rider. The fight that ensued had
+continued for perhaps half an hour, when the quartermaster reported the
+dispatch-boat approaching. As soon as she came within range, the
+guerrillas directed their fire against her, to which the latter replied
+briskly from two guns mounted on her forecastle. The leader of the
+rebels was constantly in view, cheering on his men, and discharging his
+rifle as fast as he could reload. Frank fired several shots at him, and
+finding that, as usual, they were without effect, he asked the captain's
+permission to try a howitzer on him, which was granted. He ran below,
+trained the gun to his satisfaction, and waited for an opportunity to
+fire, during which the dispatch-boat came alongside and commenced
+putting off a supply of stores.
+
+At length the rebel mounted the levee, and reigning in his horse, sat in
+his saddle gazing at the vessels, as if not at all concerned. He
+presented a fair mark, and Frank fired, but the shell went wild and
+burst in the woods, far beyond the rebel, who, however, beat a hasty
+retreat behind the levee.
+
+"Oh, what a shot!" shouted a voice through the trumpet that led from the
+pilot-house to the main deck. "What a shot--altogether too much
+elevation."
+
+"Who's that, I wonder?" soliloquized Frank. "It _was_ a poor shot,
+but I'd like to see that fellow, whoever he is, do any better."
+
+After giving orders to have the gun reloaded and secured, he ran into
+the wardroom to look after his mail, at the same time inquiring of every
+one he met, "Who was that making fun of my shooting?" But no one knew,
+nor cared to trouble himself about the matter, for the subject of
+conversation was, "We've got a new paymaster."
+
+Frank was pleased to hear this, but was still determined to find the
+person who had laughed at his marksmanship, when he saw a pair of feet
+descending the ladder that led from the cabin to the pilot-house, and a
+moment afterward, a smart looking young officer, dressed in the uniform
+of a paymaster, stood in the wardroom, and upon discovering Frank,
+thrust out his hand and greeted him with--
+
+"What a shot! Been in the service more than two years, and"--
+
+"Why, Archie Winters, is this you?" exclaimed Frank, joyfully.
+
+"_Paymaster_ Winters, if you please" replied Archie, with mock
+dignity.
+
+"How came you here? What are you doing? Got any money?" hurriedly
+inquired Frank.
+
+"Got plenty of funds," replied his cousin. "But I say, Frank, how long
+has this fighting been going on?"
+
+"Every day for the last week."
+
+Archie shrugged his shoulders, and looked blank.
+
+"I guess I had better go back to Cairo," said he; "these rebels, I hear,
+shoot very carelessly. Just before we came alongside here, I was
+standing on the deck of the dispatch-boat, and some fellow cracked away
+at me, sending the bullet altogether too close to my head for comfort."
+
+"Oh, that's nothing, so long as he didn't hit you. You'll get used to
+that before you have been here a week. But, Archie, are you really
+ordered to this vessel?"
+
+Archie at once produced his orders, and, sure enough, he was an acting
+assistant paymaster, and ordered to "report to the commanding officer of
+the U. S. S. Boxer for duty on board that vessel."
+
+During the two years that Archie had been in the fleet-paymaster's
+office he had, by strict attention to his duties, worked his way up from
+"writer" to corresponding clerk. He had had ample opportunity to learn
+the duties of paymaster, and one day he suddenly took it into his head
+to make application for the position. He immediately wrote to his
+father, informing him of his intention, procured his letters of
+recommendation, and a month afterward received the appointment.
+
+Hearing, through Frank, that the Boxer was without a paymaster, he
+succeeded in getting ordered to her, and, as he had not written to his
+cousin of his good fortune, the latter, as may be supposed, was taken
+completely by surprise.
+
+Archie was speedily introduced to the officers of the vessel, who were
+pleased with his off-hand, easy manners, and delighted with the looks of
+a small safe which he had brought with him, for they knew, by the very
+particular orders he gave concerning it, that there was money in it.
+
+At the end of an hour the rebels seemed to grow weary of the fight, for
+they drew off their forces; then, as soon as it was safe on deck, the
+cousins seated themselves on the guard, to "talk over old times." Frank
+gave descriptions of the fights in which he had engaged since they last
+met, and also related stories of mess-room life, with which Archie was
+entirely unacquainted; and to show him how things were conducted, told
+him of the jokes the officers frequently played upon each other.
+
+"Speaking of jokes," said Archie, "reminds me of a little affair I had a
+hand in at Cairo.
+
+"While the commandant of the station was absent on a leave, his place
+was supplied by a gentleman whom, for short, I will call Captain Smith.
+He was a regular officer, had grown gray in the service, and was one of
+the most eccentric men I ever saw. He was extremely nervous, too, and if
+a steamer happened to whistle while passing the wharf-boat, it would
+make him almost wild.
+
+"One day, a man who lived off somewhere in the woods, came down to Cairo
+to get an appointment for his son as master's mate. Our office, you
+know, was just to the right of the door, and, if there was any thing
+that bothered me, it was for some body to stick his head over the
+railing when I was busy, and ask, 'Is the commandant of the station in?'
+There was an orderly on watch day and night, always ready to answer such
+questions, and besides, there was an abundance of notices on the walls
+pointing out the different offices; but in spite of this, every stranger
+that came in must stop and make inquiries of me.
+
+"Well, this man came into the office, and as he had evidently never been
+there before, judging by the way he gaped at every thing, I told him
+that it was after office hours, and that he must call again the next
+morning about nine o'clock. He took a turn or two across the floor
+(by-the-way, he wore squeaking boots, that made a noise like a
+steam-whistle), and finally went out.
+
+"The next evening, just as I was locking up my desk, he came in again,
+and I repeated what I had told him the night before, that he must come
+at nine o'clock in the _morning_--not at night--if he wished to see
+the captain, and he went out, after making noise enough with his
+squeaking boots to set a nervous man's teeth on edge. Now, would you
+believe it, that evening, after I had finished my work, and was starting
+out for supper, I saw this man coming up the stairs. He met me with the
+usual question, 'Is the captain in?' and I suddenly hit upon a plan to
+get rid of him, for I had made up my mind that the man didn't know what
+he was about; so I replied:
+
+"'What do you want? Why don't you come here during our office hours, if
+you want to see me?'
+
+"I spoke in a gruff voice, and I was so bundled up--for the night was
+very cold--that I knew he wouldn't recognize me.
+
+"'I've been busy all day, cap'in,' said he; 'but the fact is'--
+
+"I was afraid that I would be obliged to stand there in the cold and
+listen to a long, uninteresting yarn, so I interrupted him.
+
+"'Speak quick, and don't keep me waiting.'
+
+"'Wal, cap'in,' said he, 'I heerd you are in want of officers, an' I
+come to get a place for my son; I hear the wages are purty good.'
+
+"'Yes,' I replied, 'we do want officers; but does your son know anything
+about a ship?'
+
+"'Oh, yes? He's run the river as deck-hand for goin' nigh on to three
+year.'
+
+"'Then he ought to know something, certainly. Come around tomorrow
+morning, at nine o'clock exactly, and I'll see what can be done for you.
+Now, mind, I say nine o'clock in the morning.'
+
+"Well, the next morning, at the appointed time, to my utter
+astonishment, the man was on hand, and, as usual, commenced walking up
+and down the floor with his squeaking boots. The noise disturbed
+everyone within hearing, and presently the captain, who was in his
+office, and so busy that he hardly knew what he was about, spoke in a
+sharp tone:
+
+"'Orderly, pull off those squeaking boots!'
+
+"'It isn't me, sir.' said the orderly; 'it's a gentleman out here
+waiting to see you, sir.'
+
+"'Then send him in--send him in at once, so that I can get rid of that
+noise.'
+
+"The man was accordingly shown into the presence of the captain, while I
+listened with both ears to hear what was said.
+
+"'Mornin', cap'in,' he began; 'I reckon I'm here on time.'
+
+"'Time! what time? What do you want?' inquired the captain, who always
+spoke very fast, as though he were in a hurry to get through with what
+he had to say. 'What do you want, my good man. Be lively now.'
+
+"'Why, cap'in, I come here to get that appointment for my son in this
+ere navy.'
+
+"'Appointment! For your son!' repeated the captain. 'Who is he? I never
+heard of him.'
+
+"'Wal, really now, cap'in, I'll be shot if you didn't tell me last night
+that you would make my son an officer. The wages are good, I hear, an'
+as I've a debt to pay off on the farm'--
+
+"'Don't bother me!' interrupted the captain, beginning to get impatient.
+
+"'But, cap'in,' urged the man, 'you can't bluff me off this 'ere way.
+You told me last night that you wanted officers; you know I met you on
+the stairs, and you promised, honor bright.'
+
+"'Eh!' ejaculated the captain, in surprise,'my good man, allow me to
+know what I'm about, will you? _Will_ you allow me to know myself?
+Orderly,' he continued, turning to that individual, who had stood by,
+convulsed with laughter, which he was vainly endeavoring to conceal,
+'orderly, do you think this man is in his right mind?'
+
+"The orderly said he didn't know; but, taking the man by the arm, showed
+him out of the office, telling him to come again, when the captain was
+not quite so busy.
+
+"The conversation had been carried on in a loud tone, and all the
+occupants of the different offices had heard it, and were highly amused,
+for they knew that somebody had been playing a joke on the countryman;
+but it was a long time before I told anyone of the share I had had in
+the affair."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+A Night Expedition.
+
+
+"The captain wishes to see you, gentlemen!" said the orderly, stepping
+up and saluting.
+
+The cousins repaired to the cabin, and after Archie had been introduced
+to the captain (for being utterly ignorant of the manner in which things
+were conducted on shipboard, he had not yet reported his arrival), his
+orders were indorsed, and the captain, turning to his desk, ran his eye
+hastily over an official document, and said:
+
+"Mr. Nelson, I have received instructions from the admiral to make you
+the executive officer of this vessel. Mr. Kearney's resignation has been
+accepted, and you will take his place. I am certain, from what I know
+and have heard of your past history, that I shall have no cause to
+regret the change."
+
+After a few moments' conversation with the captain upon unimportant
+matters, the cousins returned to the wardroom.
+
+Frank's constant attention to his duties had again been rewarded, and he
+was now the second in authority on board the vessel. All orders from the
+captain must pass through him, and in the absence of that gentleman he
+became commander. To say that Frank was delighted would but feebly
+express his feelings; he was proud of the honor, and determined that he
+would prove himself worthy of it. In fact, he had now reached the height
+of his ambition, although he had little dreamed that it would come so
+soon. He asked nothing more. He had worked hard and faithfully ever
+since he had entered the service, but in receiving the appointment of
+executive officer he felt amply rewarded.
+
+He was young in years for so responsible a position, but he had no fears
+of his ability to perform all the duties required of him, for the
+routine of ship life had become as familiar to him as was the road from
+Lawrence to his quiet little home on the banks of Glen's Creek. But his
+promotion did not affect him as it does a great many who suddenly find
+themselves possessed of power. He did not "stand upon his rank," nor in
+his intercourse with his messmates endeavor to keep constantly before
+their minds the fact that he was the second in command. Those who have
+been in the service--especially in the navy--will recall to mind
+incidents of this character; but our hero never forgot the respect he
+owed to his superiors, and his conduct toward those under him was marked
+by the same kindness he had always shown them.
+
+Frank knew that he had something of a task before him. Although he could
+now turn into his bunk at night without being called upon to stand his
+regular watch, he had more difficult duties to perform. He was
+responsible for the manner in which affairs were conducted about decks,
+for the neat appearance of the vessel and of the men; and as the former
+executive officer had been rather careless in this respect, Frank knew
+that his first move must be made in that direction.
+
+For the next two days, as the rebels did not trouble them, Frank worked
+early and late, and the results of his labor were soon made apparent.
+Every one remarked the improved appearance of the men, who, at the
+Sunday morning muster, appeared on deck in spotless uniforms and
+well-blacked shoes. After the roll had been called, and the captain, in
+company with Frank, proceeded to inspect the vessel, the young officer
+knew that his improvements had been appreciated when the former, who was
+an old sailor, said, with a smile of satisfaction:
+
+"Mr. Nelson, this begins to look something like a ship, sir. This really
+looks like business. The admiral may come here now and inspect the
+vessel as soon as he pleases."
+
+The next morning, as Frank sat at the table in the wardroom, engaged in
+answering the letters he had received by the dispatch-boat, and Archie
+was in his office straightening out his books and papers, a bullet came
+suddenly crashing through the cabin--a signal that the rebels had again
+made their appearance. Frank, who had become accustomed to such
+interruptions, deliberately wiped his pen, corked his ink-stand, and was
+carefully putting away his letters, when there was a hurrying of feet in
+the office; the door flew open, and Archie, divested of his coat,
+bounded into the cabin, exclaiming:
+
+"A fellow can't tell when he's safe in this country. I wish I was back
+in the fleet-paymaster's office. I wouldn't mind a good fair fight, but
+this thing of being shot at when you least expect it isn't pleasant."
+
+As Archie spoke, he hurriedly seized a gun from the rack, which had been
+put up in the cabin in order to have weapons close at hand, and sprang
+up the ladder that led into the pilothouse. Frank, although he laughed
+heartily at his cousin's rapid movements, was a good deal surprised, for
+he had always believed him to be possessed of a good share of courage.
+It would, however, have tried stronger nerves than Archie's; but men who
+had become familiar with such scenes, who had learned to regard them
+merely as something disagreeable which could not be avoided, could not
+sympathize with one in his situation, and many a wink was exchanged, and
+many a laugh indulged in, at the expense of the "green paymaster."
+
+When Frank had put away his writing materials, he ran below to see that
+the ports were all closed; after which he returned to the wardroom, and,
+securing a rifle, went into the pilot-house, where he found Archie
+engaged in reloading his gun, while the officers were complimenting him
+on a fine shot he had just made.
+
+"Mr. Nelson," exclaimed the doctor, as Frank made his appearance, "I
+guess your white horseman is done for now. The paymaster lifted him out
+of his saddle as clean as a whistle."
+
+Frank looked out at one of the ports, and, sure enough, there was the
+white horse running riderless about, and his wounded master was being
+carried behind the levee. The officers continued to fire as often as a
+rebel showed himself, but the latter seemed to have lost all desire for
+fighting, for they retreated to the plantation-house which stood back
+from the river, out of range of the rifles, where they gathered in a
+body as if in consultation, now and then setting up defiant yells, which
+came faintly to the ears of those in the pilot-house.
+
+"They are saucy enough now that they are out of harm's way," said
+Archie, turning to his cousin. But the latter made no reply. He stood
+leaning on his rifle, gazing at the guerrillas, as if busily engaged
+with his own thoughts, and finally left the pilot-house and sought an
+interview with the captain.
+
+"I have been thinking, sir," said he, as he entered the cabin and took
+the chair offered him, "that if that house out there had been burned
+long ago, we should not have had ten men killed by those guerrillas.
+They seem to use that building as their head-quarters, and if it could
+be destroyed they would cease to trouble us."
+
+"That's my opinion," replied the captain. "But who is to undertake the
+job? Who's to go out there, in the face of three or four hundred rebels,
+and do it? _I_ can't, with a crew of only fifty men."
+
+"I didn't suppose it could be done openly, sir; but couldn't it be
+accomplished by stratagem in the night, for instance?"
+
+The captain shook his head; but Frank, who was not yet discouraged,
+continued:
+
+"I have not made this proposition, captain, without thinking it all
+over--without taking into consideration all the chances for and against
+it--and I still think it could be accomplished."
+
+"Well, how would you go to work?" asked the captain, settling back in
+his chair with the air of a man who had made his decision, from which he
+was not to be turned.
+
+Frank then proceeded to recount the plans he had laid for the
+accomplishment of his object, to which the captain listened attentively,
+and when Frank had ceased, he rose to his feet and paced the cabin. He
+knew that the young officer had before engaged in expeditions similar to
+the one he now proposed, when, in carrying out his designs, he had
+exhibited the skill and judgment of a veteran. In the present instance,
+his plans were so well laid, that there appeared to be but little chance
+for failure. After a few moments' consideration, the captain again
+seated himself, and said:
+
+"Well, Mr. Nelson, it shall be as you propose. If you succeed, I am
+certain that this guerrilla station will be broken up; if you fail, it
+will only be what many a good officer has done before you."
+
+"I assure you, sir, I shall leave no plan untried to insure my success,"
+replied Frank, as he left the cabin.
+
+"What's the matter now?" inquired Archie, as his cousin entered the
+wardroom. "Been getting a blowing up already?"
+
+"Oh, no!" replied Frank. "Come in here, and I'll tell you all about it;"
+and he drew Archie into the office, where he proceeded to tell him all
+that had been determined upon. When he had finished, the latter
+exclaimed:
+
+"I want to go with you. Will you take me?"
+
+Frank thought of Archie's behavior but a few moments before, and
+wondered what use he could posssibly be in an expedition like the one
+proposed.
+
+"If you do go," he answered, at length, "you'll be sorry for it. It
+requires those who are accustomed to such business; and you have never
+been in an action in your life. The undertaking is dangerous."
+
+"I don't care if it is," answered Archie. "That's just the reason why I
+want to go--to be with you; and I warrant you I'll stick to you as long
+as any body."
+
+"Besides," began Frank, "if any thing should happen to you"--
+
+"I'm just as likely to get back as you are," replied Archie, excitedly,
+"and I want to go."
+
+After considerable urging, Frank finally asked and obtained permission
+for Archie to accompany the expedition, at which the latter was
+overjoyed. He was very far from realizing the danger there was in the
+undertaking, and had as little idea of what would be required of him as
+he had of the moon.
+
+The cousins passed the afternoon in the pilothouse, watching the
+movements of the guerrillas through spy-glasses, studying the "lay of
+the land," the directions in which the different roads ran--in short,
+nothing was omitted which they thought might be useful for them to know.
+Just before night a storm set in; the wind blew, and the rain fell in
+torrents; and, although Frank regarded it as something in their favor,
+under any other circumstances he would have preferred tumbling into bed
+to venturing out in it. The hammocks were not piped as usual, but all
+hands were to remain on deck during the night, to be ready to lend
+assistance in case it was required. At ten o'clock the cutter lay
+alongside the vessel, the crew were in their places, and Frank and his
+cousin, surrounded by the officers who had assembled to see them off,
+stood on the guards ready to start.
+
+"Paymaster," said Frank, turning to his cousin, "hadn't you better
+remain on board?" (He addressed him as paymaster, for, of course, it
+would have been contrary to naval rules to call him by his given name in
+the presence of the captain.)
+
+"No, sir," answered Archie, quickly buttoning up his pea-jacket with a
+resolute air. "Do you suppose I'm going to back out now? If you do, you
+are mistaken. I'm not afraid of a little rain."
+
+Frank made no reply, but, after shaking hands with the captain and
+officers, followed his cousin into the cutter, which floated off into
+the darkness amid the whispered wishes for "good luck" from all the
+ship's company who had witnessed its departure. Frank took the helm, and
+turned the boat down the river. Not an oar was used, for the young
+officer did not know but the rebels had posted sentries along the bank,
+whom the least splashing in the water would alarm. Archie sat beside his
+cousin, with his collar pulled up over his ears, and his hands thrust
+into the pockets of his pea-jacket, heartily wishing that Frank had
+chosen a pleasanter night for their expedition. For half an hour they
+floated along with the current in silence, until Frank, satisfied that
+he had gone far enough down the river to get below the sentries, if any
+were posted on the bank, gave the order to use the oars, and turned the
+cutter's head toward the shore, which they reached in a few moments.
+
+The crew quietly disembarked, and as the sailors gathered about him,
+Frank said,
+
+"Now, men, I'm going to leave you here until the paymaster and myself
+can go up to the house, and accomplish what we have come for. Tom," he
+added, turning to the coxswain of the cutter, "you will have charge of
+the boat, and remember you are in no case to leave her. We may be
+discovered, and get into a fight. If we do, and are cut off from the
+river and unable to get back, I'll whistle, and you will at once answer
+me, so that I may know that you hear me, and pull off to the vessel.
+We'll take care of ourselves. Do you understand?"
+
+The crew of the cutter were old sailors--men who had followed the sea
+through storm and sunshine all their lives. They had been in more than
+one action, too, during the rebellion, and had gladly volunteered for
+the expedition, supposing that they were to accompany Frank wherever he
+went. During the short time the latter had been on board the Boxer, they
+had become very much attached to him. Although he was a very strict
+officer, and always expected every man to do his duty promptly, he
+always treated them with the greatest kindness, and never spoke harshly
+to them. This was so different from the treatment they had usually
+received at the hands of their officers, that it won their hearts; and,
+although they admired his courage, they would have felt much better
+pleased had they received orders to accompany him.
+
+"Don't you understand, Tom?" again asked Frank, seeing that the coxswain
+hesitated.
+
+"Oh, yes, sir," replied the sailor, touching his hat; "I understand,
+sir. But, Mr. Nelson, may I be so bold as to ask one question--one
+favor, I may say?"
+
+"Certainly; speak it out," answered Frank, who little imagined what
+thoughts were passing through the minds of his men. "What is it? Do you
+wish to go back to the ship, and leave us here alone?"
+
+"No, sir," answered all the men in a breath.
+
+"Mr. Nelson," said the coxswain, "I never yet refused duty because there
+was danger in it, and I'm too old a man to begin now. You have here,
+sir, twelve as good men as ever trod a ship's deck, and you know, sir,
+that when you passed the word for volunteers for this expedition, you
+didn't have to call twice. But we all thought that we should go with you
+to the end; and, to tell the truth, sir, we don't like the idea of you
+and the paymaster going off alone among them rebels. You are sure to get
+into trouble, and we want to go with you."
+
+On more than one occasion had Frank been made aware of the affection his
+men cherished for him, and he felt as proud of it as he did of the
+uniform he wore; but he had never been more affected than he was on the
+present occasion.
+
+"Men," he answered, in a voice that was none of the steadiest, "I assure
+you I appreciate the interest you take in my welfare, and were I going
+to fight, I should certainly take you with me; but sometimes two can
+accomplish more than a dozen. Besides, I promised the captain that I
+would leave you here, and I must do so. Now, remember and pull off to
+the vessel if you hear me whistle."
+
+"Yes, sir," replied the coxswain; "but it'll be the first time I ever
+deserted an officer in trouble."
+
+The sailors were evidently far from being pleased with this arrangement,
+but they were allowed no opportunity to oppose it, even had they felt
+inclined to do so, for Frank and his cousin speedily disappeared in the
+darkness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+Archie in a Predicament.
+
+
+As soon as the young officers had reached the top of the bank, they
+paused to take their bearings, and to select some landmark that would
+enable them to easily find the boat again. Away off in the darkness they
+saw the twinkling of a light, which they knew was in the house which the
+guerrillas were using as their head-quarters.
+
+"Now, Archie," said Frank, "take a good look at this big tree here"
+(pointing to the object in question) "so that you will know it again.
+The boat lies in the river exactly in a line with that tree. Now, if you
+should be separated from me and discovered, make straight for the
+cutter. But if you are cut off from it, run up the river until you get a
+little above where the vessel lies, and then jump in and swim out to
+her. Do you understand?"
+
+"Yes," replied Archie.
+
+"Be careful of your weapons," continued his cousin, "and keep them dry
+and ready for instant use. Don't be captured--whatever you do, don't be
+captured!"
+
+"I'll look out for that," answered Archie "But, Frank," he continued,
+"why did you tell the men to pull back to the vessel if we should be cut
+off from the river? I should think that would be just the time you would
+want them to remain."
+
+"Why," replied Frank, "the very first thing the rebels would think of,
+if we were discovered, would be to capture our boat, and while part of
+them were after us, the others would run to the river and gobble up
+boat, crew, and all. Then they would know that we were still on shore,
+and would scour the country to find us. But if the boat goes off to the
+vessel, the rebels will be more than half inclined to believe that we
+have gone off too, and, consequently, will not take the pains to hunt us
+which they would do if they _knew_ we were still on shore. But let
+us be moving; we've no time to waste."
+
+Frank started toward the house, carefully picking his way over the wet,
+slippery ground, now and then pausing to listen, and to reconnoiter as
+well as the darkness would permit, and finally stopped scarcely a
+stone's throw from the building. Not a guerrilla had they seen. Not
+dreaming that the "yankee gun-boatmen" would have the audacity to attack
+them when they knew the rebels were so far superior in numbers, the
+latter had neglected to post sentries, and Frank was satisfied that
+their approach had not been discovered.
+
+"Now, Archie," said he, as they drew up behind a tree for concealment,
+"you stay here, and I'll see if I can set fire to that house."
+
+"There are people in it," said his cousin; "I just saw a man pass by
+that window where the light is."
+
+"Then they must look out for themselves," answered Frank. "That's what
+we have to do when they shoot into our cabin. Now, you stay here, and if
+you hear any shooting, run for the boat."
+
+"What will _you_ do?" asked Archie.
+
+"Oh, I'll take care of myself. Good-bye."
+
+As Frank spoke he moved silently toward the house, and was soon out of
+sight.
+
+"Now," soliloquized Archie, "I am to stay here, am I? That's what I was
+ordered to do, but I don't know whether I'll obey or not. It is evident
+Frank left me here to keep me out of harm's way. Perhaps he thinks that
+because I have never smelt powder, I am a coward; but I'll show him that
+I am not."
+
+So saying, Archie stepped out from behind his tree, and walked slowly
+toward the house. When he arrived opposite the window from which the
+light shone, he stopped and looked in. He did not, however, go up close
+to the window, or he certainly would have been seen; but he remained
+standing at a respectful distance, so that he would have some chance for
+escape, in case he should be discovered.
+
+The sight that met his gaze would have been sufficient to deter most men
+from attempting to burn the house. The room was filled with men, some of
+whom were lying on the floor on their blankets, others sitting around
+the table, and one or two were walking about the apartment. In the
+corner stood their arms, ready to be seized at a moment's warning. And
+this was but one of the rooms; perhaps the whole house was filled with
+guerrillas.
+
+"My eye!" said Archie to himself, "what a hornet's nest would be raised
+about our ears, if we should be discovered."
+
+His heart beat faster than usual, as he moved back from the window, and
+walked silently around to the other side of the house. Here also was a
+window, from which a light shone, and as, like the other, it was
+destitute of a curtain, every thing that went on within could be plainly
+seen by Archie, who took his station behind some bushes that stood at a
+little distance from the house. The room had three occupants, whom
+Archie at once set down as officers. One of them carried his arm in a
+sling. He was a tall, powerful-looking man, and Archie recognized in him
+the daring rider of the white horse--the chief of the guerrillas.
+
+"I wonder what the old chap would say if he knew I was about," thought
+Archie--"I, who gave him that wound. I'd be booked for Shreveport,
+certain."
+
+He was interrupted in his meditations by the movements of the officers,
+who arose and approached the door, bringing their chairs with them. The
+storm had ceased, and as there was no longer any necessity of remaining
+in the house, the rebels were, no doubt, moving to cooler quarters.
+Archie at once thought of retreating; but the thought had scarcely
+passed through his mind, when the door opened, the rebels walked out on
+the portico, and seating themselves in their chairs, deposited their
+feet on the railing; while the young officer stretched himself out
+behind the bush, heartily wishing that he could sink into the ground out
+of sight.
+
+"A very warm evening, colonel," said one of the rebels, fanning himself
+with his hat.
+
+"Very," answered the guerrilla chief, gently moving his wounded arm,
+little dreaming that the one who gave him that wound was at that very
+moment lying behind the bushes into which he had just thrown the stump
+of his cigar. "It's very warm. I wish I had that rascally Yank that shot
+me," he added, "this wound is very painful."
+
+Archie upon hearing this was almost afraid that the beating of his
+heart, which thumped against his ribs with a noise that frightened him,
+would certainly reveal to the rebels the fact that the "rascally Yank"
+was then in their immediate vicinity.
+
+"But, if our plans work," continued the colonel, "in less than a week
+from this time they will all be on the way to Shreveport."
+
+"May I ask, colonel," said the one who had not yet spoken, "how soon
+those boats will be ready?"
+
+"Major Jackson reports that they will be finished by to-morrow night,
+and it will take all of one day to run them down the creek to the
+river."
+
+"Then by Thursday evening," said the one who had first spoken, "we may
+be ready to make the attempt."
+
+"Yes, if the night is favorable."
+
+"But, colonel, all these gun-boats are supplied with hot water, and
+that, you know, is the worst kind of an enemy to fight. Men will run
+from that who wouldn't flinch before cold steel."
+
+"Oh, we must take the Yanks by surprise, of course. The boats will hold
+fifty men each, and we must drop down the river so that we will land one
+on each side of the vessel. If the night is dark--and we shall not make
+the attempt unless it is--we can get within pistol-shot of her before we
+are discovered, and by the time their men get fairly out of bed she's
+ours. Hark! what noise was that?"
+
+The rebels listened for a moment, and one of them replied:
+
+"I didn't hear any thing."
+
+"Well, _I_ did," returned the colonel, "and it sounded very much
+like some one shouting for help. I'm certain I heard it."
+
+Archie, who lay in his concealment, trembling like a leaf, was also
+confident that _he_ had heard something that sounded like a call
+for assistance. What if it was Frank in danger, and shouting to the
+cutter's crew for help? The thought to Archie was a terrible one, and he
+forgot the dangers of his own situation, and thought only of his cousin.
+But if Frank was in trouble, why did he not give the signal to the
+cutter's crew? Archie waited and listened for it, but did not hear it
+given.
+
+While these thoughts were passing through his mind, the rebels sat on
+the portico listening, and at length the colonel said:
+
+"I know I hear something now, but it is the tramping of a horse. I
+suppose it is Tibbs, coming with the mail."
+
+The colonel's surmise proved to be correct, for in a few moments a man
+rode up, and dismounting so close to Archie that the latter could have
+touched him, tied his horse to the very bush which formed his
+concealment; then, throwing a pair of well-filled saddle-bags across his
+shoulder, he ran up the steps, saying:
+
+"Good evening, gentlemen. What! colonel, are you wounded?" he added, on
+seeing the rebel's bandaged arm.
+
+"Yes; this makes four times I have been shot while in the service. But
+how is the mail?"
+
+"Rather heavy," answered the man. "If you have any letters to go, you
+will have to furnish another bag--these are full."
+
+"All right," said the colonel; then raising his voice, he called out,
+"Bob! Bob! Where is that black rascal?"
+
+"Heyar, sar," answered a voice, and presently a negro came around the
+corner of the house, and removing his tattered hat, stood waiting for
+orders.
+
+"Bob," said the colonel, "tell Stiles that the mail is all ready to go
+across the river."
+
+_Stiles!_ How Frank would have started could he have heard that
+name! He would have known then, had he not before been aware of the
+fact, that he was again among _Colonel Harrison's Louisiana
+Wild-cats_.
+
+The negro, in obedience to his orders, disappeared, but soon returned,
+with the intelligence that Stiles was not to be found.
+
+"Not to be found," echoed the colonel; "that's twice he has failed me.
+But this mail must not be delayed. Tell Damon I want to see him."
+
+The negro again disappeared, and in a few moments came back with a
+soldier, to whom the colonel said:
+
+"Damon, here's a mail that must go across the river to-night. Can you
+pull an oar?"
+
+"Yas," replied the man.
+
+"Then get some one to go with you, and start at once. The skiff, you
+know, is in the creek, just above where that Yankee gun-boat lies."
+
+"Yas," answered the man again, as he took the mail-bags which the
+colonel handed him.
+
+"This one," continued the rebel, pointing to a small canvas bag which
+one of his officers had just brought out of the house--"this one
+contains my mail--all official documents, to go to Richmond. Be careful
+of it. Don't let the Yankees get hold of you."
+
+"No," replied the soldier, as he shouldered the mail and disappeared.
+
+The conversation that followed, of which Archie heard every word, served
+to convince him that, although the rebels kept up a bold front, and
+appeared sanguine of success in their attempts to destroy the
+Government, yet among themselves they acknowledged their cause to be
+utterly hopeless unless some bold stroke could be made to "dishearten
+the Yankees."
+
+In spite of Archie's dangerous situation, which had tried his nerves
+severely, he listened to every word that was uttered, and even became
+interested in what the rebels were saying. Now and then he was called to
+a sense of his situation by the movements of the horse, which, being
+restive, came very near stepping on him as he pranced about.
+
+Damon had been gone about half an hour, and the colonel had just
+commenced explaining to the man who had brought the mail the manner in
+which the capture of the Boxer was to be effected, when suddenly the
+report of a pistol startled every one on the portico. A moment afterward
+came another, which was followed by a yell of agony.
+
+"What's that?" exclaimed the colonel, springing from his chair in alarm.
+"Are we attacked? Get out there, every mother's son of you!" he
+continued, as the men, having been aroused by the noise, came pouring
+out of the rooms in which they were quartered. "Every man able to draw a
+saber get out there! Run for the river! That's where the reports
+sounded, and if there are any boats there capture them. That will keep
+the Yankees on shore, and we can hunt them up at our leisure!"
+
+The men ran out of the house and started for the river at the top of
+their speed, at the same time yelling with all the strength of their
+lungs, while the colonel and his officers ran into their room, and
+hastily seizing such weapons as came first to their hands, followed
+after. To describe Archie's feelings, as he lay there behind that bush
+and listened to the sounds of pursuit, were impossible. The noise the
+rebels made seemed to bewilder him completely, for he lay on the ground
+several moments, it seemed to him, without the power to move hand or
+foot.
+
+Suddenly the thought struck him that now was the time to accomplish the
+object of the expedition. The house was deserted, and the yells, which
+grew fainter and fainter, told him that the rebels were getting further
+away. Yes, it was now or never. In an instant, Archie's courage and
+power of action returned. Springing to his feet, he ran to the end of
+the portico, on which were piled several bales of hay and bundles of
+fodder, which the rebels no doubt intended for their horses. But Archie
+determined that they should be put to a different use, for he quickly
+drew from his pocket two large bottles filled with coal oil, which he
+threw over the hay. He then applied a match, and in an instant it was in
+a blaze. He waited a moment to see it fairly started, and then sprang
+off the portico. As he passed the door, he heard an ejaculation of
+surprise, followed by the report of a pistol, and the noise of a bullet
+as it whizzed past his head. It frightened him, and at the same time
+acted upon him as the crack of a whip does upon a spirited horse; for
+when the rebel who fired the shot had reached the portico, Archie had
+disappeared in the darkness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+A Mark for the Union.
+
+
+Let us now return to Frank, whom we left setting out for the house,
+after having given Archie emphatic instructions to remain behind the
+tree until his return. He did not feel at all at his ease after he had
+left his cousin, for he might have stationed him in the most dangerous
+place that could have been found; and what if Archie should be
+discovered and captured? He was well enough acquainted with his cousin's
+disposition to know that he would not surrender without a fight; but
+what could he do when opposed by a regiment of veteran rebels? Frank
+thought not of his own peril, for that was something he had fully
+expected to encounter before he started. This was not the first time he
+had voluntarily placed himself in danger; but with Archie the case was
+different; and Frank was several times on the point of returning to his
+cousin and making use of his authority, as commander of the expedition,
+to send him back to the boat. By the time these thoughts had passed
+through his mind, he had reached a log-cabin which stood at a little
+distance from the house; and as he halted behind it, to shelter himself
+from the storm, still debating upon the course he ought to pursue in
+regard to Archie, some one inside the cabin commenced singing--
+
+  "I'll lay ten dollars down
+  And chuck 'em up one by one!"
+
+
+
+If there was any more of the song, the rebel evidently did not know it,
+for he kept singing these two lines over and over, now and then varying
+the monotony of the performance by whistling. Frank stood for some
+moments listening to him, and finally began moving cautiously around the
+cabin, to find some opening through which he could look and see what was
+going on inside. He presently discovered a hole between the logs, and,
+upon looking in, saw a man seated on the floor before a fire-place, in
+which burned some pine knots, engaged in whittling out an oar with his
+bowie-knife. On the floor near him lay one evidently just finished. At
+the opposite side of the room stood a bag, from the mouth of which
+peeped several letters.
+
+A thought struck Frank--which would be of the most benefit, to burn the
+house or to capture the mail, which might contain information of the
+greatest importance? Undoubtedly the latter would be of the most
+consequence. Then he debated long and earnestly upon the chances of
+escaping with the mail, should he attempt its capture. The man who had
+charge of it was a most powerful-looking fellow, who knowing the
+importance of his trust, and the certainty of receiving prompt and
+effective assistance from his comrades, would, no doubt, fight most
+desperately, unless he could be taken at disadvantage and secured before
+he had time to think of resistance. Besides, the cabin was scarcely
+fifty feet distant from the house, which Frank knew was filled with men,
+for he could hear them walking about the rooms and talking to each
+other. The least unusual noise would certainly alarm them, in which case
+escape would be entirely out of the question Frank, we say, thought over
+all these things, and finally coming to the conclusion that it would be
+worse than useless to attempt the capture of the mail, turned his
+attention to the house. How was he to set fire to it?
+
+Frank, we know, was not wanting in courage, but he had learned, by
+experience, that there are times when "discretion is the better part of
+valor." When he proposed the expedition, he had not expected to find the
+entire regiment quartered in the house. He had supposed that the men
+would find sleeping-rooms in the negro quarters, which were nearly a
+half mile back, while the house would be reserved for the officers. But
+the rebels surely would not remain up all night, and when they had all
+gone to bed would be the time to execute his purpose. He would not
+abandon his project until he had given it a trial, or fully satisfied
+himself that the undertaking was utterly impracticable. For the present,
+he would remain where he was; something might "turn up" which would be
+to his advantage.
+
+At this moment a man entered the cabin, the door of which stood open,
+and inquired:
+
+"Going over to-night, Stiles?"
+
+Frank was thunderstruck, and he now saw the necessity of attempting
+nothing unless it promised complete success. As the reader has already
+learned, he was among his old enemies, the Wildcats. Upon making this
+discovery he was both astonished and alarmed--astonished, for it seemed
+to him that he could scarcely make a move in any direction without being
+confronted by the redoubtable Wild-cats. This was the second time he had
+found himself among them before he was aware of it. He was alarmed,
+because he knew, by experience, the treatment he would receive if he
+should fall into their hands without the prospect of an immediate
+exchange.
+
+But his attention was again drawn to the men in the cabin.
+
+"Yes," replied Stiles, in answer to his companion's question, "I'm going
+over to-night--allers makin' due 'lowance for bein' ketched by the
+Yanks."
+
+"Here's some mail, then," continued the man, thrusting several letters
+into the bag. "How soon do you start?"
+
+"Jest as soon as Tibbs comes with the up-country mail, an' I get the
+kernel's letters. Was you takin' a chaw of tobaker, Bob?"
+
+"No, I wasn't," replied the other, quickly thrusting his hand into his
+pocket, as if to protect the precious article. "Tobacco is scarce."
+
+"Now, Bob," said Stiles, "I know you've got some. Me an' you's allers
+been good friends."
+
+The rebel could not withstand this appeal, although he produced his
+"plug" very reluctantly, and as he handed it to his companion, said:
+
+"Stiles, you're a dead beat. Go easy on that, now, if you please,
+because it's all there is in the regiment."
+
+The rebel cut off a huge piece of the weed, and, thrusting it into his
+cheek, went on with his work, while Bob returned to his quarters. He had
+scarcely quitted the cabin before Frank had all his plans laid. He would
+go back after Archie, and together they would lie in wait on the bank of
+the river, and, if possible, capture that mail. With this determination,
+he was moving slowly away from the cabin, when a door, which he had not
+before noticed, suddenly opened, and Stiles came out, and turning the
+corner, stood face to face with Frank, and scarcely an arm's length from
+him. With the latter, retreat without discovery was, of course,
+impossible. There was but one course he could pursue, and that presented
+but a small chance for success. He was, however, allowed no time for
+deliberation, for the rebel, quickly recovering from his surprise,
+turned to run; but with one bound Frank overtook him, and throwing him
+to the ground, caught him by the throat, stifling a cry for help that
+arose to his lips. This it was that had alarmed the colonel and Archie;
+and had the former investigated the matter, Frank would again have been
+a prisoner in the hands of the Wild-cats.
+
+Stiles struggled desperately to free himself from the strong grasp that
+held him, until Frank pulled one of his revolvers from the pocket of his
+pea-jacket and presented it at his head.
+
+"Do you surrender?" he asked, releasing his hold of the rebel's throat.
+
+"Yes," replied Stiles, faintly. "Don't shoot, Yank!"
+
+"You shall not be harmed if you behave yourself. Have you any weapons?"
+
+"No! They are all in the shanty!"
+
+Frank, after searching the rebel's pockets and satisfying himself of the
+truth of this statement, continued:
+
+"Get up! Now, I know you have friends all around you, but if you have
+the least desire to live, you'll not make any noise; although you may
+alarm the camp, it will not save you. Do you understand?"
+
+"Have I got a pair of ears?" asked the rebel.
+
+"Well, if you have, you hear what I say," returned Frank. "Now go this
+way," he added, pointing toward the river.
+
+The rebel, who had a wholesome fear of the revolver which Frank held in
+his hand, ready cocked, obeyed, without the slightest hesitation, and
+they reached the bank of the river, where the cutter lay, without being
+discovered.
+
+"Now," said Frank, "I want to ask you a few questions. Where do you keep
+the boat in which you were going to carry that mail?"
+
+"In the creek, jest above where that ar' gunboat lies, replied Stiles."
+
+"How many of you were to go?"
+
+"Two--me an' another feller."
+
+"Well, now, the colonel won't find you when he wants you. What will he
+do?"
+
+"Oh, he'll send some body else. The mail must go, an' it makes no odds
+who takes it, so long as he don't get ketched."
+
+"That's all I want to know," said Frank. Then, going to the top of the
+bank, he called out:
+
+"Tom, come up here!"
+
+The coxswain soon made his appearance, and Frank said:
+
+"Now, Stiles, you're a prisoner."
+
+"Dog gone ef I keer," he replied, "so long as I get plenty of grub an'
+tobaker."
+
+The rebel was marched down the bank, and Frank again bent his steps
+toward the house, intending to find his cousin, and, with his
+assistance, to capture the mail. When he arrived at the tree where he
+had left Archie, the latter was not to be seen. This, however, did not
+give him any uneasiness, for Archie, he thought, had doubtless gone back
+to the cutter. Frank had already made up his mind to go back after him,
+when he saw a man walk up to the cabin in which he had first discovered
+the man who was now his prisoner, and heard him call out:
+
+"Massa Stiles! de mail all ready, sar!"
+
+Receiving no answer, the negro walked into the cabin, but finding it
+vacant, went out to make the report to the colonel that Stiles was not
+to be found. From this Frank knew that he had no time to lose. Stiles
+had told him that some one else would be sent with the mail, and as it
+was all ready, a man would soon be found to take his place. If he went
+back after Archie, he might be too late. He must attempt it alone, and
+unaided. Walking out from behind the tree, he started toward the creek,
+where lay the boat in which the mail was to be carried.
+
+The creek he found without difficulty; but the boat was evidently hidden
+away, for he searched up and down the bank for it without success. If he
+found it, it was his intention to cut it loose, and allow it to drift
+out into the river, thus depriving the rebels of the means of carrying
+their mail. But failing in this, he ran up the bank, and awaited the
+coming of the rebels. It was a hazardous undertaking to attempt the
+capture of two men, both of whom were, no doubt, well armed; but Frank
+had great confidence in the _looks_ of his revolvers, and hoped to
+accomplish his object without alarming the rebels in the house.
+
+He had waited perhaps a quarter of an hour, when he heard footsteps
+approaching, and presently he discovered the two men for whom he had
+been watching. One carried the mail-bags, and the other a pair of oars,
+the same, no doubt, which Stiles had but a short time before completed.
+Frank waited until they were almost upon him, and then sprang up with a
+revolver in each hand, which he pointed straight at the heads of the
+men, exclaiming:
+
+"You're my prisoners. Don't make any resistance."
+
+The rebels were astonished, and the man who carried the mail-bags threw
+them down and held his arms above his head, in token of surrender. But
+the other, after regarding the officer for a moment, as if to make sure
+that it was a human being with whom he had to deal, dropped his oars,
+and before his captor was aware of his intention, drew a pistol and
+fired. Frank felt a sharp pain in his left shoulder, and the revolver
+which he held in that hand fell from his grasp. He had received his
+first wound, but although thoroughly frightened, he did not lose his
+presence of mind. If he had, he would soon have been recalled to a sense
+of his dangerous situation, for the rebel again cocked his revolver; but
+this time Frank fired first, and the rebel sank to the ground with a
+loud yell. In an instant Frank turned upon the other; but he appeared to
+be too much under the influence of fear to lend his comrade any
+assistance.
+
+All thought of concealment was now out of the question. The rebels in
+the house had, of course, been alarmed, and Frank's only chance for
+escape with his prisoner and the mail was to reach the cutter as soon as
+possible, and pull off to the vessel. Hastily relieving the prisoner of
+his weapons, he directed him to pick up the mail and follow the course
+he pointed out.
+
+The prisoner did as he was ordered; but they had not gone far when a
+loud yelling announced that the rebels in the house had been alarmed,
+and were in pursuit. Frank kept close behind his prisoner, who, through
+fear of the revolver, ran at a rapid rate, but they had further to run
+to reach the cutter than the guerrillas, and the latter gained rapidly.
+The prisoner, who was not long in discovering this, slackened his pace
+considerably, although he appeared to be doing his utmost. Frank,
+however, was not deceived. Thrusting his revolver into his pocket, he
+seized the rebel by the nape of the neck, and helped him over the ground
+in a manner more rapid than agreeable. Had the man been aware of the
+fact that his captor had but one arm that he could use, he might not
+have submitted so quietly as he did. Frank, whose whole mind was wrapped
+up in the idea of saving his prisoner and the mail, did not stop to
+think of this, but pushed his man ahead to such good advantage that they
+succeeded in reaching the cutter before their pursuers. He marched the
+rebel down the bank in the most lively manner, and tumbled him into the
+boat, where he was instantly seized and secured.
+
+The sailors, who had heard the noise of the pursuit, and waited
+impatiently for the appearance of their officer, were all in their
+places, and as Frank sprang in, he shouted:
+
+"Shove off--lively now, lads!"
+
+The cutter was speedily pushed from the shore, and the oars got out and
+handled by twelve strong fellows, all good oarsmen.
+
+"Let fall--give away together," again commanded Frank, who, in spite of
+the pain of his wound, began to chuckle over his good luck in securing
+the mail. "The rebs will give us a volley," he continued, "unless we get
+out of sight in the darkness before they reach the bank. So, pick her
+up, lads, and walk right away with her."
+
+The sailors, understanding the order, and rejoicing in the escape of
+their young officer, whose safety and well-being they regarded as
+infinitely of more importance than their own, gave way manfully on the
+muffled oars, which made no sound as they bent beneath the sturdy
+strokes, and the cutter flew noiselessly through the water, The rebels
+reached the bank but a few moments after the cutter had left, but
+neither seeing nor hearing any thing of her, they contented themselves
+with uttering their yells, and firing a volley into the darkness in the
+direction they supposed the boat had gone.
+
+But their attention was soon called to another quarter, for a bright
+flame shot up from the house. The boat's crew saw it, and could scarcely
+refrain hurrahing; but knowing that they were not yet out of range of
+the guerrillas' rifles, they gave vent to their jubilant feelings by
+redoubling their efforts at the oars.
+
+"Mr. Nelson," whispered the coxswain, "may I be allowed to say that was
+well done, sir!"
+
+"I didn't do that, Tom," answered Frank, in a faint voice, as he gazed
+in surprise at the burning house, and thought of his cousin. "Is
+Paymaster Winters in the cutter?"
+
+Frank hardly dared to ask the question, for if his cousin had been in
+the boat he would have known it before that time.
+
+"The paymaster!" repeated the coxswain; "no, sir. He went away with you,
+sir, and I haven't seen him since. He's missing, that's a fact."
+
+Frank felt ready to faint on hearing this, and very bitterly did he
+censure himself for allowing his cousin to accompany him! But regrets
+were useless; the mischief had been done, and could not be undone. He
+had one hope, however, to which he still clung--that Archie might be on
+board the vessel. Perhaps, not daring to attempt to find his way back to
+the cutter, through fear of capture, he had swam on board and was now
+safe. He would soon know.
+
+In a few moments they had reached the Boxer, and as the cutter came
+along side, Frank seized the mail-bags and sprang out. After giving the
+officer of the deck, who met him at the gangway, instructions in regard
+to the prisoners, he ran up the stairs that led to the wardroom. Here he
+met the captain, who, taking him familiarly by the arm, led him into the
+cabin, exclaiming:
+
+"Mr. Nelson, I congratulate you, sir; it was well done, sir! The house
+is all in a blaze."
+
+"Captain," said Frank, "I didn't do that, sir. Is the paymaster on
+board?
+
+"Why, no, sir; not unless he came with you."
+
+"I haven't seen him, captain, since I left him within a short distance
+of that house. If he is not on board, sir, he's out there yet, and he
+has fired the building."
+
+"Why, Mr. Nelson," exclaimed the captain, for the first time noticing
+Frank's pale face and useless hand, from which the blood was dripping,
+"you are wounded, sir. Orderly, orderly, send the doctor here at once."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+A Run for Life.
+
+
+Archie was as light of foot as an antelope, and fear lent him wings. In
+obedience to his cousin's instructions, he ran up the river, directing
+his course through a thick woods, jumping over logs and making his way
+through the bushes with a rapidity that surprised himself. The rebel who
+had discovered him followed for a short distance, but finding that he
+was losing ground, he stopped and fired his revolver in the direction he
+supposed Archie had gone; but the bullets went wide of the mark, and the
+latter, who now regarded his escape as a thing beyond a doubt, laughed
+when he thought how cleverly he had accomplished the object of the
+expedition.
+
+Having reached a safe distance from the house, he stopped and listened.
+He distinctly heard the crackling of flames, and presently a bright
+light shone over the trees. The building was fairly in a blaze. He was,
+however, allowed scarcely a moment to congratulate himself, for the
+yells of the guerrillas plainly told him that they had discovered the
+fire, and were commencing pursuit. Archie again set out, intent on
+reaching clear ground as soon as possible, for he knew that no plan
+would be left untried to capture him. His situation was still any thing
+but a pleasant one, but he was sanguine of reaching the vessel in
+safety, until a long-drawn-out bay came echoing through the woods, and
+drove the blood back upon his heart. The rebels were following him with
+a blood-hound!
+
+For a moment Archie staggered as though he had been struck a severe blow
+by some unseen hand, but quickly realizing the fact that his safety
+depended upon his own exertions and the use he made of the next few
+moments, he speedily recovered his presence of mind, and hastily
+securing his revolvers, which, up to this time, he had carried in the
+pockets of his pea-jacket, he pulled off that garment, and throwing it
+on the ground, started off at the top of his speed.
+
+Being thus relieved of a great incumbrance, he made headway rapidly,
+but, fast as he ran, he heard that dreadful sound coming nearer, mingled
+with loud yells of triumph from the pursuing rebels He had, with
+surprise and indignation, listened to Frank's description of his run
+from Shreveport, when he and his companions had been pursued with
+blood-hounds, little imagining that he would ever be placed in a similar
+situation.
+
+And how did it happen that he had not aroused the hound while he was
+about the house? Had he moved so silently that the animal had not heard
+him, or had he been in the building with the men? This question Archie
+could not answer. But one thing was certain, and that was that the hound
+was, at that very moment, on his trail, and unless he soon reached the
+river his capture was beyond a doubt. He, however, had no fears of being
+overpowered by the hound. He fully realized the fact that he would soon
+be overtaken, and had resolved to shoot the animal the moment he made
+his appearance.
+
+The yells of the rebels grew fainter, and Archie knew he was gaining on
+them. This gave him encouragement. In fact, since the hound had opened
+on his trail, after the first momentary feeling of terror had vanished,
+he had retained his coolness in a remarkable degree, and had counted
+over his chances for capture and escape with surprising deliberation for
+one who had never before been placed in so exciting and dangerous a
+situation. We have seen that he felt fear. Had it been otherwise he must
+have possessed nerves of steel, or have been utterly destitute of the
+power of reasoning; but that fear did not so completely overpower him as
+it had but a short time before, when he lay behind the bush, and
+listened to the guerrilla's plan for the capture of the Boxer and her
+crew. On the contrary, it nerved him to make the greatest exertions to
+effect his escape.
+
+In a few moments, to his great joy, he emerged from the woods and
+entered an open field, across which he ran with redoubled speed.
+Directly in front of him was another belt of timber, and beyond that lay
+the river, which, if he could reach, he would be safe. The baying of the
+hound had continued to grow louder and louder, and, when Archie had
+accomplished perhaps half the distance across the field, a crashing in
+the bushes and an impatient bark announced, in language too plain to be
+misunderstood, that the hound had discovered him.
+
+In an instant he stopped, faced about, and drew one of his revolvers.
+Stooping down close to the ground, he finally discovered the hound,
+which approached with loud yelps, that were answered by triumphant
+cheers from the pursuing rebels. Waiting until the animal was so close
+to him that he presented a fair mark, Archie raised his revolver and
+fired. The hound bounded into the air, and, after a few struggles, lay
+motionless on the ground. Scarcely waiting to witness the effect of the
+shot, the young officer sprang to his feet, and again started for the
+river. The yells of the rebels--who had heard the shot, and knew, from
+the silence that followed, that the hound was dead--again arose fierce
+and loud; but Archie, knowing that his pursuers had now lost the power
+of following him with certainty, considered the worst part of the danger
+as past.
+
+But he had to deal with those who could not be easily deceived. Colonel
+Harrison, knowing that the only chance for escape was by the river, had
+lined the banks with men, and, as Archie neared the woods, a voice
+directly in front of him called out:
+
+"It's all up now, Yank! Drop that shootin'-iron, or you're a gone
+sucker!"
+
+Archie's heart fairly came up into his mouth. He had little expected to
+find an enemy in that quarter, but, without waiting an instant, he
+turned and ran up the river again, hoping that he might soon be able to
+get above the sentinels. The rebel, hearing the sound of his footsteps,
+and knowing that he was retreating, shouted:
+
+"Halt, Yank! halt! or I'll shoot--blamed if I don't!"
+
+And he _did_ shoot, and Archie heard the bullet as it sung through
+the air behind him.
+
+The rebel, without stopping to load his gun, started in pursuit; but
+Archie, who was running for his life, soon left him behind. As the
+latter ran he heard shots fired on all sides of him, showing that he was
+completely surrounded.
+
+Escape seemed utterly impossible; and fearing that he might run into the
+very midst of the guerrillas when he least expected it, he threw himself
+behind a log in the edge of the woods, and awaited the issue of events
+with feelings that can not be described. He now had little hope of being
+able to elude his pursuers, who, he was certain, would keep the river
+closely guarded until daylight, when they would soon discover his
+hiding-place. He could not go on without fear of running against some of
+his enemies, in the dark, and to remain where he was, appeared equally
+dangerous. But of one thing he was certain--and as the thought passed
+through his mind, he clutched his revolvers desperately--and that was,
+if he was captured, it would require more than one man to do it.
+
+Presently he heard footsteps approaching, and two rebels came up. One of
+them he knew, by his voice, was the very man who had just fired at him.
+
+"I know he went this yere way," said he.
+
+"Wal, hold on a minit," said the other, panting loudly; "let's rest a
+leetle--I'm nigh gin out;" and he seated himself so close to Archie
+that, had it been daylight, he would certainly have been discovered.
+
+"I'll be dog-gone," said the one who had first spoken, "ef this 'ere
+night's work don't beat all natur'. Them ar Yanks ain't no fools, dog ef
+they ar!"
+
+"Who'd a thought it?" returned his companion. "Them ar two fellers come
+out here an' burn a house with more'n three hundred men in it? Dog-gone!
+But how did that other feller get away?"
+
+"Oh, he had a boat," answered the other, "an he got thar afore we could
+ketch him. He's on board his gun-boat afore this time. I jest ketched a
+glimpse of him as he was goin' down the bank. He had Damon by the neck,
+an' he was makin' him walk turkey, now I tell yer."
+
+"Damon ketched!" ejaculated his companion. "An' what's come on the
+kernel's mail?"
+
+"Gone up--the hul on it! Damon's got the bracelets on by this time. But
+come, let's go on."
+
+All this while the rebels had been coming up, and Archie could hear them
+in the woods, on all sides of him, yelling and swearing, like demons. He
+had one source of consolation, however--his cousin was safe; and,
+judging by the rebels' conversation, he had not gone back to the vessel
+empty-handed.
+
+Archie lay for some time listening to the movements of the rebels,
+almost afraid to breathe lest it should be overheard, when he was
+suddenly startled by a stunning report, which was followed by a hissing
+and shrieking in the air; a bright light shone in his eyes for an
+instant, and the next, the woods echoed with the bursting of a shell.
+The guerrillas had scarcely time to recover from their astonishment when
+there came another, and another, each one followed by groans and cries
+of anguish that made the young officer shudder.
+
+Frank Nelson had gained the Boxer in safety, and although surprised and
+alarmed at the absence of Archie--who, he thought, would make the best
+of his way back to the vessel when left to himself--he knew by the
+yelling of the rebels, and the pistol-shots that were occasionally
+heard, that they had not yet captured him. The noise of the chase
+plainly told the Boxer's crew that the fugitive was making the best of
+his way up the river, and Frank had opened fire on the rebels to create,
+if possible, a diversion in his cousin's favor. His shells were thrown
+with fatal accuracy, and the guerrillas, taken completely by surprise,
+and having no levee to protect them, beat a hasty retreat.
+
+Although threatened by a new danger, Archie was so overjoyed that he
+could scarcely refrain from shouting, and as soon as he was satisfied
+that his pursuers were out of hearing, he crawled from his concealment
+and ran toward the river. The shells still kept dropping into the woods
+at regular intervals, making music most pleasant to Archie's ears, for
+he knew that as long as the fire was continued, his chances for escape
+were increased. But in his eagerness he never thought of the men who had
+been posted on the bank, and as he dashed through the woods, several
+shots were fired at him by the rebels concealed in the bushes. But he
+reached the water in safety, and struck out for the vessel. A few random
+shots were fired at him, which Archie heard as they whistled past him;
+but his good fortune had not deserted him, and he again escaped unhurt.
+The reports of the guns on board the Boxer pointed out the direction in
+which he was to go, and in a quarter of an hour he was within
+hailing-distance of the vessel. The splashing he made in the water soon
+attracted the attention of the sentry on the forecastle, who, having
+been instructed by Frank, had kept a good look-out. A rope was thrown to
+Archie, who was pulled on board the vessel in a state of complete
+exhaustion.
+
+Frank was soon informed of the safe return of his cousin, and Archie,
+almost too weak to speak plainly, was carried to his room, where, after
+being divested of his wet clothes, he was put to bed, and left in a
+sound sleep. The next morning, however, he appeared in the mess-room, as
+lively as ever, and none the worse for his long run; while Frank, who
+began to suffer from his wound, was confined to his bed.
+
+The latter listened to his cousin's narration of the part he had borne
+in the expedition, and in admiration of Archie's bravery, forgot the
+lecture he had intended to administer. The officers, who had not
+expected such an exhibition of courage in one whose cheek had blanched
+at the whistle of a rebel bullet, were astonished, and it is needless to
+say that no more jokes were indulged in at the expense of the "green
+paymaster."
+
+For two months Frank held his position as executive officer of the
+Boxer, during which time the vessel was twice inspected by the admiral.
+He now had little to do beyond the regular routine of ship duties, for
+the guerrilla-station had been broken up by the burning of the
+plantation-house, and vessels were seldom fired into on the Boxer's
+beat. But this was not to continue long, for, one day, the dispatch-boat
+brought orders for him to report on board the Michigan--which lay at the
+mouth of Red River--as executive officer of that vessel.
+
+This was still another advancement, for the Michigan was an iron-clad,
+mounted fourteen guns, and had a crew of one hundred and seventy men.
+But Frank would have preferred to remain in his present position. After
+considerable hard work, he had brought the Boxer's crew into an
+admirable state of discipline; every thing about decks went off as
+smoothly as could be desired, and besides, Archie was on board, and he
+did not wish to leave him. But he never hesitated to obey his orders,
+and as soon as he had packed his trunk, and taken leave of his
+messmates, he went on board the dispatch-boat, and in a few days arrived
+at his new vessel.
+
+The captain of the Michigan had written to the admiral, requesting that
+a "first-class, experienced officer" might be sent him for an executive,
+but when Frank presented himself and produced his orders, that gentleman
+was astonished. After regarding the young officer sharply for a moment,
+he said:
+
+"The admiral, no doubt, knows his own business, but let me tell you,
+young man, that you have no easy task before you."
+
+He no doubt thought that a person of Frank's years was utterly incapable
+of filling so responsible a position. The latter, with his usual
+modesty, replied that he would endeavor to do his duty, and after he had
+seen his baggage taken care of, he went into the wardroom, where he
+found a young officer seated at the table reading. He arose as Frank
+entered, and thrusting out his hand, greeted him with--
+
+"I'm glad to meet you again, Mr. Nelson, and among friends, too."
+
+It was George Le Dell, the escaped prisoner, whom he had met during his
+memorable flight from Shreveport. Frank had not seen him, nor even heard
+of him, since he had left him on board the Ticonderoga; but here he was,
+"among the defenders of the Old Flag" again, in fulfillment of the
+promise he had made his rebel father, in the letter which Frank had read
+to his fellow fugitives in the woods, where they had halted for the day.
+He was not changed--his face still wore that sorrowful expression--and
+Frank found that he rarely took part in the conversation around the
+mess-table. He was an excellent officer, the especial favorite of the
+captain, and beloved by all his messmates, who, very far from suspecting
+the cause of his quiet demeanor, called him "Silence."
+
+Frank heartily returned his cordial greeting, and the two friends talked
+for a long time of scenes through which they had passed
+together--subjects still fresh in their memories--until the entrance of
+an officer put a stop to the conversation. Frank understood, by this,
+that he was the only one of the ship's company who knew any thing of
+George's past history.
+
+The change from the cool, comfortable quarters of the Boxer to the hot
+wardroom of the ironclad was not an agreeable one; but Frank was not the
+one to complain, and he entered upon his duties with his accustomed
+cheerfulness and alacrity. He was allowed very little rest. The captain
+of the Michigan--which was the flag-ship of the third division of the
+squadron--was a regular officer, who believed in always keeping the men
+busy at something, and Frank was obliged to be on his feet from morning
+until night. The decks were scrubbed every day, the bright work about
+the guns and engines cleaned, the small boats washed out, and then came
+quarters, and drilling with muskets or broad-swords. After this, if
+there was nothing else to be done, the outside of the vessel was
+scrubbed, or the chimneys repainted. In short, the Michigan was the
+pattern of neatness, and her crew, being constantly drilled, knew
+exactly what was required of them, and were ready for any emergency.
+
+For several months little occurred to relieve the monotony of ship-life
+beyond making regular trips from one end of their beat to the other; but
+when spring opened, gun-boats and transports, loaded with soldiers,
+began to assemble, and preparations were made for the Red River
+expedition. At length every thing was ready, and one pleasant morning
+the gun-boats weighed their anchors and led the way up the river.
+
+Frank stood on deck as the vessels steamed along, and could not help
+drawing a contrast between his present position and the one in which he
+was placed when he first saw Red River. Then, he and his companions were
+fugitives from a rebel prison; they had been tracked by bloodhounds, and
+followed by men at whose hands, if retaken, they could expect nothing
+but death. He remembered how his heart bounded with joy on the morning
+when he and his associates, in their leaky dug-out, had arrived in sight
+of the Mississippi. Then, he was ragged, hatless, and almost shoeless,
+weary with watching, and living in constant fear of recapture. Now, he
+was among friends, the Old Flag waved above him, and he was the second
+in command of one of the finest vessels in the squadron.
+
+The passage up the river was without incident worthy of note, and in a
+short time they arrived at the obstructions which the rebels had placed
+in the river nine miles below Fort De Russy. A vast amount of time and
+labor had been expended upon these obstructions, but they were speedily
+cleared away, and the fleet passed on. They had expected a stubborn
+resistance at the fort, but it had been captured by the army after a
+short engagement, and the gun-boats kept on to Alexandria.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+Frank turns Detective.
+
+
+A day or two after the arrival of the fleet at Alexandria, it became
+known that several persons belonging to the rebel secret service were
+hovering about in the vicinity of the village, with the intention of
+destroying some of the vessels by torpedoes--contrivances made to
+resemble pieces of coal--which were to be placed in those barges out of
+which the boats were supplied with fuel. By some means the names of
+these persons became known to the admiral, who issued a general order,
+calling on all the officers of the squadron to kill or capture them
+wherever found.
+
+The same day the order was issued Frank obtained shore liberty, and
+while roaming about the town, espied a name on a sign that immediately
+attracted his attention. It was one of the names borne in the general
+order.
+
+"There's one of the rascals, now," soliloquized Frank, "or, rather,
+where he has been. I wonder where he is. I'll see if I can't find out
+something about him. If he could be caught, he would be put in a place
+where he wouldn't lay any more plans to blow up Union gun-boats."
+
+The sign which had attracted his attention bore the name and occupation
+of the individual in question--"S. W. ABBOTT, Chemist."
+
+The store had been closed on the approach of the Union forces, and was
+now in the possession of several army surgeons and their assistants, who
+were overhauling its contents, and appropriating whatever they thought
+might be of service to them. A negro was leaning against the counter,
+and of him Frank inquired--
+
+"Boy, do you belong here?"
+
+"No, sar," he answered, indignantly; "I 'longs nowhar. I'se a free man,
+I is. I'se a soger."
+
+"Never been in this town before?"
+
+"No, sar."
+
+Frank left the store, and walked slowly up the street toward the hotel,
+wondering where he could go to make inquiries concerning the man whom he
+wished to find. It was evident that this was the hardest task he had yet
+undertaken. He knew the rebel's name, and that was all. He had no idea
+how he looked, and, although the admiral's order stated that he was
+loitering about the village, he might, at that moment, be fifty miles
+away, or Frank might have already passed him on the street.
+
+There were several men dressed in butternut clothes hanging about the
+hotel, and Frank determined to enter into conversation with one of them,
+and, if possible, learn something about Abbott. An opportunity was soon
+offered, for one of the butternuts approached him, and inquired--
+
+"Got any Northern money--greenbacks?"
+
+"Some," replied Frank.
+
+"Wal," continued the man, "I'll give you five dollars in Confederate
+money fur one dollar in greenbacks. Is it a bargain?"
+
+"Confederate money!" repeated Frank. "Of what use would it be to me? And
+I am greatly mistaken if it will be of use to you much longer."
+
+"Wal, I want your money fur a keepsake," replied the man. I know you-uns
+don't like our money, but we-uns hev got to use it or go without any,"
+
+"Well, I'll trade," said Frank. "Your paper will no doubt be a curiosity
+to the folks at home." As he spoke, he produced the dollar, and the
+butternut drew out of his capacious pocket a huge roll of bills--tens,
+twenties, and fifties, enough to have made him independent if it had
+been good money--and selecting a five-dollar bill, handed it to Frank,
+who thrust it carelessly into his pocket.
+
+"I'll allow that you-uns don't seem to be a bad lot of fellers," said
+the butternut; "but I don't see what you-uns want to come down hyar to
+fight we-uns for. We-uns never done nothing to you-uns."
+
+"Every rebel I meet says the same thing," said Frank. "But who were the
+richest men in this place before the war broke out?"
+
+The man mentioned several names, among which was that of Abbott, the
+chemist.
+
+"Abbott, Abbott," repeated Frank, as if trying to recall the man to
+mind; "I've heard that name before. Is he a Northern man?"
+
+"No; he's allers lived at the South. His house is right back of the
+hotel, third door from the corner, on the right-hand side as you go up
+the street."
+
+Frank had learned something, but he did not think it safe to question
+the man further, for fear of exciting his suspicions; so, after a few
+unimportant remarks, he turned on his heel and walked into the hotel,
+which was used as the army head-quarters. Here he remained for nearly
+half an hour, to give the man of whom he had received his information
+time to leave the place, and then directed his steps toward Mr. Abbott's
+dwelling. He had no difficulty in finding it, for he followed the
+butternut's directions, and the rebel's name was borne on the
+door-plate. The house, however, was deserted; the blinds were closed, as
+were those of all the neighboring houses. Mr. Abbott, with his family,
+if he had any, had doubtless removed out of reach of the Union forces.
+Did he ever visit his home when in town? or did he make his
+head-quarters somewhere else? were questions that suggested themselves
+to Frank, but which, of course, he could not answer; neither did he dare
+to question any of the citizens, for they might be Mr. Abbott's friends,
+who would not fail to inform him that particular inquiries were being
+made, which would lead him to act more cautiously. Frank did not know
+what plan to adopt, but walked listlessly about the streets until he
+heard the Michigan's bell strike half-past three o'clock. He must be on
+board by four, as the admiral was to be there to inspect the vessel. He
+was reluctant to leave without having accomplished any thing more than
+the discovery of the rebel's dwelling; but there was no help for it, and
+he walked slowly toward the landing, where he found a boat waiting for
+him.
+
+That night, although he retired early, he slept but little, but tossed
+restlessly about in his bunk, endeavoring to conjure up some plan by
+which he might capture the rebel; and when he fell asleep, he dreamed
+about the subject uppermost in his mind. He thought that, after several
+days' patient watching, he finally discovered his man; but all attempts
+to capture him were unavailing. When he pursued, the rebel would
+disappear in a magical way, that was perfectly bewildering. Finally, he
+dreamed that the rebel assumed the offensive, and one day he met him in
+the street, carrying in his hand something that looked like a lump of
+coal, which he threw at Frank. It proved, however, to be a torpedo, for
+it exploded with a loud report, and as Frank sprang over a fence that
+ran close by the sidewalk, to escape, he came violently in contact with
+the walls of a house. At this stage of his dream he was suddenly
+awakened. To his no small amazement, he found himself stretched on the
+floor of his room, his head jammed against the door, through which one
+of the wardroom boys, a very small specimen of a contraband, was
+endeavoring to escape, while the look of terror depicted on his face,
+and the energy with which he strove to open the door, showed that he had
+sustained something of a fright. On the opposite side of the room stood
+the doctor, who gazed at Frank for a moment with open mouth and eyes,
+and then threw himself on the bed, convulsed with laughter.
+
+Frank rose slowly to his feet, and commenced drawing on his clothes,
+while the little negro disappeared through the door like a flash.
+
+"Mr. Nelson," said the doctor, as soon as he could speak, "you can't
+make that jump again, sir. I came in to awaken you," he continued, "and
+was just going to put my hand on you, when you sprang out of your bunk
+upon your trunk, and then back again; and just as the darkey was coming
+in, you made another jump, and landed against the door, frightening him
+so that I actually believe he turned pale. Were you dreaming?"
+
+"Yes," answered Frank, with a laugh; "I was getting out of the way of a
+torpedo."
+
+"Well, you certainly jumped far enough to get out of the way of almost
+any thing," replied the doctor, after he had indulged in another hearty
+fit of laughter. "Hurry up; breakfast is nearly ready."
+
+Frank felt the effects of his agility in the shape of a severe pain over
+his left eye, which had been occasioned by his head coming in contact
+with the door-knob, and his "big jump" was the source of a good deal of
+merriment at the breakfast-table.
+
+Frank went ashore in the ten-o'clock boat, and, after strolling about
+with his companions for a short time, invented a satisfactory excuse for
+his absence, and started toward Mr. Abbott's house, which, to his joy,
+he found open, with a negro engaged in sweeping the steps.
+
+"Boy, who lives here?" he inquired.
+
+The negro gave the desired information, adding: "He ain't hyar though,
+but missus will be home dis arternoon."
+
+"Where's your master?"
+
+"Oh, he done gone off somewhar. I 'spects he don't like for to see you
+Yankee sogers hyar."
+
+As the negro ceased speaking, having finished his work, he turned and
+went into the house, while Frank was about to move away, wondering what
+was the next thing to be done, when a boy approached and opened the
+gate.
+
+"What do you want?" asked Frank.
+
+The boy held up a letter which he carried in his hand, and Frank, seeing
+that it was addressed to Mrs. Abbott, at once concluded that it
+contained information which might be of the greatest value to him.
+
+"It is all right," said he; "I'll attend to it;" at the same time taking
+the note and handing some money to the boy, who departed well satisfied.
+Frank then walked down the street, and, as soon as he was out of sight
+of the house, opened the letter and read as follows:
+
+HEYWARD'S PLANTATION, _March_ 20, 1864.
+
+"Will be at home at eight o'clock this evening. Have my baggage ready to
+start for Shreveport early in the morning."
+
+No name was signed to the note, but Frank was certain that he now had
+the matter in his own hands, and that any preparations Mrs. Abbott might
+make for her husband's journey to Shreveport would only be thrown away.
+He at once directed his steps toward the landing, hailed his vessel for
+a boat, and when he had arrived on board and reported to the captain,
+showed that gentleman the note, at the same time requesting permission
+to remain on shore after dark, in order to capture the rebel.
+
+"I should be only too happy to allow you to do so, Mr. Nelson," said the
+captain, "for you seem to be particularly fortunate in every thing of
+this description you undertake. But, as it is the admiral's order that
+all officers repair on board their vessels at sundown, he must be
+consulted in regard to the matter. Orderly, tell the officer of the deck
+to have the gig called away. We will go up to the flag-ship," he
+continued, "and talk to the admiral."
+
+The gig was soon manned, and after Frank had buckled on his sword (for
+all officers visiting the flag-ship were required to wear their
+side-arms), he stepped into the boat with the captain, and in a short
+time they were in the presence of the admiral. The captain, in a few
+words, explained the nature of the visit, showed him the note Frank had
+intercepted, and ended by repeating the young officer's request that he
+might be allowed to remain on shore after dark.
+
+"Certainly," replied the admiral, "certainly. If you succeed, young man,
+we shall have one less of these secret-service fellows to fear." Then,
+turning to one of his clerks, he gave him an order which Frank did not
+hear, after which he asked:
+
+"How did you discover the whereabouts of this man Abbott, Mr. Nelson?"
+
+Frank then proceeded to give the admiral an account of all he had done,
+how he had seen the rebel's name on the sign, learned his residence, and
+secured the note. To all of which the latter listened with attention.
+
+"I hope you will succeed in capturing him," said he. "If you do, bring
+him here; I want a look at him. Here," he continued, as his clerk handed
+him a letter, "is a request that the provost-marshal will furnish you
+with a pass. Good luck to you, young man."
+
+Their business being finished, Frank followed the captain out of the
+cabin, and returned on board the Michigan.
+
+All that afternoon Frank was in a fever of excitement. He was impatient
+for the night to come, that he might know whether or not his attempt was
+to be crowned with success. A hundred things might happen to prevent it.
+The rebel might not come home, or the note might have been written with
+the intention of having it intercepted, in order to throw the one into
+whose hands it might fall on the wrong scent; or it might be written in
+cipher, and mean directly opposite to what Frank had supposed. But he
+consoled himself with the thought that he had done, and would still
+continue to do, all in his power to obey the admiral's general order,
+and if he failed, the blame would not rest with him.
+
+When the sundown boat was called away, Frank, after exchanging his
+uniform for a citizen's dress, and his cap for a tattered slouch-hat,
+thrust a revolver into his pocket, stepped into the cutter, and was soon
+set on shore. He walked directly to the office of the provost-marshal,
+which was in the hotel, and finding that officer at his desk, handed him
+the admiral's note, which ran as follows:
+
+  "U. S. FLAG-SHIP BLACKHAWK,
+  "OFF ALEXANDRIA, LA., March 20, 1864.
+
+
+"SIR:--Please furnish the bearer, Acting Ensign Frank Nelson, with a
+pass. He has important business to perform, which may detain him on
+shore most of the night, and it is absolutely necessary, for the
+successful accomplishment of his mission, that he should not be
+interfered with.     Very respectfully, your obd't serv't.,
+
+                           DAVID D. PORTER, _Rear Admiral_,
+                                       Com'd'g Miss. Squadron.
+  U. S. Provost Marshal,
+                Alexandria, La.
+
+
+"Your business must be important indeed, judging by the language of this
+note," said the marshal. "You shall not be troubled."
+
+While he was speaking he had been writing an order commanding "all
+guards and patrols to allow the bearer the freedom of the city, as he
+was under special orders from the admiral, and must not be detained."
+
+"There," said he, after he had finished the pass and handed it to Frank.
+"That will take you through all right. You have my best wishes for your
+success."
+
+Frank thanked him, and putting the pass carefully away in his pocket,
+walked out of the hotel fully satisfied on one point, and that was, if
+his success depended upon the good wishes of his friends, failure was
+impossible. He walked slowly down the street toward the place where the
+soldiers were encamped; for as it lacked fully an hour and a half of the
+appointed time, he did not wish to be seen loitering about the house, as
+it might excite the suspicions of its inmates, who would not fail to
+send word to Mr. Abbott that the house was being watched. Time moved
+altogether too slowly for the impatient young officer, but at length he
+heard the flag-ship's bell strike half-past seven, and as it had begun
+to grow dark, he walked toward the house, and took his station in the
+shadow of some trees on the opposite side of the street. At the end of
+an hour his patience was rewarded, for he heard the sound of approaching
+footsteps, and a man passed by the house. Frank knew, from the
+suspicious manner in which he gazed about, that if it was not the man
+for whom he was waiting, it was some other guilty fellow who ought to be
+secured. Presently he returned, and after again looking cautiously about
+him, ascended the steps and knocked lightly at the door, which was
+almost instantly opened, and a voice exclaimed:
+
+"Massa Abbott, I'se glad to"--
+
+The rest of the sentence Frank did not hear, for the moment the man
+entered the hall, the door was closed again. Now was the time for Frank,
+who hastily crossed the street, and noiselessly ascended the steps. Here
+he paused for a moment to draw his revolver, and then suddenly opened
+the door and sprang into the hall. He was met by the negro, the same, no
+doubt, whom he had heard welcoming his master, who, not liking the looks
+of the huge six-shooter which the officer flourished before his eyes,
+beat a hasty retreat. Frank kept on and entered the parlor, where he
+found his man standing in the middle of the floor, pale and breathless.
+No one else was in the room.
+
+"Mr. Abbott," said Frank, "you're my prisoner!"
+
+The man, who was so terrified that he seemed to have lost even the power
+of speech, surrendered his weapons and submitted to his captor, who led
+him out of the house and toward the flag-ship, which they reached in
+safety. The admiral received Frank with great cordiality, and after
+listening to his account of the manner in which the capture of the
+prisoner had been effected, he ordered the cutter called away, and the
+young officer, rejoicing over his success, was sent on board his vessel.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+Frank's First Command.
+
+
+The next morning, just after quarters, while the officers were getting
+ready to go on shore, a boat from the flag-ship came alongside, and the
+officer in charge of it was shown into the cabin, as he said he had
+business with the captain. Frank, who thought he had accomplished
+sufficient to satisfy him to remain on board, sat in the wardroom
+reading, when the orderly entered and informed him that the captain
+desired his presence in the cabin.
+
+"Mr. Nelson," said he, "here's an order from the admiral, directing me
+to furnish you with a cutter and an armed crew, and to send you to the
+flag-ship for orders. I am also instructed to appoint an executive to
+fill your place during your absence. I expect you will be sent off on
+some expedition; so you had better prepare for a long trip."
+
+The officer who brought the order having returned to his vessel, the
+captain accompanied Frank on deck, and ordered the second cutter to be
+called away and furnished with a crew well armed. In a short time the
+boat was ready, and Frank, buckling on his side-arms, took leave of the
+captain and started toward the flag-ship, wondering what duty he was now
+called upon to perform, and fully determined that whatever orders he
+might receive, however dangerous or difficult, should be executed, if
+within the bounds of possibility.
+
+When he arrived on board the Blackhawk, an officer, who appeared to be
+waiting for him, conducted him into the cabin, where the admiral sat
+writing at his desk.
+
+"Good morning, Mr. Nelson," said he; "take a chair, sir."
+
+Frank took the seat pointed out to him, and the admiral, taking from his
+desk a bundle of papers, carefully tied up, continued:
+
+"It has always been my habit, Mr. Nelson, not to let a brave or skillful
+action pass unrewarded, any more than I would allow a bad one to pass
+unpunished. I am now about to give you a much more important, and
+perhaps dangerous, commission than has yet been intrusted to you. This
+package contains official documents of the greatest importance, and I
+want you to go down the river, and deliver it to the commanding naval
+officer, whom you will find at Acklen's plantation, opposite the mouth
+of Red River. I know there are rebels all along the banks, but whatever
+you do, don't allow these letters to fall into their hands. There are
+iron weights in the package, and if you should be in danger of capture,
+throw it overboard. You will take passage on the army transport that now
+lies at the stern of this vessel, all ready to start. I send the cutter
+and armed crew with you, for the reason that the rebels may sink the
+transport, in which case you can escape in your boat; for those letters
+must go through, if possible; perhaps the success of this expedition
+depends upon them. The transport, you will find, is in command of a
+second-lieutenant. I should feel much safer if I could put one of my own
+officers in charge, but, as the boat belongs to the army, I have no
+authority in the matter. After you have executed your orders, return, by
+first opportunity, to your vessel, and report to me by letter. Now, sir,
+you may go, for they are waiting for you. Remember, I say the success or
+failure of this entire expedition may depend upon you; and don't forget
+that you are the young man that saved the Milwaukee."
+
+Frank bowed himself out of the cabin, sprang into the cutter, and
+started toward the transport that lay alongside of the bank, a short
+distance below the flag-ship. As he stepped on board, he was met by a
+flashy-looking young lieutenant, dressed in a brand-new uniform, who
+greeted him with the inquiry:
+
+"Are you ready at last? I have been waiting an hour for you. Business is
+business, you know, and when I command a ship, I don't like to be
+detained."
+
+The lieutenant said this, probably, to impress upon Frank's mind the
+important fact that he was the captain of the steamer, and must be
+respected and obeyed accordingly. Frank, who knew that he was not
+subject to the orders of the lieutenant only so far as the safety of the
+vessel was concerned, replied that he had come as soon as he could after
+he had received his orders, and turning to his men, directed part of
+them to make the cutter fast to the stern of the steamer, and the others
+to carry their arms to the boiler-deck, where they could be readily
+seized in case of emergency. The transport was a small side-wheel boat
+belonging to the quarter-master's department. The deck-hands were all
+soldiers--perhaps half a dozen of them in all--the only steamboatmen on
+board being one pilot, four engineers, and as many firemen. The steamer
+was armed with two howitzers, mounted on the boiler-deck, and the
+muskets of the soldiers were stacked in the cabin. The boilers were
+protected by bales of cotton, which were piled on the guards, and the
+pilot-house was defended in the same manner. A few bales were also
+placed on the boiler-deck to serve as a breastwork. The whole was under
+the command of the lieutenant, who, judging by the orders he issued,
+knew nothing whatever of the management of a boat.
+
+Frank had been on board but a few moments, when the engineer's bell
+rang, to inform the pilot that all was ready for the start. The boat was
+made fast by a single line, which ran from the forecastle to a tree on
+the bank, and the gang-plank was out. The lieutenant's first order was,
+"Haul in that plank." The soldiers obeyed, and then came the command for
+"somebody to run out there and untie that line."
+
+One of the soldiers sprang ashore and began trying to cast off the line,
+which was drawn as taut as a four-mile current could make it. He worked
+for several moments, but, of course without success (for the line should
+first have been slackened up on board), and then called out:
+
+"Loosen up that other end, there!"
+
+"No, no!" replied the lieutenant, "that would allow the boat to swing
+away from the bank, and then how would you get on board? It must be
+untied from that tree first."
+
+What difference it could possibly make in regard to the boat's swinging
+away from the bank, whether the line was first slackened up on shore or
+on board, Frank could not determine.
+
+He was astonished at the lieutenant's ignorance, and amused at his novel
+mode of casting off a line, while the sailors, who had gathered in a
+group on the forecastle, watched the operation with a smile, wondering
+how the affair would end, as they knew that the line could not be
+"untied" from the tree unless first slackened up on board. But the
+lieutenant seemed to have his own idea of the manner in which it ought
+to be accomplished, and was constantly ordering the man to "Hurry up,
+there!" The soldiers worked and pulled, but all to no purpose, and the
+lieutenant, becoming impatient, ordered two more of the men to his
+assistance. But the knot, which had been awkwardly made, was jammed, and
+resisted their utmost efforts.
+
+"I never did see such a clumsy set of fellows," said the lieutenant, at
+length, turning to Frank, who stood beside him, making use of his
+handkerchief to conceal his laughter. "We ought to have been two miles
+down the river by this time."
+
+It was evident that he was fast becoming disgusted with his first
+attempt at "steamboating," but was too proud to ask advice. At length he
+turned and walked into the cabin, muttering, "I guess they will get it
+untied before night." But Frank was unwilling to wait so long. The delay
+was entirely unnecessary, and he had begun to get impatient.
+
+"Men," said he, addressing himself to the cutter's crew, who were
+convulsed with laughter, "some of you run out that gang-plank, and
+another slack up that line."
+
+These orders were promptly obeyed, and the difficulty was easily
+overcome.
+
+"All gone, sir," shouted Frank to the pilot, meaning that the line was
+cast off, and in a few moments the transport swung off from the bank,
+and was plowing her way down the river. Frank leaned over the railing,
+and wondered how a man so utterly ignorant of the management of a
+steamer, as was the lieutenant, came to be put in command, and at a
+time, too, when they might be placed in situations that would call into
+requisition all the skill and judgment of experienced men. He did not at
+all like the appearance of the young commander, for he was of the type
+of officers known as "upstarts," who like to show their authority, but
+are without the ability to successfully fill even the post of corporal.
+What if the transport should be fired upon and disabled? It was evident
+that in such an emergency nothing could be expected of a man who could
+not cast off a line. Frank's commission was too important to be
+intrusted to the care of such a man, and the young officer felt that he
+would much rather step into the cutter, and trust to the skill and
+courage of his twelve sailors, than to remain on board the transport.
+Calling the coxswain on deck, he directed that if they were attacked,
+the cutter should be kept ready for instant use, and in case the vessel
+was disabled, they would attempt to finish their journey in her. After
+giving these orders, Frank went up into the pilot-house, where he found
+the man at the wheel in no enviable state of mind.
+
+"I'm glad to see you," said he, as Frank entered, "for I want to talk to
+you. I'm not at all pleased with the looks of our skipper," he went on
+to say, "and how he came to be placed in command is a mystery to me.
+Perhaps the quarter-master thinks, like a good many men who see the
+Mississippi River for the first time, that any body can take charge of a
+steamboat; but suppose we should run aground--what does that lieutenant
+know about sparring off? or what if something about the engine should
+let down? why, we might go forty miles down the river before he could
+get us tied up to the bank. Besides, if we are fired upon, he'll
+surrender. Now, mark my words, he'll surrender before he will fight, and
+I'm opposed to that, for I was a prisoner once."
+
+"So was I," said Frank, "and I don't mean to fall into the rebels' hands
+again, if I can help it. I'll never be surrendered. That lieutenant may
+not fight, but I think his men will, and I have twelve good fellows, all
+well armed, on whom I know I can depend."
+
+"Then I feel better," said the pilot. "That's talk I like to hear; for
+if we are not disabled, we'll go through all right. There goes the bell!
+Go down and get your dinner."
+
+Frank deposited his weapons on a bench in the pilot-house and ran down
+into the cabin, where he found the lieutenant and two engineers seated
+at the table. The former seemed to have forgotten his failure of the
+morning, for he talked a good deal in a condescending manner, as if
+addressing his inferiors; and to Frank's inquiry if he expected trouble
+from the rebels, replied that he had not given the matter a moment's
+thought; that if they did attack the vessel, it would not be the first
+time he had smelt powder, and if the engineers and pilot could be
+depended upon, he had no fears but that he should be able to take the
+boat safely through. Frank replied that he trusted the officers would
+not be found wanting in courage; and when he had finished his meal, he
+went on deck again, and surprised the pilot, by offering to relieve him
+while he went down to his dinner. In his spare moments Frank, who wisely
+regarded it as the duty of every officer to acquaint himself with every
+part of the management of a vessel, had learned to handle the wheel, and
+he was an excellent steersman. He could make a landing or get a boat
+under way, as well as the most experienced pilot; and in the present
+instance he was fully capable of steering the boat, for as the water in
+the river was high, there was no danger of getting out of the channel.
+
+The pilot gave him his place, and after watching the movements of the
+young officer, who handled the wheel with all the confidence of an old
+river man, he went below to his dinner, satisfied that he had left the
+boat in safe hands. Frank remained at the wheel most of the afternoon,
+for the pilot, who would be on watch all night, had gone to bed to
+obtain a few hours' rest. About four o'clock, however, he made his
+appearance, and Frank went down into the cabin, and was engaged in
+reading a, newspaper, when he heard the pilot shout through the trumpet
+to the engineers:
+
+"Here they are! Now, push her ahead strong. There's a battery just
+below."
+
+At the same moment there was a rush of feet on deck, and the lieutenant
+entered the cabin pale and breathless.
+
+"We're captured," said he, in a faint voice. "We're surrounded. The bank
+is black with rebels--ten thousand of them at least! It's no use to
+think of fighting."
+
+As he ceased speaking, he ran on deck again, followed by Frank, who
+found his men drawn up behind the cotton-bales, with their weapons in
+their hands, waiting for orders. The soldiers had cast loose the
+howitzers, and stood at their posts. The lieutenant stopped a moment,
+just long enough to say, "Boys, we're all captured!" and then ran into
+the pilot-house. As Frank stood talking to his men, and encouraging them
+with the famous words that never fail to nerve an American
+seaman--"Don't give up the ship!"--a rebel rode out on the bank, in full
+view of the steamer, and shouted:
+
+"Come ashore here, or we'll sink you."
+
+Frank looked toward the pilot-house, where the lieutenant had taken
+refuge, and waited to hear his answer. To his surprise and horror, he
+saw a hand extended waving a white handkerchief, and the coxswain
+exclaimed:
+
+"Mr. Nelson, he's surrendering us, sir!"
+
+With one bound Frank sprang up the steps that led to the pilot-house,
+caught the handkerchief and threw it overboard; and at the same moment
+the lieutenant was seized from behind and thrown to the deck. He
+instantly recovered his feet, and turning fiercely upon Frank and the
+pilot, exclaimed:
+
+"What are you about? Do you know that you have rendered yourselves
+liable to a court-martial? I'm commander of this vessel, and I'll shoot
+the first man that resists my authority!"
+
+"You shall never surrender us," said Frank, firmly, not the least
+intimidated by the other's threat. "If you will give orders for your men
+to prepare for action, no one will oppose you. We'll stick to you as
+long as a plank of this vessel remains above water."
+
+"I know my own business," replied the lieutenant. "Resistance is
+useless. We never could get by that battery, and I'm going to surrender
+to save our lives. Turn her toward the shore, pilot!"
+
+As he spoke, he walked out on deck, and calling out to the rebel, who
+had continued to follow the vessel:
+
+"I'll surrender! Pilot, I tell you to turn her in toward the shore."
+
+The pilot gave a glance at Frank, and reading in his face a firm
+determination to go through if possible, held the boat's head down the
+stream, while a murmur of indignation arose from the men on the lower
+deck, and the coxswain said, turning to his companions:
+
+"Sink my tarry wig, if that ar' chap ain't going to give us up without
+our having the least bit of a fight."
+
+Frank stood for a moment irresolute. Ought he to oppose the lieutenant,
+the lawful commander of the vessel? Was it his duty to stand by and
+allow himself and his men to be surrendered without even a show of
+resistance? And his dispatches, the importance of which the admiral had
+stated in such emphatic language, should he throw them overboard,
+instead of delivering them, as he had hoped to do, to the officer to
+whom they were addressed? No! Sooner than do that, he would put the
+cowardly lieutenant under arrest, and give the command to the pilot, a
+man whom he knew understood his business, and would not think of
+surrender until it had been clearly proved that successful resistance
+was entirely out of the question.
+
+While these thoughts were passing through Frank's mind, the boat, under
+an increased head of steam, had been rapidly nearing the battery, which
+could be distinctly seen about half a mile below, planted on the bank of
+the river.
+
+"Come ashore, if you surrender," shouted the rebel.
+
+"Pilot," said the lieutenant, in a weak voice, "I order you"--
+
+He never finished that order, for Frank seized him, and pulling him into
+the pilot-house, closed the door. He made an attempt to draw a revolver,
+but the pilot threw him to the deck, when Frank wrested the weapon from
+him and retained it in his possession.
+
+"All ready forward there?" he shouted to the men on the boiler-deck.
+
+"Ay, ay, sir," answered the coxswain. "Mr. Nelson's in command," he
+added, turning to his companions. "Douse my to'-gallant top-lights but
+we'll have a skirmish now sure."
+
+"Do you surrender?" shouted the man on the bank.
+
+The reply he received was a shot from the pilot's revolver, which made
+him beat a hasty retreat. He had scarcely disappeared when a cloud of
+men arose from behind the levee, and a volley of bullets rattled into
+the boat. It was answered by a shout of defiance from the men behind the
+cotton-bales; but the pilot, who stood just in front of Frank, staggered
+for a moment, and sank heavily to the deck. Frank was horrified. With
+that man at the wheel, he had entertained no fears of their ability to
+run by the battery; but now that he was left alone, with the duties of
+both commander and pilot devolving upon him, his hopes fell again. But
+he could not remain long inactive, for the boat, being without a guide,
+began to swing toward the shore. Hastily seizing the wheel, he turned
+her head down the river again, when the battery opened upon them, and a
+storm of shells plunged into the water and whistled through the air
+about the boat. Only one struck her, and that passed through one of the
+smoke-stacks, and bursting, demolished part of the roof of the
+pilothouse. Then, as fast as the guns could be loaded, the battery
+played upon the transport, and Frank heard the shells crashing through
+the cabin and exploding in the air above him. But he stood bravely at
+his post, his only fears being of his inability to turn the point on
+which the battery was planted, or that one of the shells might penetrate
+the cotton-bales and strike the boilers or some part of the machinery.
+But as he neared the battery, he discovered that the boat was struck
+less frequently; that the rebels, in their excitement, were firing
+wildly. His own men, cool and collected, encouraged by the example of
+their officer, had not yet fired a shot; but when the boat arrived
+opposite the battery, they opened upon it with the howitzers and small
+arms with terrible effect. The point, which extended into the bend where
+the battery stood, was long and sharp, a bad place for one unaccustomed
+to handling a boat; but Frank passed it in safety, under a full head of
+steam, and cheers of triumph arose from his men, which the rebels
+answered with yells of rage, and continued to follow the transport,
+sending bullets and shells after her as fast as they could reload. But
+they were speedily left behind, and their yells died away in the
+distance.
+
+Frank's dispatches were safe.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+An unlucky fight.
+
+
+As soon as Frank was certain that the rebels had given up the pursuit,
+he called two of his men on deck, and directed them to carry the pilot,
+who now began to show signs of returning consciousness, into the cabin.
+
+During the fight the lieutenant had remained behind one of the
+cotton-bales, where the pilot had thrown him, so completely overcome
+with fear that he did not think of renewing his attempts to enforce his
+authority. But now that the danger was over, he arose to his feet and
+walked out of the pilot-house. As the sailors came up, in obedience to
+Frank's order, they passed the lieutenant without giving the customary
+salute, and acted as though they considered him beneath their notice.
+They lifted the pilot tenderly in their arms, carried him down stairs,
+and laid him on his bed.
+
+There was no surgeon on board, and Frank was anxious to reach a gun-boat
+as soon as possible, in order to place the pilot, who was the only one
+injured, under the care of a medical man. He kept his place at the
+wheel, his supper being brought up to him by one of his men, and shortly
+after dark came within sight of the lights of a vessel which was lying
+at anchor in the stream. He blew the whistle, to let her know that he
+was approaching, to which the steamer, which proved to be a gun-boat,
+replied by hoisting her signal-lights. Frank having no signals, whistled
+again, and rang the bells for the engineer to run slowly. As soon as he
+came within hailing distance, a voice called out:
+
+"Steamer ahoy!"
+
+"Ay, ay, sir!" shouted Frank, in reply.
+
+"What steamer is that?"
+
+"Army transport Key-West, bound for the mouth of the river, with
+dispatches from the admiral."
+
+"Come alongside, here," shouted the voice.
+
+"Ay, ay, sir," replied Frank, and he commenced turning the boat's head
+toward the vessel, while a hurrying of feet and a noise of dropping
+handspikes on the gun-deck, told him in plain language that the captain
+of the gun-boat was not at all satisfied with the report he had made,
+and had called his crew to quarters, to be in readiness to sink the
+transport if she should attempt to run by. It was an uncommon thing
+during the expedition for boats to run in Red River after night, unless
+supplied with the necessary signals, and the young officer was not at
+all surprised at the precautions taken by the gun-boat.
+
+Frank by this time had turned the transport around, and was coming up at
+the stern of the gun-boat, when the lieutenant came on deck, and
+entering the pilot-house, inquired:
+
+"Are you the captain of this ship?"
+
+"I have had no orders to act as such," replied Frank.
+
+"Then why do you answer hails, and land here without my permission? I'll
+have you court-martialed."
+
+"I answered the hails because you were not on deck; and I land here
+because I have been ordered to do so by the captain of that gun-boat."
+
+"Well, I am not under his orders; he has no authority over me, and I
+order you to turn around at once, and start down the river again."
+
+"If I should undertake that," replied Frank, with a laugh, "this vessel
+wouldn't last long. Every cannon on this aide of that gun-boat points
+straight at us, and if we should turn around, they would blow us out of
+water."
+
+"They would, eh?" said the lieutenant, angrily. "I'll have the whole lot
+of them up before a court-martial. I'm a second-lieutenant, sir, and
+must not be detained, as I am on important business. Turn around at
+once."
+
+Frank made no reply, and at that moment the bow of the transport touched
+the gun-boat, and one of the sailors sprang out with a line. As soon as
+the boat was made fast, he put on his side-arms, and taking his
+dispatches, walked out of the pilot-house, leaving the lieutenant almost
+beside himself with rage. As soon as he stepped on board the gun-boat,
+he was shown into the presence of Captain Wilson, the same who had
+commanded the Ticonderoga when Frank was attached to her.
+
+"Oh, is it you, Mr. Nelson?" he exclaimed, seizing the young officer's
+hand and shaking it heartily. "Then it's all right. I did not know but
+you were a rebel, and were going to run by; so I got my guns all ready
+to sink you. Sit down. Are you in command?"
+
+Frank replied that he was not, and then proceeded to repeat the orders
+he had received from the admiral, telling the captain of the fight with
+the battery, but carefully omitting any thing that related to the
+conduct of the lieutenant, he ended by saying that the pilot was
+wounded, and requesting that the doctor might be sent on board to attend
+to him, which was done at once, the captain offering to send another
+pilot to take his place.
+
+The transport lay alongside nearly two hours, during which time the
+pilot's wound, which was not dangerous, was dressed. The doctor then
+declared that he was able to go on to the mouth of the river, where he
+could be placed under the care of an army surgeon. Frank then took his
+leave of the captain, and stepped on board the transport, accompanied by
+one of the gun-boat pilots, who was well-known to the young officer, and
+he was confident that the lieutenant, if he should again take it into
+his head to give any unnecessary orders, would hear the truth plainly
+told. He was an old acquaintance of the wounded pilot, from whom he had
+heard the whole history of the trip from Alexandria; but as he had said
+nothing about the matter to Frank, the latter was not aware that he knew
+it.
+
+The pilot took his station at the wheel, while Frank seated himself on
+the boiler-deck railing. The lieutenant stood close by, and, without
+waiting to hear whether or not the engineers were ready to start,
+shouted:
+
+"Untie that line."
+
+"Hold on!" shouted the pilot. "Do you want to send us adrift without any
+steam? Wait till I tell you we're all ready."
+
+The engineers of the transport, taking advantage of the landing, had
+allowed the steam to go down, in order to repair some part of the
+machinery that was out of order, and had the line been cast off just
+then, the boat would have been at the mercy of the current, and in
+danger of sinking, for a short distance below lay an iron-clad ram,
+anchored in the river. The lieutenant had given his command in a loud
+tone, in order to be heard by the crew of the gun-boat, and the rebuff
+he had met from the pilot did not tend to quiet his feelings, which were
+considerably agitated by the thought that he was not in reality the
+commander of the vessel. He was astonished at the pertinacity with which
+his subordinates (as he considered them) countermanded his orders, and
+wondered what was the use of being captain of a vessel if he was not to
+be obeyed. But perhaps the new pilot did not know who he was. He would
+inform him. With this determination, he walked up to the pilot-house,
+and inquired:
+
+"Do you know, sir, that I command this boat?"
+
+"Yes," replied the pilot, "I know all about that. But you had better go
+and turn in; you are only in the way here. All ready, Mr. Nelson," he
+continued, as the engineer's bell rang at this moment.
+
+Frank gave the necessary orders, and in a few moments they were again on
+their way down the river, while the lieutenant walked into the cabin and
+threw himself on a lounge, heartily wishing there were no gun-boat men
+in existence. As soon as they were fairly under way, Frank, seeing that
+the lieutenant took no further notice of what was going on, ran below to
+set the watch; then, after satisfying himself that every thing was right
+about decks, and that their weapons were ready for instant use, he
+stretched himself on a blanket in the cabin, and with his precious
+dispatches (which he had carried with him wherever he went) for a
+pillow, was soon fast asleep.
+
+About midnight he was suddenly awakened by a terrific crash, and sprang
+to his feet to find the cabin shrouded in darkness and filled with
+smoke. Hastily thrusting his dispatches into his pocket, he commenced
+groping for his side-arms, which, on retiring, he had placed by his
+side, while a commotion on deck told him that the crew were hurrying to
+their stations. When he had found his sword, he ran out of the cabin,
+and saw his men drawn up behind the cotton-bales, under charge of the
+coxswain, who ran up to his officer and hurriedly asked for orders. The
+latter did not long remain ignorant of the nature of the attack, for a
+shell plunged into the cabin which he had just left, and, exploding with
+a deafening report, filled the air with fragments of furniture, and tore
+a large hole in the deck above the boilers. The night was very dark, but
+still there was light enough for Frank to see that the boat, no longer
+obeying her helm, was drifting broadside toward the battery, the
+position of which could be easily determined by the flash of its guns;
+and it was evident that unless those guns could be speedily silenced,
+the transport would be altogether demolished, or disabled so that she
+would fall into the hands of the rebels. Turning to the coxswain, Frank
+inquired:
+
+"Is that cutter ready for immediate use?"
+
+"All ready, sir," was the answer.
+
+"Let loose those guns, then. Fire!"
+
+The two howitzers belched forth their contents, but while they were
+being reloaded, another broadside from the battery plunged into the
+boat, followed by the hissing and shrieking of steam. A shot had struck
+the boilers! The thought had scarcely passed through Frank's mind, when
+the pilot sprang down the steps, exclaiming:
+
+"Mr. Nelson, the tiller-rope is shot away, sir, and the boat is on
+fire!"
+
+In short, much sooner than Frank had expected, the transport was a
+complete wreck.
+
+The cotton-bales on the guards had been set on fire by a bursting shell;
+the tiller-rope shot away, rendering it impossible to steer the boat;
+the boilers penetrated, and the engine-room filled with hot steam, which
+now began to rise and envelop the men on the boiler-deck. Soldiers and
+sailors at once deserted their quarters and ran about in confusion,
+while Frank, with his handkerchief in his mouth, to prevent his inhaling
+the steam, stood wondering, where so many things were to be done, which
+ought to be done first. He was quickly called to action by the pilot,
+who, as he ran down the steps that led to the forecastle, exclaimed:
+
+"Let every man take care of himself!"
+
+When that man, who had been in nearly all the battles fought on the
+Mississippi River--who had run the batteries at Vicksburg, and had
+twice, in the heat of action, swam from a sinking vessel--when _he_
+deserted his post, it was useless for any one to remain. The transport
+could be of no further use to them, and to stay on board was to court
+either death from the hot, blinding steam, or the shells that all the
+while came crashing into the boat, or capture and hard treatment at the
+hands of the rebels. So thought Frank, as he followed his men to the
+forecastle, intending to enter the cutter, and, if possible, run by the
+battery and reach the Mississippi.
+
+The steam rolled over the lower deck in thick clouds, rendering it
+impossible for him to go aft. There was now but one way to reach the
+cutter, and that was to jump overboard and swim to her. This order was
+promptly given, and as promptly obeyed by the men, who sprang into the
+water, one after another, followed by Frank, who, however, had lingered
+a moment to pull off his side-arms and coat, which would only impede his
+progress, and to secure his dispatches, which he tied to his waist with
+a strong cord he happened to have in his pocket.
+
+But when he reached the stern of the boat, he found that this means of
+escape had been destroyed. A shell from the battery had struck the
+cutter, and her wreck, still hold by the rope with which she had been
+made fast, floated along with the steamer, which was slowly drifting
+toward the bank. Only one of his men was to be seen, and that was the
+coxswain, who was holding on to the wreck, awaiting the appearance of
+his officer. The others, giving up all hopes of escape, had doubtless
+turned toward the shore.
+
+"Now, here's a job, sir," said the coxswain, apparently as unconcerned
+as if there had not been a rebel within a hundred miles. "Here _is_
+a job. What's to be done now, sir?"
+
+Frank had just asked himself the same question. He could easily reach
+the shore, which was but a few yards distant, but there he would
+certainly be captured by the rebels, who were running along the bank,
+yelling like demons.
+
+There was but one course he could pursue and save himself and
+dispatches, and that was to swim down the river and endeavor to pass the
+battery. In the darkness he might escape undiscovered.
+
+"Bob, are you a good swimmer?" he asked, turning to the coxswain.
+
+"Yes sir! can swim all day," was the reply.
+
+"Then follow me as silently as possible, and we may yet escape."
+
+As Frank spoke, he swam down the river with swift, noiseless strokes,
+anxious to get as far as possible from the boat before the fire, which
+now began to make rapid headway, should light up the river and discover
+them to the rebels. The latter had ceased firing, and were scattered
+along the bank, making prisoners of the transport's crew as fast as they
+touched the shore. When Frank had reached the place where the battery
+was stationed, he turned upon his back, and allowed himself to float
+along with the current, and, aided by the darkness and the smoke of the
+burning transport, which blew down the river, he and his companion
+passed the dangerous point undiscovered. Here Frank again struck out,
+his every movement followed by the coxswain, who was close behind him,
+and who floated through the water like a cork.
+
+For nearly an hour they remained in the river, and it was not until the
+shouts of the rebels could be no longer heard, that Frank, feeling for
+the present safe from pursuit, swam to the shore and sat down to rest,
+and to determine upon their future movements.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+Up the Washita.
+
+
+All noise of pursuit, if any had been made, had died away, and not a
+sound disturbed the stillness of the woods. But Frank had learned, by
+experience, that silence was not indicative of safety, for it might, at
+any moment, be broken by the report of muskets, or a sudden demand for
+surrender from enemies who had followed them so silently that their
+approach had not been discovered. He bent suspicious glances upon the
+woods on all sides of him, and was ready to plunge into the water again
+upon hearing the least sounds of pursuit.
+
+What had become of the wounded pilot, the lieutenant, and the rest of
+the cutter's crew? All who had succeeded in reaching the shore, were,
+beyond a doubt, prisoners.
+
+Frank shuddered when he thought of the hard fare and harder treatment
+that awaited the poor fellows, recalling to mind incidents of his own
+capture and escape, which made him doubly anxious to reach the
+Mississippi as soon as possible, where he would be safe among friends.
+
+After resting nearly an hour, for their long swim had wearied them, they
+continued their flight down the river, being careful to keep close to
+the bank, so that in case of emergency they could again take to the
+water. The shore was covered with logs and bushes, and their progress
+was slow and laborious. But daylight came at length, and shortly
+afterward they discovered a transport coming up the river. When she
+arrived opposite to them, Frank hailed her, and the boat landed and took
+them on board. Frank gave the information that there was a battery
+above, and the captain, not liking the idea of trusting his unarmed
+vessel within range of its guns, ordered the pilot to round-to and start
+down the river again. The order was obeyed at once, and Frank and the
+coxswain, who now began to breathe more freely, went below and stood
+before the fire-doors to dry their clothing. About noon they arrived at
+the Mississippi River, the transport landing alongside the vessel of the
+commanding naval officer, to whom Frank delivered his dispatches in
+triumph, at the same time apologizing for his appearance, for he was
+without coat, hat, or side-arms.
+
+Among these dispatches of the admiral were orders for two tin-clads to
+report at Alexandria. These vessels were to be used to keep the banks
+clear of rebels, to carry dispatches, and to convoy unarmed steamers up
+and down the river. The necessary orders were promptly issued, and in a
+short time the tin-clads came alongside; their commanders received their
+instructions, after which the vessels steamed up Red River, one of them
+having Frank and the coxswain on board. The former had in his possession
+several official documents addressed to the admiral. If he could have
+seen the inside of one of them, he would have found (greatly to his
+surprise) that it contained a complete history of the run from
+Alexandria, that it spoke in the highest terms of his skill and bravery,
+and ended with a recommendation for a master's appointment. This letter
+had been written by the captain to whom Frank had delivered his
+dispatches, he having learned the full particulars from the coxswain,
+whom he had summoned into his presence while Frank was in the wardroom
+eating his dinner. The sailor described all that had happened in glowing
+language, dwelling with a good deal of emphasis upon the "pluck"
+displayed by his young officer, and the ignorance and cowardice of the
+lieutenant, and ended with saying, "He didn't think of nothing, sir, but
+them dispatches; and it an't every man that could have saved 'em, sir."
+The captain fully agreed with the coxswain, and when the latter was
+dismissed, he gave his pants a vigorous hitch, and said to himself, "If
+Mr. Nelson don't get another stripe around his arm now, may I be
+keelhauled." And one, to have seen him, would have thought that he was
+as much pleased at the prospect as though he was about to receive the
+appointment himself. Frank, of course, knew nothing of this, and little
+imagining that he was carrying a recommendation for his promotion, he
+put the letters carefully away in his pocket, thinking, no doubt, they
+were all-important official documents.
+
+A short time before dark they arrived at the junction of the Black and
+Washita Rivers, where Frank found the Michigan anchored, in company with
+four or five other gun-boats. He reported his safe return to his
+captain, and then went into the wardroom and sat down to report to the
+admiral by letter, according to his instructions. After all he had
+passed through, one would suppose that his report would have been a long
+one; but he wisely thought that all the admiral cared to know was that
+his dispatches had been safely delivered. He therefore wrote, in the
+briefest manner--
+
+"I have the honor to report that, in obedience to your orders of the
+20th inst., I took passage on board the United States army transport
+"Key-West," for the mouth of Red River, with dispatches, which were
+delivered into the hands of the commanding naval officer there. I have
+to-day returned on board my vessel."
+
+This was all. No glowing description of the gallant manner in which he
+had taken the transport by the battery, no mention of the ever-watchful
+eye he had kept upon his dispatches, or of his long swim from the
+burning wreck, but a few simple lines, that told the admiral all he
+wished to know; namely, that his letters had reached their destination.
+This report Frank placed before the captain, who wrote upon it "approved
+and respectfully forwarded," (for all letters from subordinate officers
+to the admiral had to pass through the captain's hands,) and the letter
+was put into the general mail. Frank then, in obedience to the captain's
+order, proceeded to give that gentleman a minute account of the manner
+in which he had executed his orders, together with the names of the men
+belonging to the cutter's crew who were missing, and wound up with the
+request that "something might be done for the coxswain," for he was a
+brave man, and a good sailor. As the Michigan had but one boatswain's
+mate, (she was entitled to two,) the captain determined to promote the
+man, who was at once summoned into the cabin and presented with the
+boatswain's whistle. He retired, proud of his promotion, and firm in his
+belief that "the captain and Mr. Nelson were the best men afloat."
+
+Frank, so weary that he could scarcely walk, was glad to get to bed; but
+the captain sat for a long time at his desk, writing a letter to the
+admiral, which contained the statement that, in his opinion, "Acting
+Ensign Frank Nelson, by the gallant manner in which he had executed the
+important business intrusted to him, had nobly earned his promotion,
+and, by the skill and judgment he had exhibited in handling the
+transport, had shown that he was fully capable of taking charge of a
+_vessel of his own_, and that his past history, taken in connection
+with his recent exploit, was sufficient guarantee that the honor of the
+flag would never suffer in his hands."
+
+Frank, all unconscious of the admiration his gallant behavior had
+excited in the mind of the captain, slept soundly until daylight, when
+he was called up to get the vessel under way. The expedition was
+composed of five gun-boats, and its destination was Monroe, a small town
+about two hundred miles up Washita River. Its object was to capture
+cotton, and to destroy any fortifications that might be found along the
+banks. The remainder of the fleet, which was at Alexandria when Frank
+left, had gone up Red River, toward Shreveport. Had he been allowed his
+choice in the matter, Frank would have preferred to accompany the latter
+expedition, as he then would have been able, after Shreveport had been
+captured, to visit the prison in which he had been confined, and from
+which he had escaped in so remarkable a manner. He thought over all the
+scenes through which he had passed--his capture, the march to
+Shreveport, his flight from the prison, the bayonet-fight in the woods,
+the chase by blood-hounds--and they seemed to him like a dream.
+
+George Le Dell, who was the officer of the deck, stood close beside
+Frank, gazing about as if every object that met his eye was a familiar
+one. Every turn of the paddle-wheels was bringing him nearer to the home
+of his childhood, from which he was now excluded by the stern mandate of
+his rebel father. Ever since he had been attached to the Michigan, he
+and Frank had been bosom friends. The dangers through which they had
+passed while fugitives from a rebel prison--their hair-breadth escapes
+from recapture--could never be forgotten. No one on board besides Frank
+knew any thing of George's past history. In accordance with the latter's
+desire, the secret was closely kept, and no one imagined that the pale,
+quiet young officer was any relation to the rebel general whose house it
+had been ordered should be burned. Ever since the receipt of that order,
+every one remarked that George Le Dell had been unusually thoughtful,
+but no one knew the cause.
+
+"Mr. Nelson," said he, at length, "I wish I could have gone up Red
+River. I want to see home once more, but I don't want to stand by and
+see the old house burned over the heads of my mother and sisters. I
+don't deny that the order is a just one, but I don't want to see it
+executed. I begin to believe that I am a good prophet," he continued,
+after a moment's pause. "I told father, in the last letter I ever wrote
+to him, that this war would bring him nothing but suffering and
+disgrace, and I think he will find that I told the truth."
+
+As George ceased speaking, he turned and walked to another part of the
+deck, to meet the captain, who at that moment came out of his cabin.
+
+Among all the ship's company, there was but one that could sympathize
+with George, and that one was Frank. The young officer cherished an
+honest enmity toward the traitors whose bloody hands were stretched out
+to pull down the Old Flag under which his ancestors had fought and died,
+but when Frank looked upon the pale face of his messmate, and listened
+to his oft-repeated sentiments of loyalty, and heard him, in his quiet
+way, expressing his firm belief in the final triumph of the Government
+and the total overthrow of the rebellion, and when he witnessed his
+quiet submission to his cruel fate, knowing that he was cut off from all
+further intercourse with his relatives, he could not help pitying both
+him and his rebel parents. But he knew, from those letters he had read,
+and which George still preserved, and from what he had witnessed on that
+memorable night when he and his companions had stopped at the plantation
+and asked for food, that the general and his family had taken part with
+the rebellion, not to secure any rights which they imagined had been
+denied them, but to assist in "establishing a confederacy of their own,
+whose corner-stone should be slavery," and to destroy "every vestige of
+the old Union." Like George, he knew that the order to burn the house
+was a just one; but he would have been much better pleased had some
+other boat been selected to execute it. He did not pity the rebels so
+much, but he did not want to witness the sorrow his messmate would
+experience when he saw the home of his boyhood enveloped in flames.
+
+The next day, as the two friends stood together on deck, George suddenly
+said--
+
+"We're almost there. I know these woods well. I've caught many a string
+of fish off that log that lies in the water just ahead."
+
+About half a mile further on, the Michigan came round a sharp bend in
+the river, and they saw the plantation before them. Every thing looked
+just as it did on that long-to-be-remembered night when George had
+suddenly presented himself before his relatives, who thought him safe in
+the prison at Tyler. There were the broad stone steps that led up to the
+portico on which the major had stood while making known his wants, and
+just in front of them were the posts to which the general and his sons
+had fastened their horses before entering the house.
+
+The fleet did not stop, as they had expected, but kept on up the river,
+and in a few moments more the plantation was out of sight. No doubt the
+burning of the house was to be put off until their return.
+
+The expedition reached Monroe without mishap, and without seeing a
+single armed rebel, only stopping now and then to pick up cotton, which
+was scattered all along the bank. The vessels remained at anchor in
+front of the town for two days, and after burning the public buildings,
+and picking up some escaped Union prisoners, started down the river
+again. The Michigan led the way, and on the afternoon of the second day
+came to anchor in front of General Le Dell's plantation.
+
+"Mr. Nelson," said the captain, as he stepped down out of the
+pilot-house, "order two companies of small-armed men to be called away,
+and you and Mr. Le Dell get ready to go on shore with me. By the way,"
+he added, turning to George, "I have orders to burn out this rebel
+namesake of yours."
+
+"So I have heard, sir," replied George, while not a muscle of his face
+quivered to show the surprise and sorrow he felt at being obliged to
+accompany the expedition ashore. He had hoped that some other officer
+would be chosen to accompany the captain, but he could not ask to be
+excused from duty without exciting suspicions. The reason why he did not
+wish to go could be easily guessed, and if the truth became known, it
+would be followed by what he particularly desired to avoid--the sympathy
+of all his messmates. He would accompany the expedition, but he would
+neither enter the house or go into the presence of his mother and
+sisters, and he might return without being recognized. By the time he
+had buckled on his sword and returned to the deck the men were ready,
+when, in obedience to Frank's order, he marched them on board the tug,
+which lay at the stern of the Michigan. When they reached the shore,
+Frank instructed George to post sentries all around the house, both to
+guard against surprise, and also to prevent the escape of any rebel
+soldiers who might chance to be in the building, after which he
+accompanied the captain to the door, where they were met by Mrs. Le Dell
+and her daughters, who coldly received their salutations, and waited for
+them to make known the object of their visit.
+
+"Madam," said the captain, addressing himself to Mrs. Le Dell, "I am
+ordered to burn your house."
+
+"I have been expecting it for a long time," was the reply.
+
+"I will give you a reasonable time," continued the captain, "to remove
+your valuables."
+
+The lady then requested that an hour might be allowed her to send for a
+neighbor, who lived several miles distant, to come with his team to
+remove the furniture to a place of safety, as all the wagons about the
+plantation had been given up to the rebel army. This was granted, and a
+note, which was first presented for the inspection of the captain, was
+at once dispatched to summon the neighbor.
+
+In the meantime, Frank and George were strolling about the plantation,
+the latter feasting his eyes on every familiar object, and recalling to
+mind incidents of the "good old times," as he expressed it. Frank also
+recognized two objects; one was the barn where he and his
+fellow-fugitives had halted to hold a consultation before going up to
+the house; and the other was the fence behind which the captain had left
+their prisoner, bound hand and foot. While thus engaged, a little boy,
+who had approached them without being discovered, suddenly called out,
+
+"George!"
+
+The latter turned, as the familiar voice reached his ear, and held out
+his hands to his brother, who sprang toward him, threw his arms around
+his neck, and burst into tears. There was one among George's relatives
+who still remembered and loved him.
+
+"George," sobbed the little fellow, "are you a Yankee 'bolitionist?"
+
+Tears choked George's utterance, and the boy, suddenly breaking from his
+arms, ran toward the house, and scrambling up the steps, burst into the
+room where the captain and ladies were seated, and astonished them all
+with:
+
+"Mother, mother! George is here! He's come back!"
+
+Both mother and daughter appeared to be considerably agitated upon
+receiving this news, and the captain noticing it, the suspicion flashed
+across his mind that it was one of their rebel friends. He glanced out
+at the door, and saw his two officers standing quietly together, the
+sentinels walking their beats, and felt satisfied that the rebel,
+whoever he was, might consider himself a prisoner.
+
+"Who do you mean, my little man?" he asked, putting his hand on the
+boy's head. "What is his other name?"
+
+"George Le Dell," replied the boy, promptly. "He's my brother. He's out
+there," and he pointed toward the place where George and Frank were
+standing.
+
+"Is that your brother?" asked the captain in surprise, as he turned
+toward Mrs. Le Dell for an explanation.
+
+"I have a son in the Federal navy," replied the lady.
+
+"Then, madam," said the captain, "if that young man out there is your
+son, allow me to say that you have every reason to be proud of him."
+
+At this moment the neighbor for whom they had sent arrived, and he and
+the captain held a long conversation; after which, to his surprise,
+Frank was ordered to collect the men and march them on board the tug.
+The Michigan remained at her anchorage until the flag-ship of the
+expedition came down, when the two captains had a short consultation,
+and both vessels got under way and steamed down the river. The reason
+given why the order to burn the house was not executed was this: Unlike
+the majority of rebel commanders, General Le Dell had always treated
+Union prisoners who had fallen into his hands with the greatest
+humanity. Although he seemed to be particularly spiteful toward George,
+whom he called a "young traitor," he always endeavored to make the
+condition of other prisoners as tolerable as possible. The truth of this
+was attested by the soldiers they had picked up at Monroe, all of whom
+were officers, and they had done much toward saving the property. The
+captain of the Michigan had delayed to fulfill his orders until the
+arrival of his superior, in order to communicate some news he had
+received from the man who had been sent to remove the furniture, and
+when the flag-ship arrived, the order had been countermanded.
+
+"Perhaps every thing will come out right after the war," said George, as
+the two friends stood watching the plantation as long as it remained in
+eight. "If it does, we'll have the old house to live in."
+
+On the way down the river, large quantities of cotton were captured,
+which made both officers and men look forward to a good share of
+prize-money, and one afternoon--about a week after leaving Monroe--they
+reached Black River in safety.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+The Promotion.
+
+
+The next day, in obedience to orders from the admiral, the Michigan
+steamed up Red River, and came to an anchor in front of Fort De Russy. A
+few rebel soldiers had taken possession of the fortifications, and the
+vessel had scarcely dropped her anchor when they opened upon her with
+muskets. All hands were ordered under cover, and for two days were kept
+closely confined below. The bullets, which constantly whistled over the
+deck, did no damage beyond cutting down the flag--which, however was
+promptly hoisted again--and battering up the officers' rooms on the
+quarter-deck, which were not iron-clad. Several attempts were made to
+dislodge the rebels, but, as usual, without success. On the third day,
+however, a heavy firing up the river, in the direction of Alexandria,
+announced that the expedition was returning, and the rebels, fearing
+capture, hastily withdrew. Toward evening the fleet came in sight, some
+of the transports having gun-boats alongside of them for protection. The
+entire fleet bore marks of the handiwork of the rebels, in the shape of
+battered casemates, broken chimneys, and shattered upper works. Little
+had been accomplished beyond the capture of cotton, and both officers
+and men teemed delighted to find themselves once more on the way to the
+Mississippi River.
+
+In about an hour after the first boats of the fleet had made their
+appearance, a tin-clad came down, bearing the admiral's flag, and
+rounded-to and landed a short distance below the Michigan. Close behind
+her came another of the mosquito fleet, towed by a transport. Both
+vessels were badly cut up, especially the gun-boat, which was almost a
+wreck. Both chimneys had either been broken off by branches of trees or
+shattered by a shell, and her casemates were pierced in a hundred
+places. Her engines had also been disabled, and her wheel hung
+motionless in the water. Still she retained enough of her former
+appearance for Frank to recognize in her his old vessel, the Boxer;
+besides, he saw his cousin on the guards waving his handkerchief to him.
+While Frank stood watching the vessel, wondering how any of her crew
+could have escaped, and how Archie had conducted himself during the
+fights through which he had passed, the captain came up out of his cabin
+and exclaimed:
+
+"Mr. Nelson, you're wanted on board the flagship! Don't wait to get your
+side-arms, but go at once. The admiral is in a great hurry to see you!"
+
+Frank, wondering what new orders he was about to receive, ran down the
+ladder that led to the afterguard, reached the shore on a plank that
+extended from the stern of the vessel to the bank, and in a short time
+was in the presence of the admiral.
+
+That gentleman was so busy that he did not notice Frank, until one of
+his clerks exclaimed:
+
+"Admiral! here's Captain Nelson, sir."
+
+"Ah, yes," said the admiral, scarcely looking up from his work. "Sit
+down, captain; I'm very busy just at present."
+
+_Captain!_ Frank knew that neither the admiral nor his clerks were
+in the habit of making mistakes, but he thought they were certainly
+mistaken this time. Perhaps they were so busy they had not taken time to
+see who he was. But he was not kept long in suspense, for the admiral,
+after signing his name to several documents, turned in his chair, and
+picking up some letters that lay on his desk, handed them to Frank,
+saying:
+
+"Captain, there are your orders. I only wanted to see you to say that I
+wish them obeyed with the least possible delay. Have the Boxer back here
+as soon as you can, for I want to use her. Get your baggage on board and
+start at once."
+
+Frank, so bewildered that he scarcely knew what the admiral was saying,
+took the letters and hurried back to the Michigan. The captain met him
+at the gangway, and extending his hand, said, with a smile:
+
+"I'm sorry to have you leave us, Mr. Nelson. I suppose you have got it?"
+
+"I have something, sir," replied Frank, "but I don't know what it is."
+
+As he spoke, he tore open one of the envelopes, and hastily running his
+eye over the letter it contained, found, to his astonishment, that he
+was an acting master. The next one he opened was an order for him to
+report "to the commanding officer of the U. S. S. Boxer for duty and
+_command of that vessel_." The other contained instructions for him
+to "proceed to Cairo without delay, and place his vessel under repairs,
+and as soon as she was put in condition for service, to return and
+report to the admiral."
+
+"Just as I expected," said the captain, who seemed to be as highly
+elated as Frank himself. "Just as I expected, sir. You deserve it, and I
+congratulate you."
+
+Frank made some reply, in his excitement he hardly knew what, and
+hurried off to pack his trunk and bed-clothes. This being accomplished,
+his baggage was carried to the cutter, which lay alongside, and after
+taking leave of the captain and his messmates, he stepped into the boat
+and started for his vessel, which still lay at the bank, below the
+flagship, with the transport which was to tow her to Cairo. As he
+stepped on board the Boxer, he was met by Archie, and several of his old
+messmates, who greeted him cordially. The executive officer was in
+command, and to him Frank showed his orders, and requested that his
+baggage might be conveyed into the cabin. He then went on deck, and
+after ascertaining that the transport was ready to start, ordered the
+line cast off, and both vessels were soon on their course down the
+river.
+
+After finding they were fairly under way, Frank, accompanied by Archie,
+went into the cabin, and sat down to collect his thoughts, for, in the
+excitement of his unexpected promotion, he moved like one in a dream.
+The cabin steward had already taken his trunk into his state-room, and
+was engaged in making his bed. Captain Nelson! How strangely it sounded;
+and Frank repeated it several times, and gazed about the cabin as if he
+could scarcely believe that he was awake. He read his appointment and
+orders over and over again, both to fully understand what was required
+of him, and to convince himself that he was in reality the commander of
+a vessel. When he was made the executive officer of the very boat he now
+commanded, he had reached the height of his ambition, and his present
+position was a step higher than he had dared to look.
+
+The captain of a gun-boat generally lives in a little world of his own.
+He has a cabin all to himself, messes alone, and rarely has intercourse
+with his officers, except upon business. If he has a messmate, it is
+either a clerk, or the paymaster or doctor of the vessel. Frank was not
+entitled to a clerk, but he had a paymaster, and, at his request, Archie
+at once commenced the removal of his baggage into one of the vacant
+state-rooms in the cabin. While thus engaged, the orderly announced the
+executive officer, who entered to inquire if Frank had any orders to
+give. The latter replied that he had not, and for nearly an hour he
+remained in conversation with the executive, during which he learned the
+exact state of affairs about decks. Every thing appeared to be going on
+smoothly, and Frank had no desire to show his authority by issuing
+unnecessary orders. One by one the wardroom and steerage officers came
+in to congratulate the young commander, and when bed-time came they
+returned to their quarters, saying among themselves that "Captain Nelson
+didn't feel any bigger in his new position than he would if he were
+nothing but a Johnny master's mate."
+
+One afternoon, after they had reached the Mississippi River, as Frank
+sat at his desk, writing a letter to his mother, and Archie lay on the
+sofa close by, engaged in reading, there was a commotion on deck, and
+the orderly burst into the cabin, exclaiming--
+
+"Rebels, cap'n! A battery just ahead, sir!" And he had scarcely spoken,
+when there was a roar of cannon, and the shells burst over and about the
+vessels.
+
+"Call to quarters," said Frank, as he sprang to his feet and ran into
+his room after his side-arms and the keys to the magazine.
+
+The orderly disappeared, followed by Archie, who, throwing his book into
+the furthest corner of the cabin, ran on deck, without even waiting to
+get his hat.
+
+After ordering the executive, who met him at the door, to have the lamps
+in the magazine lighted, and to prepare for action, Frank ran into the
+pilothouse, and looking up the river, discovered a smoke arising from a
+point half a mile in advance of them.
+
+"Captain," shouted the commander of the transport, who stood in his
+pilot-house, "what do you want me to do?"
+
+"Take us up the river as fast as you can," shouted Frank, in reply.
+
+The captain had evidently seen some stirring times while up Red River.
+He was not accustomed to the noise and confusion of battle, and his
+actions indicated that he did not like the idea of attempting to run by
+the battery. But his orders from the admiral were to take the Boxer to
+Cairo as soon as possible, and he dared not disobey them.
+
+"All ready below, sir," was the word at this moment passed up through
+the trumpet.
+
+All the guns on board the Boxer were pointed at the battery, and the
+crew impatiently waited for the order to fire. Frank stood at his post,
+watching the battery through a spy-glass, and waiting until they should
+come to close quarters, so that he could make every shot count. All this
+while the shells had been dropping into the water, and shrieking through
+the air about the vessels, and one or two had found a lodgement in the
+wheel-house of the transport. They kept on in silence until they arrived
+almost opposite the battery, which stood out in plain view, unprotected
+by levee or other breastwork, and Frank then gave the order to open upon
+them. The crash that followed the order, as every gun that could be
+brought to bear upon the battery belched forth its contents, was
+terrific. Shells and canister rattled over the bank, cutting down the
+rebel gunners, and disabling one of their cannon. As quickly as
+possible, the guns were reloaded, and almost before the rebels had
+recovered from their panic, another broadside was poured into them, and
+when the smoke cleared away, the battery was standing deserted. Here was
+an opportunity that, to Frank, had he possessed men enough to back him
+up, would not have been lost; he would have landed, and captured the
+battery. But he was ignorant of the force of the rebels. There might be
+a regiment of them hidden away in the woods--enough to have captured the
+vessels the moment they touched the bank--and to have lost the Boxer
+scarcely a week after he had been placed in command of her would have
+been a misfortune indeed. He kept on up the river, shelling the woods as
+long as he could bring a gun to bear upon them.
+
+In a few days they arrived at Cairo, where Frank reported to the
+commandant of the station, and his vessel was at once placed in the
+hands of the workmen at the navy-yard. The work was rapidly pushed
+forward, and at the end of a month she was declared ready for service,
+and after she had been furnished with a full crew from the receiving
+ship, and Archie had laid in a stock of paymaster's stores, the Boxer,
+in obedience to orders, started down the river to report to the admiral.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+The Rival Spies.
+
+
+They found the admiral at Natchez, and when Frank had reported his
+arrival, he was ordered to take his station at Gaines' Landing--a place
+noted for guerrillas--which they reached in safety. For two or three
+days, nothing worthy of note transpired, the rebels, if there were any
+about, being careful not to show themselves.
+
+One night, while Frank was walking the deck, arm-in-arm with his cousin,
+the officer on watch approached, and said, in a low voice:
+
+"Look there, sir! What kind of a craft is that?"
+
+Frank looked in the direction indicated, and an object about the size of
+a man's head could be dimly seen in the water, silently but rapidly
+approaching the vessel. It came from toward the nearest shore, and the
+thought that it was a torpedo instantly flushed through his mind. Taking
+the spy-glass from the quarter-master, he leveled it at the object, and
+could distinctly see that it was a human head, and that it belonged to
+some one who was an excellent swimmer, for he was making rapid progress
+through the water.
+
+"I don't see any torpedo there," said he, at length, handing the glass
+to his cousin, "for the fellow, whoever he is, is using both hands."
+Then raising his it voice, he called out, "Who comes there?"
+
+"A friend," was the scarcely audible reply.
+
+"Come on board here."
+
+"That's just what I want to do," answered the man, who, with a few more
+strokes, was near enough to be seized by the quarter-master--who had ran
+below with a lantern--and lifted upon the guards.
+
+"Who are you, and what are you doing here at this time of night?" asked
+Frank, as soon as the man had come on deck.
+
+"My name is William Striker," was the answer, "and I am an escaped Union
+scout."
+
+Frank took the lantern from the quarter-master's hand and held it up, so
+that he could obtain a good view of the man's face. He was certain he
+had seen it before, but could not remember where.
+
+"I have a better memory than you, sir," said the man at length. "I have
+seen you before. I met you in the trenches at Vicksburg."
+
+As the man spoke, he produced a bundle of wet papers, from which he
+selected one that he handed to Frank. It was the appointment of major,
+and addressed to William Striker, United States Scout. But this was no
+proof that the man was in reality what he professed to be, for Frank
+remembered that he had once passed himself off as Lieutenant Somers, of
+the rebel army, and had shown his appointment and orders to prove it. It
+was true that he wore the dress of a Union major, but that might have
+been obtained in the same manner that Frank once got his rebel uniform.
+There was something suspicious in a man's presenting himself on board
+the vessel at that time of night, and in so uncommon a manner.
+
+"Well," said Frank, "if you were in the trenches at Vicksburg, tell me
+something that happened there."
+
+The soldier then told Frank of the experiment of which the latter had
+made use to see "how far off the rebels were," during which he lost his
+cap, the rebel who captured it offering to "trade" for it a tattered
+slouch-hat with a bullet-hole in it, and informed him that he was the
+scout who had told him the story of his "partner" Sam, and their raid
+into the rebel camp, which resulted in the capture of Colonel Peckham.
+He also related other little incidents which Frank had not forgotten,
+and which proved that he was in reality the scout whom he had met in the
+trenches, and not a rebel spy, as he had at first feared. Being fully
+satisfied on this point, the major was conducted into the cabin, and
+while he was exchanging his wet clothes for some that Frank and Archie
+had provided for him, the former ordered his steward to prepare supper
+for their guest, for he knew, by experience, that a man who had been a
+prisoner among the rebels was hungry. The major sat down to the table
+with a most ravenous appetite, and the good things the steward had
+prepared rapidly disappeared. When he had finished his meal, in answer
+to Frank's inquiry how he came to be a prisoner, he gave the following
+account of his adventures, which he remarked were a "little ahead of any
+thing he had ever gone through."
+
+"In the first place," said he, "I must tell you what became of my
+comrade, Sam, as it was in endeavoring to assist him that I was
+captured. His career as a scout, although an exciting one, full of
+stirring adventures and hair-breadth escapes, was brought to a close
+soon after the capture of Vicksburg.
+
+"When the army again took up its line of march, we made several
+excursions into the rebel lines, and one night we stopped at a
+plantation-house to shelter ourselves from the rain, for it was storming
+violently, and also to see if we could not pick up some information that
+might be of use to us. The only inmate of the house was an old woman,
+who, believing us to be rebels, talked freely with us on all subjects;
+and during the conversation, which finally turned upon scouting,
+informed us that there was a scout in the rebel army who was far ahead
+of any "Yank" that ever lived. He was described as a daring,
+quick-witted fellow, and many a disaster that had befallen us was owing
+to him. As I listened to the stories told of him, I came to the
+conclusion that there was a good deal of truth in them, and that some
+spy must indeed have been in our camp, for the woman was acquainted with
+several moves we had made, and which had been defeated, the particulars
+of which, I thought, were known only to the general and his staff. This
+led me to believe that the scout, whoever he was, staid about
+head-quarters, else how could he obtain so much information.
+
+"The woman seemed to be well acquainted with him and his movements, and
+told us of several of his exploits, which, if true, showed the spy to be
+a man admirably fitted for his position. I listened attentively to all
+she said, in hopes I should learn something of his personal appearance,
+for I had made up my mind that as soon as I could find out his
+movements, he and I would have a meeting, But all I could learn was that
+his name was Bob Cole.
+
+"'Well,' said I,'do you know that as long as I have been in the army, I
+have never seen this man?'"
+
+"'Haven't yer!' exclaimed the woman, in surprise. 'Wal, come to think, I
+don't know as that is so funny, arter all, 'cause he's in the Yankee
+camp most of the time, an', as they think he is one of them, he goes an'
+comes when he pleases, He's a smart one, I tell yer. Some of the boys
+told me that he is a goin' to bring in a prisoner this week, in the
+shape of a Yankee scout an' spy. Bill Striker is his name, I believe. Do
+yer know him?'
+
+"I couldn't help starting when I found that I was known to this noted
+rebel; but the woman didn't notice it, and I replied:
+
+"Oh, yes! I've heard of him.'
+
+"'Cordin' to all accounts,' continued the woman, 'this Yankee an't much
+behind Bob, for he has often been in our camp, an' he don't allers go
+back empty-handed. If he ketches a feller in an out-of-the-way place, he
+is sartin to gobble him up. But his time is most up now, 'kase Bob never
+fails in any thing when he onct gets his mind sot on it, an' when I
+heerd that he was a goin' to ketch this Yank, I believed he would do it.
+
+"It was very encouraging to sit there and listen to a person talk so
+confidently of my speedy capture; but, as it happened, I had been put on
+my guard, and another thing, I didn't have quite as much faith in Bob
+Cole as his rebel friends had, and was in no way concerned about his
+being able to fulfill his promise. It set me to thinking, however, and I
+determined I would not sleep sound until I had found him, and then there
+would be a prisoner taken, sure; but it wouldn't be Bill Striker.
+
+"'What kind of a looking man is he?' I asked, at length.
+
+"'Oh, he's a'--
+
+"Just at this moment we heard several horsemen going by the house, and
+Sam exclaimed:
+
+"'There are some of our boys now. Perhaps we are wanted.'
+
+"I knew well enough what he meant. Although we had frequently met rebels
+while scouting about through their lines, we were not at all fond of
+them, and did not want to be in their company if we could help it.
+
+"Those who had just gone by might at any moment return and enter the
+house; and besides, it occurred to me that if I was so well known to the
+rebel spy, I was not safe except in our own camp. I might, at any time,
+run into a trap he had laid for me. At any rate, we thought it best to
+get within our lines as soon as possible; so, without waiting to hear
+the woman's description of Bob Cole, we bid her good night.
+
+"We reached our camp in safety, reported our return, and the next
+morning I walked up to headquarters, where I remained until dark,
+talking with the general's hostler, and keeping an ear open for news,
+but was obliged to go away without hearing any. The next day I was kept
+busy carrying dispatches, and when I returned at night, I learned that
+Sam had gone into the rebel camp, as they were making some movement, the
+particulars of which the general was anxious to learn. I thought nothing
+of it at the time, but when night came and he did not return, I began to
+fear that he had been captured or killed. It then occurred to me that if
+I could get back to the house where lived the woman who had told us of
+Bob Cole, I might learn something that would be to my advantage; so I
+put on my rebel uniform, and in a few moments was out of the lines. I
+reached the house in safety, and was delighted to find there were no
+rebels about. The woman seemed glad to see me, brought me a cup of water
+to drink, and after a few minutes' conversation exclaimed:
+
+"'Wal, they've gobbled up one of them fellers!'
+
+"'Which one?' I asked.
+
+"'I don't know his name. Bob done it. He seed him leave the Yankee camp,
+an' follered him, an' while they were ridin' along together, he tuk out
+his pistol an' told the Yank to give up his we'pons; but the feller
+wouldn't do it, an' Bob had to shoot him. But he didn't kill him; he
+only shot him through the shoulder. He's sartin to be hung.'
+
+"You can easily imagine my feelings as I sat there and listened to this.
+It required a strong effort to subdue my feelings.
+
+"'How does Bob Cole disguise himself?' I asked, in as firm a voice as I
+could command. 'What does he do in the Yankee camp?'
+
+"'That's what nobody, 'sides Bob an' the general, knows,' answered the
+woman. 'Didn't you never see him? He's a little man, has black hair and
+eyes, wears no whiskers, and allers rides a little gray horse. He's
+smart, I tell yer.'
+
+"After talking awhile longer with the woman without learning any thing
+further, I mounted my horse and returned to camp. While I was eating my
+supper, I called to mind all the scouts with whom I was acquainted, but
+not one of them answered to the description of Bob Cole. There was one
+man in camp, however, who _did_ answer the description, and that
+was the general's hostler. Could it he possible that he was the spy?
+
+"At this moment an orderly entered to tell me that I was wanted at
+head-quarters. I followed him to the general's tent, received my orders,
+and began to get ready for the journey. As I came out of the tent I met
+the hostler, who inquired:
+
+"'Are you off again to-night, Bill?'
+
+"I replied in the affirmative, and he continued:
+
+"'Well, good luck to you. Don't let the rebs get hold of you.'
+
+"I mounted my horse and rode out of the camp, fully satisfied that if he
+was the spy I would soon know it.
+
+"The night was very dark, but I had traveled the road often enough to be
+well acquainted with it, and in an hour after I left our camp, I had
+passed the rebel sentries, and was fairly within their lines. As I was
+riding quietly along, keeping a good look-out on all sides, and pausing
+now and then to listen, I suddenly heard the clatter of horses' hoofs
+behind me, and some one called out, in a low voice:
+
+"Bill! Bill Striker!'
+
+"I instantly stopped, and a moment afterward up galloped the hostler.
+
+"'Don't make so much noise, Jim,' said I, nastily. 'But what on earth
+brings you here? Where are you going?'
+
+"'I'm after you,' he replied. 'The general told me to overtake you, and
+say that he had neglected to give you some very important orders.'
+
+"All this while he had been coming nearer and nearer to me, and having
+now got within reach, he suddenly seized my bridle, and presenting a
+revolver, exclaimed:
+
+"'Bill Striker, your scouting is up now! You're my prisoner!'
+
+"If he imagined that he had taken me by surprise he was very much
+mistaken. In an instant I had knocked aside the revolver, which
+exploded, sending the ball harmlessly past my head, and in a moment more
+I had wrested the weapon from him. Then, almost before he had time to
+think twice, I lifted him off his horse and laid him across my saddle,
+in front of me, as if he had been a bag of corn. He was very strong, as
+wiry as an eel, and struggled most desperately; but I had him at
+disadvantage, and when I thought of Sam, who was now a prisoner through
+the treachery of this fellow, I felt as if I had the strength of ten
+men. By the time I had fairly got hold of him, I was tearing down the
+road toward our lines, while his own horse had gone on toward the rebel
+camp. My only danger was in being cut off by the pickets. These passed,
+I would be safe, for I had no fears of being overtaken. There was no
+time to avoid them in jumping over fences and running through fields,
+for I knew that the report of the revolver had been heard, and that,
+unless I could reach our lines in a very few moments, Bob Cole would
+again be a free man and I would be the prisoner. I used my spurs freely,
+and my horse, which seemed to understand that he was called upon to make
+use of his best speed, carried us over the ground at a tremendous rate.
+In a short time I came within sight of a fire burning by the side of the
+road. I heard a loud command to halt, followed by the noise of a bullet
+as it whistled by my head, and the pickets were passed in safety. Half
+an hour afterward I dismounted in front of the general's tent, and
+delivered up my prisoner. You can't imagine how surprised our boys were
+to learn that we had had a rebel spy in our camp so long without knowing
+it. Bob Cole had played his cards remarkably well, and if Sam and I had
+not stopped at that house to get out of the rain, there's no knowing how
+much longer he would have been at liberty. But he was safe in the
+guard-house at last, and I must confess that I breathed more freely. If
+he was the only rebel who knew me, there was now no danger of running
+into a trap laid for my capture. My first hard work must be to attempt
+Sam's release. I knew it would be worse than useless to return to the
+rebel camp that night, for it had been aroused, and my own chances of
+escape would be none of the surest; so I let two days pass before
+setting out, and then I did not follow my usual course, but took a
+roundabout way to get behind their camp, where I would not run so much
+risk of meeting the pickets.
+
+"I reached the lines in safety, and as I was riding along by the side of
+the road, keeping my horse on the grass, to make as little noise as
+possible, I heard horsemen approaching, and presently up galloped a
+party of rebels. I thought they would pass without discovering me, but
+was mistaken, for one of them drew in his horse and exclaimed--
+
+"'Wal, ef here an't another,' and I was speedily surrounded, and
+commanded to 'hand over my we'pons.'
+
+"'Look here, boys,' said I, 'I've got a pass,' and I made a motion to
+produce it.
+
+"'Oh, we don't want to see your pass,' said the corporal who had charge
+of the squad; 'we've seed a dozen to-night that wasn't no 'count. You
+must go to the guard-house, 'cause you know it's the general's orders
+that nobody goes out o' camp.'
+
+"This showed me that I was not suspected of being a Federal, but was
+arrested as one of their own men who was endeavoring to get out of the
+lines.
+
+"'I know it's mighty hard,' continued the corporal, 'not to let a feller
+go home, when p'rhaps it an't five miles off; but orders is orders, you
+know. Howsomever, you wont hev no trouble to get out o' the guard-house,
+'cause--by gum! ef here an't some more,' and, as he spoke, he left me,
+and rode up to three men who were crouching in the fence-corner by the
+roadside. These were speedily secured, and we went on our way toward the
+guard-house. The rebel army, it appeared, was encamped in a part of the
+country where a number of regiments had been raised, and the men,
+anxious to see home and friends once more, were deserting by
+hundreds--'taking French,' as we call it. As we rode along, I learned
+something, from the conversation of my captors, that made me wish I had
+never taken Bob Cole prisoner, and that was, that Sam had died from the
+effects of the wound he had received while resisting the rebel. This
+was, perhaps, better than being hung, but how I wished I had known it
+before taking the spy to camp. I had put myself in danger without being
+able to be of any assistance to Sam, and I now set my wits to work to
+conjure up some plan for escape.
+
+"Finally, after capturing one more rebel who was about to 'take French,'
+we reached the guard house, which was a rickety old barn. As we entered
+the door, the rebels, with whom the house was filled, greeted us with
+loud yells, and slapped us on our backs, as though they looked upon our
+capture as a most excellent joke. The majority of our fellow-prisoners
+were confined for attempting to leave the camp to visit their friends;
+but putting them in the guard-house was only a farce, for I had not been
+in the room fifteen minutes before I saw three men make their escape
+through a window. I determined to try the same thing; so, after waiting
+a few moments, to see that they were not brought back, I walked up to
+the window and looked out. A sentinel was standing at the corner of the
+building, but as soon as he saw me he shouldered his gun and walked off,
+whistling. It was plain that he had no objections to my making my escape
+if I wished to do so, and, as soon as he was out of sight, I crawled out
+of the window, dropped to the ground, and walked off with an appearance
+of unconcern I was very far from feeling.
+
+"I had lost my horse, but that did not trouble me, for the camp was not
+far off, and I had no fears of pursuit. I had scarcely got safely out of
+their lines, however, before I became aware that I was followed. I
+turned and saw a party of men, who, keeping their horses on the grass at
+the side of the road, had succeeded in getting within pistol-shot before
+I heard them. As I sprang over a fence I heard my name pronounced,
+followed by the report of several revolvers and carbines, that sent the
+bullets about me altogether too close for comfort.
+
+"Well, to make a long story short, I laid about in the woods for a
+month, making a raid now and then on a chicken-roost, to supply my
+commissary department; but all this while the rebels followed me like
+blood-hounds. I had gone miles out of my way--in fact, I did not know
+where I was, until one day I was in with a party of guerrillas. I told
+them I was a reb on French leave, and on my way to visit my friends, who
+lived on the opposite side of the river. From them I learned that the
+Mississippi was sixty miles distant, and was also informed that there
+was a gun-boat at Gaines's Landing, and was advised to keep out of her
+way. This was the best news I had heard in a long time, and I determined
+to make the best of my way here. I came off to the vessel in the night,
+because I did not know but there might be rebels on the watch, and as I
+was entirely unarmed, I did not want to run any risks. Since leaving our
+camp, I have traveled nearly two hundred miles without a weapon of any
+kind, not even a pocket-knife; and if either of you has ever been a
+prisoner, you can easily imagine that I am overjoyed to find myself safe
+among friends once more. And now, captain," continued the scout, "I have
+a proposition to make you. The leader of these guerrillas whom I met
+back in the country makes his head-quarters in a deserted
+plantation-house about forty miles from the river. He never has more
+than two or three men with him, the others being scattered over the
+country, stealing horses from both rebels and Union people. Now, I would
+like to help capture him and break up his band of guerrillas, for he's a
+perfect demon, and never takes any prisoners. There is a house about ten
+miles from here where we can get all the horses we need, and three or
+four men could do the job nicely. This guerrilla's brother was formerly
+the captain of the band, but he was killed by a party of rebels, just as
+he was about to hang a couple of Union prisoners he had taken--gun-boat
+men, I believe. His name is Thorne, and--what's the matter, captain?"
+
+Frank had started upon hearing the name of the guerrilla chief at whose
+hands he and the mate had so nearly suffered death, and from which they
+were rescued by the Wild-cats, and just as he finished relating the
+story of the "Close Shave," the orderly entered the cabin and announced
+the dispatch-boat "General Lyon" approaching.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+A Scouting Party.
+
+
+Frank, of course, could not agree to the scout's proposition without
+first obtaining permission of either the admiral or Captain Wilson--the
+commander of the division to which the Boxer belonged. He did not know
+where to go to find the former, and besides, the latter had given him
+strict orders not to leave his station until relieved by some other
+vessel, and to allow no one to go ashore. The very nature of these
+orders put it out of his power to obtain liberty to carry out the
+proposed expedition. He went to bed pondering upon what the major had
+told him, and fell asleep without being able to conjure up any plan by
+which the capture of the rebel might be effected.
+
+The next morning, while at breakfast, the orderly entered the cabin and
+reported a gun-boat approaching. Frank at once went on deck, and when he
+had made out her signals, he found, to his delight, that it was the
+Manhattan, the flagship of the division to which the Boxer belonged.
+After ordering the officer of the deck to have the gig called away,
+Frank ran into the cabin, put on his side-arms, and, in company with the
+major, put off to the iron-clad.
+
+Captain Wilson received them cordially, listened with a good deal of
+interest to the scout's plan for the capture of the guerrilla, and
+finally gave Frank permission to "do as he pleased in the matter,"
+adding, "You have never yet failed in an undertaking of this kind, and I
+shall fully expect you to succeed in the present instance. I will be
+here again in about a week, and you can turn the prisoner over to me."
+The confident manner in which the captain spoke of his success, made
+Frank more determined than ever to capture the guerrilla, if within the
+bounds of possibility. After giving a short report of the state of
+affairs on his station, he returned to the Boxer, highly delighted with
+the result of the interview. Archie was no less pleased, for, although
+he had not said a word about accompanying his cousin, he looked upon it
+as a settled thing that he was to be one of the expedition. Frank, who
+knew the danger of the undertaking, and was anxious to keep Archie out
+of harm's way, would have preferred to leave him behind; but, as the
+latter had shown, in a remarkable manner, that he was equal to any
+emergency, the young commander could not deny him on the ground that he
+had never "smelt powder."
+
+The major advised Frank to take at least one more man; and this one was
+soon forthcoming in the shape of Tom, the coxswain of the first cutter,
+the same who had been left in charge of the boat on the night that Frank
+and Archie had broken up the head-quarters of the "Louisiana Wildcats."
+He was at once summoned into the cabin, and after the object of the
+proposed expedition had been explained to him, Frank inquired: "Now,
+Tom, do you want to go with us?" "Douse my to'-gallant top-lights! yes
+sir," he replied, eagerly. "But, Cap'n Nelson, I wouldn't like to be
+left behind, sir, when it comes to the dangerous part of the business,
+like I was on the night when the paymaster burned that house. I want to
+go with you to the end, sir, an' if I ever show the white feather, then
+may I be keelhauled!"
+
+Frank assured him that he would be allowed to accompany them wherever
+they went, and the coxswain departed satisfied.
+
+When night came, the gig was called away, and Frank, accompanied by the
+major, Archie, and the coxswain, was set on shore. When the boat had
+returned to the vessel, which was now in command of the executive
+officer, the major led his companions through the woods toward the place
+where the horses were to be obtained. They traveled in silence,
+following the motions of their guide, who walked along as if he well
+understood what he was about. The expedition certainly promised better
+than any in which Frank had before engaged. It was led by a man
+accustomed to scenes of danger, and was altogether composed of those
+whose courage and determination had, more than once, been thoroughly
+tested. They were all well armed, and, in addition to a brace of
+revolvers, the coxswain carried a heavy saber; for, as he remarked, he
+might be called upon to "repel boarders," and he wanted some weapon that
+he knew how to use.
+
+After three or four hours' walk through the woods they came to a fence,
+where the major paused. Before them was a wide field, in which stood a
+plantation-house. Bright lights gleamed in the windows, and the major
+turned to his companions and said:
+
+"There are more people in the house than there were last night."
+
+They all listened intently, and could hear an indistinct murmur of
+voices, and now and then the tramping of horses in the road that ran in
+front of the house.
+
+"There are some rebel soldiers in there," continued the major, "and we
+can now get our horses without any difficulty, already saddled and
+bridled."
+
+As he spoke, he led the way along the fence toward the road, and they
+presently came in sight of half a dozen horses which were tied in front
+of the house. No orders were necessary, for each one knew what was
+required of him. In a few moments they had quietly secured their horses,
+and were riding noiselessly down the road. As soon as they were out of
+sight of the house, they began to make an examination of their prizes,
+and found that the rebels, who, no doubt, had little dreamed that any
+one would disturb them there, had left their sabers attached to their
+saddles, and their pistols in their holsters. Frank and Archie also
+found themselves possessed, the former of a fine double-barrel shot-gun,
+loaded with buck-shot, and the latter of a heavy carbine; and the
+ammunition for each of these weapons had been left on the saddles. The
+horses were splendid animals, evidently the fruits of a raid upon some
+well-stocked barn-yard, for they appeared fresh and vigorous, and had
+undoubtedly been accustomed to the best of care. As soon as they were
+out of hearing of the people in the house, they put their horses into a
+gallop, and as the road was excellent, they made rapid headway. For hour
+after hour they kept on, stopping only now and then to water their
+horses. Just before daylight the major, who had scarcely spoken during
+the whole ride, suddenly came to a halt. As his companions gathered
+about him, he said, almost in a whisper: "Now, boys, we are at our
+journey's end. There's the house!" and as he spoke, he pointed to a
+large building just ahead of them. "My advice, captain," he continued,
+turning to Frank, "would be to ride carefully up in front of the house,
+hitch our horses--for of course, we must not lose them--and then burst
+open the door and gobble up the guerrilla before he has time to get out
+of bed."
+
+This plan was adopted. Riding noiselessly up to the gate, they
+dismounted, and after tying their horses, they drew their sabers (as it
+was their intention to rely entirely upon the _sight_ of these
+weapons to bring the guerrilla to terms). Then they entered the yard,
+and ascended the steps that led on to a wide portico. Here the major,
+who was in advance, paused a moment, to see that his companions were
+close behind him, and then, placing his shoulder against the door, with
+one strong push, forced it open. They all sprang into the house, Frank
+and Archie being close beside the major, and found themselves, to their
+utter astonishment, in the presence of a dozen guerrillas, who started
+from their blankets in alarm. So great was their surprise, that both
+parties for an instant stood gazing at each other, as if suddenly
+deprived of the power of action.
+
+"Sink my tarry wig, Cap'n Nelson, but here's a scrape for honest men to
+be in!" exclaimed the coxswain, who had kept as close to his officer as
+possible. "Here _is_ a scrape!"
+
+Their position was not an enviable one. There they were, forty miles
+from their vessel, almost in the heart of an enemy's country, and
+confronted by three times their number of armed rebels, who, no doubt,
+could be speedily reinforced. It was too late to retreat, even had they
+felt disposed to do so. But the idea never once entered their heads. So
+intent were they upon the capture of the guerrilla chief, that they
+thought of nothing else, and they were perfectly well aware that the
+only way to get out of the house was to fight their way through their
+enemies.
+
+The period of inaction lasted only for an instant; then a few of the
+rebels, springing to their feet, retreated precipitately through the
+back door; but the others, recovering from their surprise, and
+comprehending the nature of the attack, bravely stood their ground, and
+one tall fellow sprang forward and struck savagely at the major with his
+sword. But the scout was on the alert, receiving the blow upon his own
+saber, and before the rebel had time to renew his attack, a shot from a
+revolver stretched him lifeless on the floor.
+
+This opened the fight. The example of the rebel was quickly followed by
+his comrades, who, depending wholly upon their sabers, rushed upon the
+officers with the utmost fury. But they were bravely met. The latter
+stubbornly held their ground, and parrying the blows directed at them,
+used their revolvers with deadly effect. At this moment a door at the
+further end of the hall suddenly opened, and a man sprang out, carrying
+a short, heavy sword.
+
+"Give it to 'em, lads!" he shouted, hurrying forward to join in the
+fight. "Give it to 'em. No quarter to the Yankees!"
+
+This was the guerrilla chief, and the order he had just given told Frank
+and his companions, in plain language, that if overpowered, no mercy
+would be shown them.
+
+The rebels, encouraged by the voice of their leader, redoubled the fury
+of their attacks, and the officers were driven to the wall. The
+coxswain, on entering, had closed the door to prevent the escape of the
+guerrilla, and thus their retreat was cut off; but they had the
+advantage of position, for the rebels, unable to get behind them, must
+make their attacks in front. Already had their ranks been thinned by the
+fire of the revolvers, but those who had at first retreated now began to
+return and take the places of those who had been shot down. At last
+Frank's revolver was empty. He had another in his pocket, but could not
+get an opportunity to draw it. He must now depend upon his saber.
+Grasping it with both hands, he bravely met the attack of the leader of
+the guerrillas, who had succeeded in working his way in front of him.
+The latter's heavy sword descended with terrible force. Frank's guard
+was broken down, and he was sent reeling to the floor. The rebel again
+raised his sword, and, as Frank was entirely unarmed, he gave himself up
+for lost. One thought of home, of his mother and sister, flashed through
+his mind, and then he saw the bright blade swiftly descending. It was
+met, however, by the coxswain, who seeing the danger of his officer,
+interposed his own sword, and turned the rebel's weapon aside. Frank was
+on his feet again in an instant, and seeing a musket, with a bayonet
+attached, standing in the corner, he seized it with a shout of joy. If
+there was any thing he thoroughly understood, it was the
+bayonet-exercise. He remembered that the knowledge of it had once saved
+his life, and he had never let an opportunity to perfect himself in it
+pass unimproved. He now felt safe; and seeing the coxswain gradually
+retreating before the furious attacks of the guerrilla chief, he sprang
+forward, and with one blow sent the sword flying from his hand and bore
+him to the floor. This move was seconded by Archie, who sprang to his
+cousin's side with a revolver in each hand, firing right and left among
+the rebels, who, dismayed at the fall of their leader, began to retreat.
+But so closely were they followed, that escape was impossible. The
+chief, after trying in vain to regain his feet, and seeing the bayonet
+pointed straight at his breast, shouted most lustily for quarter.
+
+"Surrender!" shouted the major. "Throw down your arms!"
+
+The rebels having lost more than half of their number, and knowing the
+deadly effects of the revolvers which were aimed at their heads, gladly
+complied, and the fight was at an end.
+
+Although Frank and his companions had heard the order, "No quarter to
+the Yankees!" the thought of taking vengeance upon those who, had they
+been the victors, would have shown no mercy, never once entered their
+heads--they were more humane.
+
+With the surrender of the rebels the object of the expedition had been
+accomplished--the guerrilla chief was their prisoner!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+Tom the Coxswain.
+
+
+Now that the excitement was over, and Frank began to think more calmly,
+he found that he was wounded. The blow which had broken down his guard
+had spent its force on his head, which was bleeding profusely from a
+long, ragged cut. His face and clothing were covered with blood, but the
+wound had caused him no inconvenience. After Archie had bandaged it with
+his handkerchief, Frank began to look about him. The force of the rebels
+had originally consisted of fifteen men, of whom eight were lying,
+either dead or wounded, upon the floor. He could scarcely believe his
+eyes, and wondered how he and his companions had ever secured a victory
+against such heavy odds. Had the rebels, instead of relying upon their
+sabers and the superiority of their numbers, made use of the firearms
+that during the fight had become scattered about the hall, the result
+would have been far different. The fight, although a most severe one
+while it lasted, was not of more than five minutes' duration, and during
+that time eight rebels had been disabled, and six captured by four
+determined men; one only had escaped. As Archie afterward said, in a
+letter to his father, "It was the biggest _little_ fight" he was
+ever engaged in.
+
+"Now, boys," said the major, as soon as he had satisfied himself that
+the remaining rebels were disarmed, "we've no time to lose. Paymaster,
+you and the coxswain station yourselves in those doors, and keep a good
+look-out, to prevent surprise. Captain, we will secure these prisoners."
+
+One of the blankets that lay on the floor was speedily cut into strips,
+and with these the rebels, one after the other, were bound hand and
+foot. While this was going on, the leader of the guerrillas stood
+leaning against the wall, no doubt looking into the future, and
+pondering upon the punishment which, according to his own barbarous mode
+of warfare, he was certain would be meted out to him. He well knew what
+course _he_ would have pursued, had he been the victor instead of
+the prisoner, and, judging his captors by himself, he fully expected a
+speedy and terrible vengeance to be taken upon him. As these thoughts
+passed through his mind, he determined to make one bold effort at
+escape. Hastily glancing toward the door, where Archie stood looking up
+and down the road, he suddenly sprang forward, and giving him a violent
+push, that sent him headlong upon the portico, he jumped down the steps,
+and started for the gate at the top of his speed; but before he had gone
+half the distance, he was overtaken by the coxswain and thrown to the
+ground. The sailor, instead of standing in the door, in his eagerness,
+as he expressed it, to "ketch the first glimpse of any guerrilla craft
+that might be sailin' about," had come round to the front of the house
+just as the rebel had made his attempt to escape. Archie sprang to his
+feet and ran to the assistance of the coxswain, and by the time Frank
+and the major arrived, the rebel, who struggled most desperately, had
+been overpowered, and his hands bound behind his back. In a few moments
+more the prisoners were all secured, and, after a horse had been caught
+and saddled, the guerrilla placed upon it, his hands still bound, and
+the coxswain was ordered to take charge of him. The dead and wounded,
+together with the other prisoners, were left in the house, the doors of
+which were closed and fastened. They would, no doubt, soon be relieved
+by their friends, for the rebel who had escaped would, of course,
+procure assistance as soon as possible.
+
+As soon as the major had satisfied himself that every thing was ready
+for the start, he mounted his horse and led the way down the road. It
+was now broad daylight, and their first thought was to place a safe
+distance between themselves and the scene of the fight, and then halt in
+the woods until night, when they would return to the vessel. But if this
+plan was adopted, it would give the guerrillas, who, of course, would
+hasten to the rescue of their leader, time to get between them and the
+river, in which case their capture was certain. Frank, who believed that
+every instant of time was valuable, and who delighted in dashing
+exploits, was in favor of returning at once to the vessel. Their horses
+were comparatively fresh, and, if they rode rapidly, they could make
+good their retreat before a sufficient force could be collected to
+pursue them. The major and Frank talked over these different plans as
+they rode along side by side, and the latter course was finally adopted.
+It was at once communicated to the others, and they pushed forward with
+all possible speed. Frank and the major rode in front, followed by the
+coxswain, who held fast to the horse which their prisoner rode, and
+Archie brought up the rear. In this manner they dashed along, passing
+several plantation-houses, whose inmates ran to the doors and gazed at
+them in astonishment. Half a dozen miles were passed over in this way
+without stopping, except to water their horses, and without seeing a
+single armed rebel, and Frank began to hope that the dangerous part of
+the undertaking was passed. If attacked by a superior force, the chances
+were that they would not only lose their prisoner, whose capture had
+been effected in so gallant a manner, but also their own liberty, and
+the thought of the treatment they would receive, judging by the order
+the guerrilla chief had given his men at the commencement of the fight,
+was enough to nerve them to make the greatest exertions to effect their
+escape. They had reloaded their pistols, the effective use of which had
+gained them a victory over almost four times their number, and Frank and
+Archie carried the shot-gun and carbine which they had found attached to
+the saddles of their horses, ready for instant use.
+
+The rapid pace at which they were traveling had, at the end of an hour,
+put half a dozen miles more between them and the house where the fight
+had taken place, and they began to hope that, if they were followed at
+all, they were leaving the enemy behind. At length they came to a place
+where the road ran through a deep ravine, the sides of which were
+thickly covered with trees and bushes. They dashed along, their horses
+hoofs ringing loud and clear on the hard road, but as they came suddenly
+around a bend, almost before they were aware of it, they had run into
+the very midst of a small band of rebels, who were traveling as rapidly
+as themselves. They were not entirely unprepared for this encounter.
+Although they had hoped that they might be able to avoid it, they had
+held themselves in readiness for it, while the rebels, being taken by
+surprise, scattered in every direction, as if fully expecting to see a
+whole army of Federals close at their heels. As they dashed by, Frank
+fired both barrels of his gun, which emptied more than one saddle, and
+the others had just time to follow with a volley from their revolvers,
+when another bend in the road hid them from sight. It was quickly done.
+Before the rebels had time to think twice, the danger was over. The
+enemy had met them, sent three of their number to the ground, and
+disappeared as rapidly as they had come. But the rebels did not remain
+long inactive. They quickly satisfied themselves that those who had just
+passed were not the advance-guard of an army, as they had at first
+supposed, and presently the officers heard the clatter of hoofs behind
+them, accompanied with loud yells, and knew that the guerrillas had
+commenced the pursuit. Although, as we have said, the rebels had but a
+small force, they still greatly outnumbered Frank's party, and nothing
+but the most rapid flight could save them. Frank's only fear was that
+their pursuers would come in sight of them, and begin to pick them off
+at long range with their carbines, a proceeding which nothing but the
+numerous windings in the road prevented.
+
+"If we do not get into a scrimmage, boys," said the major, speaking as
+calmly as though he was at that very moment safe in the cabin of the
+Boxer, "we must stick together, if possible; but if they come on us in a
+heavy force, we must separate and every man take care of himself."
+
+"Oh, you needn't look so mighty pleased, Johnny!" exclaimed the
+coxswain, addressing himself to his prisoner, who now looking upon his
+rescue as beyond a doubt, could not repress a smile of triumph. "Shiver
+my timbers! you're not loose yet. You're just as safe here as though you
+were in the brig [Footnote: The brig is a small dark apartment in the
+hold of a vessel, in which culprits are confined.] and in double irons.
+Look as mad as you please, Johnny," he continued, as the guerrilla
+scowled savagely upon him, "a man who has smelt powder in a'most every
+battle fought on the Mississippi River an't often skeered by looks."
+
+The major had, several times during the retreat, cautioned the coxswain
+to keep a fast hold of his prisoner, and not to allow him to escape
+under any circumstances. But Frank, who knew his man, had never thought
+the caution necessary. He had often seen the sailor in action on board
+ship, and the gallant manner in which he had saved his officer's life
+during the fight at the house, had fully satisfied the young commander
+that the coxswain was not the man to shrink from his duty because it was
+dangerous. His reply to the major had been:
+
+"If this Johnny rebel an't safe in the brig tonight, sir, then Captain
+Nelson will have to make a new cox'son for the first cutter, an' another
+cap'n for that number two gun. I'll either take him safe through, or
+I'll never hear the bo'son pipe to dinner ag'in."
+
+All this while they had been tearing along the road as fast as their
+horses could carry them, but rapidly as they went, the sounds of pursuit
+grew louder, and the yells fiercer and more distinct, showing that the
+guerrillas were gaining on them. Suddenly they emerged from the woods,
+and found before them a long, straight road, with broad fields on each
+side. Before they could pass this, the rebels would certainly come in
+sight, and, if they did not overtake them, they would at least open fire
+on them with their carbines.
+
+Frank gradually drew in his horse and fell back beside his cousin.
+Archie was deadly pale, but he sat firmly on his horse and handled his
+carbine with a steady hand.
+
+"Archie," said he, "you and I must cover the retreat of the others.
+Don't waste your ammunition now."
+
+They had accomplished perhaps a quarter of the distance across the road
+when the foremost of their pursuers came in sight. In an instant Archie
+turned in his saddle, and leaving his horse to pick out his own road, he
+raised his gun to his shoulder and fired. A moment afterward a riderless
+horse was rearing and plunging about among the rebels, throwing them
+into confusion. This was the time for Frank, and he discharged both
+barrels of his gun in quick succession. The buckshot must have done
+terrible execution, for when the smoke cleared away, they saw the rebels
+retreating to the cover of the bushes. One, more daring than the rest,
+lingered a moment, to fire his carbine, and the fugitives heard the
+bullet sing through the air above their heads.
+
+Although they were not more than five minutes crossing the road and
+entering the woods on the opposite side, it seemed an age to them, and
+they had scarcely reached the cover of the trees, when the rebels again
+coming in sight, fired a scattering volley after them, which rattled
+through the trees and sent a shower of leaves and twigs about them. The
+guerrillas then continued the pursuit as fiercely as ever, every time
+they came in sight firing their carbines, which Archie answered with
+effect; but they wisely kept out of range of the buck-shot in Frank's
+double-barrel.
+
+Hour after hour the chase continued, the guerrillas every time they
+appeared having their ranks thinned by Archie's unerring rifle, until
+finally the fugitives heard a sound that told them in plain language
+that their danger was yet by no means passed. A whole chorus of hoarse
+yells arose from the depths of the woods, showing that their pursuers
+had received heavy reinforcements, and were urging forward their horses
+to overtake them, But the river was not more than two miles distant, and
+as the rebels were fully a quarter of a mile behind, they were confident
+they would yet escape, if their horses could hold out fifteen minutes
+longer. For some time past this had been their only fear. The rapid pace
+was telling on the animals severely, and Frank's horse especially began
+to show signs of distress, the young commander having several times been
+obliged to use the point of his saber to compel him to keep pace with
+the others. The rebels gained rapidly, and presently, just as the
+fugitives emerged from the woods, in full view of the river, they could
+hear the tramping of their horses behind them. Before them was a clear
+space of fully a mile in extent, that must be crossed before they
+reached the river, and their pursuers might overtake and capture them
+within sight of their vessel. Presently several men were seen running
+about on the deck of the Boxer, and then a puff of smoke arose from one
+of the ports, and a shell went shrieking over their heads and burst in
+the woods.
+
+The crew of the vessel, in obedience to Frank's orders, had kept a good
+look-out for them, and hearing the yells of the pursuing rebels, had at
+once opened fire. When the smoke cleared away, Frank saw the crew of the
+gig hurrying to their places. The boat was lowered into the water, and
+pulled rapidly toward the shore. If they could but reach the bank of the
+river they would be safe. At this moment the rebels appeared in sight,
+and a volley from their carbines sent the bullets about the fugitives
+like hail-stones. Frank turned in his saddle and fired one barrel of his
+gun among them, and was about to give them the contents of the other,
+when his horse stumbled and fell, throwing him at full length on the
+ground. Frank had been expecting this, and for the last half hour had
+ridden with his feet out of the stirrups, so that in case the accident
+did happen, he would not be entangled in the saddle. As it was, he was
+thrown some distance in advance of the horse, which, too exhausted to
+rise, lay panting on the ground. Frank, however, instantly recovered his
+feet, and was about to start after his companions, when he saw the
+coxswain, with a knife in his hand, working desperately to free himself
+from the saddle of his own fallen horse. Frank at once sprang to his
+assistance, and catching the knife from his hand, severed the strap that
+confined him, and set him at liberty. The coxswain, as soon as he had
+regained his feet, ran up to the horse which the prisoner rode, and
+which had stopped the moment the sailor fell, and pulling the guerrilla
+from the saddle, lifted him in his arms as though he had been an infant,
+and ran toward the boat. The rebels by this time were within easy
+rifle-range, and in spite of the shells that burst about them, seemed
+determined to effect the release of their leader, until one more
+accurately aimed than the others, exploded in their very midst, cutting
+down horses and riders with terrible slaughter; another and another
+followed, and when Frank and his companions stepped into the gig, the
+rebels were in full retreat. When they arrived on board the vessel, the
+coxswain delivered his prisoner to the master-at-arms, who ironed him,
+and lodged him safely in the brig.
+
+Their long ride had taxed their endurance to the utmost; but, by the
+next day, they had fully recovered from their fatigue, and shortly after
+dinner Frank ordered the officer of the deck to have all hands mustered.
+The crew speedily assembled on the quarter-deck, and among them stood
+the coxswain, who, at a motion from Frank, stepped out from among his
+companions, holding his cap in his hand, and looking altogether like a
+man who expected "a good blowing up" for some grievous offense. But he
+soon found that he was not to be reprimanded, for, to his utter
+astonishment, Frank proceeded to give the officers and crew a full
+account of the fight at the house, speaking in the highest terms of the
+old sailor's bravery. He then addressed the coxswain, saying:
+
+"Now, Tom, what can I do for you? What do you want? Would you like a
+leave of absence, to go home and visit your friends?"
+
+"Avast heavin' there, Cap'n Nelson, if you please!" answered the
+coxswain, hastily. "I was brought up on board a man-o'-war, sir," he
+continued, whirling his cap in his hand, "an' have follered the sea for
+goin' nigh on to thirty-five year, but this is the first time I ever had
+my cap'n say, 'Thank ye, Tom,' to me for doin' my duty. I an't the only
+chap, sir, that wouldn't see harm come to you. There's many a man in
+this crew that would have done the same thing, at the risk of his own
+life. As for home an' friends, sir, I have none. But, cap'n, there's one
+favor I have thought of askin' you for. There's no gunner's-mate on
+board this vessel, an' I think I can take charge of the magazine--don't
+you, sir?"
+
+This was a small reward for a man to ask of the captain, who would
+gladly have granted him any favor in his power; but promotion on board
+ship, among the men, is given only to the most deserving, and the old
+sailor made this request with a timidity he had never shown before an
+enemy; and even after he had made it, he regarded his officer as though
+he fully expected a refusal. But Frank, who could scarcely refrain from
+smiling at the man's earnest manner, turned to Archie and said:
+
+"Paymaster, please rate Thomas Willis on your books as gunner's-mate
+from the time the other mate was discharged."
+
+This was something more than the coxswain had expected. The former
+gunner's-mate had been discharged from the service nearly two months
+before, and this gave the old sailor a considerable amount of back pay.
+Frank had delayed the appointment of a gunner's-mate, not because he did
+not need one, but because there were many good men among his crew, and
+he wished to give the appointment to the most deserving, and thus make
+promotion something worth working for. Frank then dismissed the men, who
+returned to the lower deck, fully satisfied in their own minds that
+"Cap'n Nelson was the best man any crew ever sailed under."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+A Rebel Trick.
+
+
+The next day Frank and the major made out their reports of the
+expedition. The former's, as usual, was short and to the point,
+conveying, in a few lines, the information that their object had been
+accomplished. He described the fight in the house as a "short skirmish,"
+and made it appear that their success was owing to the gallant behavior
+of the major, Archie, and the coxswain. In fact, one, to have read the
+report, would have supposed that Frank had been merely a looker-on,
+instead of one of the principal actors. But the major went more into
+details, and the part Frank had taken in the fight was described in
+glowing language, and his bravery highly complimented. While thus
+engaged, the orderly entered the cabin and reported a small party of
+rebels approaching with a flag of truce. Frank went on deck, and saw
+several men galloping toward the vessel, waving a white flag, to attract
+their attention. When they reached the top of the bank, they dismounted
+from their horses, and appeared to be waiting for some one to come
+ashore.
+
+For some moments, Frank was undecided how to act. He remembered that he
+had once been sent on shore with a flag of truce which had not been
+respected, he having been detained a prisoner, and he did not like the
+idea of receiving a white flag from men whom he knew would not respect
+it themselves; besides, he had received no orders in regard to
+communicating with the rebels, and he did not know whether he had a
+right to do so or not.
+
+"Well, major, what do you think of this, sir?" he asked, turning toward
+the scout, who stood close at his side.
+
+"It's a trick of some kind, captain," replied the latter. "Depend upon
+it, it's a trick."
+
+"If that is so," said Frank, "I will try and find out what it is." Then,
+raising his voice, he called out, "What do you want out there?"
+
+"I want to come on board," shouted one of the rebels, in reply. "I want
+to see the captain."
+
+"Well, speak out; you can't come on board. What do you want?"
+
+The rebels consulted together for a few moments, and then one of them
+replied:
+
+"We have a Yankee prisoner, and want to exchange him for Captain Thorne.
+If you will let one of us come on board, perhaps we can make some
+arrangements with you."
+
+"You can't come on board," shouted Frank, "that's settled. But where's
+your prisoner?"
+
+"Out in the woods, under guard."
+
+"They've got no prisoner, captain," said the major. "All they want is to
+see the inside of your vessel, and find out how many men and guns you
+have."
+
+"Well, they'll have to go away without accomplishing their object," said
+Frank. "I can't make any arrangements for an exchange," he shouted,
+"until I see your prisoner."
+
+The rebels lingered a moment, as if in consultation, and then mounted
+their horses and rode away. Every one who had heard the conversation
+laughed at the idea of attempting to deceive Captain Nelson with so
+shallow a trick, and the circumstance was soon forgotten by all except
+Frank, who knew that the guerrillas would not abandon their project
+simply because their first attempt had failed. Although he made no
+remark, he resolved to be doubly vigilant, and to be ready for any
+emergency.
+
+Two days afterward the dispatch-boat came alongside, on her way up the
+river, and the major took passage on her for Cairo.
+
+"I'm sorry to be obliged to leave you, captain," said he, as he stood
+ready to start, "for, if I am not very much mistaken, you'll have lively
+times here before long. The rebels are up to something, depend upon it.
+Don't let them catch you off your guard. Good luck to you!"
+
+It was lonesome in the cabin after the major left, for he was a good
+companion, and both Frank and Archie had become very much attached to
+him.
+
+The dispatch-boat had scarcely left the Boxer, when the officer of the
+deck reported a canoe approaching. It came from up the river, and, by
+the aid of the spy-glass, they discovered that it contained two men and
+was loaded with vegetables. It was customary for gun-boats to purchase
+such provisions as they needed from the people who lived along the
+banks, and in some places market-boats were received regularly every
+day. The men were paid, either in money, or, as they generally
+preferred, in coffee, flour, or sugar, from the paymaster's store-rooms;
+but this was the first time the Boxer had ever been visited, and this
+circumstance, taken in connection with the flag of truce, made Frank
+suspicious.
+
+"Shall we allow them to come alongside, sir?" asked the officer of the
+deck.
+
+"Yes," replied Frank, who had already determined upon his plans, "allow
+them to come on board, if they wish to do so;" and here he gave the
+officer a few rapid orders, which the latter hurried below to execute.
+The Boxer had a full crew of sixty-five men, who were in an admirable
+state of discipline; but Frank had sent the officer below to order the
+most of the men into the hold, out of sight, and to remove the small
+arms about the deck. The major's warning was still ringing in his ears,
+and the young commander could not rid himself of the impression that the
+market men who were now approaching were in some way connected with
+guerrillas. If it was a trick, he resolved to help it along. As the boat
+approached, it was hailed by the sentinel on the fore-castle, who asked
+the men their business, and was informed that they had "garden truck"
+which they wanted to "swap for sugar, flour, an' sich like."
+
+The men were then permitted to come alongside, and one of them was at
+once conducted into the cabin, where a bargain was soon concluded, Frank
+agreeing to take the whole boatload of vegetables, and to give the man
+two pounds of flour, three pounds of sugar, and six pounds of coffee.
+The young commander was now fully satisfied that the only object of the
+men in visiting the vessel was not to dispose of their vegetables, for
+the man rather overdid his part. He gazed with open mouth at every thing
+he saw, in regular country style, but it was not natural, most of his
+wonder, as Archie expressed it, being "put on." The latter went below to
+order his steward to procure the provisions, and the man inquired--
+
+"Will yer let a feller look about a leetle? This is the fust time I was
+ever on a gun-boat."
+
+"Certainly," replied Archie, who had received his instructions from
+Frank; "look about all you please;" and while the steward was weighing
+the coffee and sugar, he accompanied the man about the vessel. There
+were not more than a dozen sailors on deck, and most of these appeared
+to be asleep.
+
+"Be these all the fellers you-uns hev got?" asked the man.
+
+"What's the use of having any more?" replied Archie. "There's no danger
+here."
+
+"That's so," was the answer; "I haint seed a rebel round for more 'n six
+months, dog-gone if I hev."
+
+The man walked slowly about the deck, carefully examining every thing he
+saw, and acting altogether like a backwoodsman who had never seen a
+gun-boat before. Finally, he said:
+
+"I've heered as how all these 'ere boats hev got hot water; has yourn?"
+
+"Oh, yes, we've got plenty of hot water, but it takes an hour to screw
+the hose on, so that we can use it."
+
+By this time the provisions were ready, and the market men took their
+departure, expressing themselves fully satisfied that it wouldn't be a
+"healthy job" for any rebels to attempt the capture of the Boxer, and
+promising to be on hand the next day but one with more "garden truck."
+
+As soon as their boat was out of sight, the hatches were raised, the
+crew poured up out of the hold, and in a short time the Boxer's deck
+presented its usual appearance of neatness and order. Frank's object had
+been accomplished, for the market men had gone away satisfied that
+twenty determined men could easily effect the capture of the gun-boat,
+and they seemed determined to make the most of what they had seen.
+Gaines's Landing had been a regular mail station, and the rebels had
+only been deterred from sending it across the river by the presence of
+the Boxer. The market men, however, had discovered, as they supposed,
+that the vessel was but poorly manned, and this being communicated to
+their leader, (for, as Frank had suspected, they belonged to a
+regularly-organized band of guerrillas,) the latter determined to
+dispatch his mail at once.
+
+That night, about ten o'clock, as Frank and Archie sat in the cabin
+reading, the orderly reported that lights were seen moving about on
+shore. This was something unusual, and when Frank had watched the light
+for a moment, he came to the conclusion that the rebels were making some
+movements, the nature of which he was, of course, unable to determine;
+but he resolved, if possible, to find out what was going on, and turning
+to the officer of the deck, ordered the cutter to be called away and
+furnished with an armed crew. This order was speedily and quietly
+executed, and when the boat was ready, Frank and his cousin stepped into
+it, and were pulled noiselessly up the river. The place where the light
+shone was about half a mile from the vessel, and when they came opposite
+to it, the crew rested on their oars, giving only an occasional stroke
+to keep the cutter from floating down the stream, and waited impatiently
+for the rebels to show themselves.
+
+The light, which gleamed from the shore opposite to the town, seemed to
+come from a dark lantern, for it would blaze up brightly for a moment,
+and then disappear. Presently an answering light was shown from the
+shore nearest to them, when Archie whispered--
+
+"There's a boat coming!"
+
+Frank listened, and could hear the slow, measured strokes of oars, which
+grew louder and louder as the boat approached. It seemed to be heading
+directly toward them, and in a few moments more it could be dimly seen,
+moving through the darkness.
+
+"Give way together!" commanded Frank, and the cutter, propelled by
+twelve oars, shot alongside the approaching boat, and the sailors seized
+the gunwale and held her fast. Resistance was useless. Three rebels
+quietly delivered up their weapons, and one large, well-filled mail-bag
+was stowed away under the stern sheets of the cutter. The prisoners were
+taken on board the Boxer, and delivered into the charge of the
+master-at-arms, while their boat, a leaky affair, requiring constant
+bailing to keep it afloat, was unceremoniously allowed to sink. The
+light on the opposite shore was still shown, now at shorter intervals,
+as if the persons who were managing it had begun to grow impatient. This
+was the source of much merriment among the sailors, who hoped the
+"rebels would not grow tired of waiting for their mail."
+
+The next day the Manhattan again came up the river, and, as she
+approached, made signals for Frank to go on board of her. The gig was
+called away, and taking the reports of the expedition the young officer
+and his prisoners shortly stood in the presence of Captain Wilson, who,
+as soon as he had secured the prisoners, conducted Frank into the cabin.
+The latter, after presenting his reports, proceeded to give the captain
+a history of the expedition which had resulted in the capture of the
+guerrilla chief, of the interview with the flag of truce, and of the
+manner in which he had deceived the market men and captured the mail,
+upon hearing which the captain sprang from his chair, and giving Frank a
+hearty slap on the back, exclaimed:
+
+"Well done, sir! well done! Then you are not entirely unprepared to hear
+what I have to tell you. I picked up a runaway darkey yesterday, who
+informs me that the rebels are making preparations to capture the
+Boxer!"
+
+"I knew something was going on, sir," replied Frank, "and if that is
+what they are up to, they will not find me unprepared."
+
+"Well, that is what they intend to do. They have been building two large
+boats, into which they are going to put a sufficient force to overpower
+you. The attempt is to be made on Wednesday night. Of course, they hope
+to be able to take you by surprise. This contraband I picked up says he
+worked on the boats, and that they will hold about forty men each. I
+shall not be far off when the fight takes place, although I do not
+suppose you will need any assistance."
+
+The two officers then began an examination of the mail, in hopes it
+would throw some further light upon the movements of the guerrillas; but
+most of the letters were unofficial, and not a word was said about the
+proposed attempt to capture the Boxer.
+
+At the end of an hour, Frank returned on board his vessel, and the
+Manhattan steamed down the river toward her station.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+Honorably Discharged.
+
+
+When Frank reached the Boxer, he sent for the executive officer, told
+him of what he had heard, and also laid before him the plans he had
+adopted to defeat the rebels, which met the hearty approval of that
+gentleman. Frank did not think it best to delay putting the vessel in a
+state of defense, for the rebels might make the attempt at any time; so
+he instructed the executive officer to see that the men were kept under
+cover, so that the rebels, if any were on the watch, might not be able
+to judge of their numbers. When hammocks were piped that night, not more
+than a dozen men answered the call, and when bedtime came, the sailors
+stretched themselves out on deck, ready to take their posts at a
+moment's warning. The guns were all carefully loaded, the hot-water hose
+got ready for use, and the anchor fixed so that it could be slipped in
+an instant. Outside, the appearance of the vessel was not changed, the
+only thing noticeable being the quantity of smoke that came out of her
+chimneys. At eight o'clock Frank inspected the boat, and after seeing
+that every man was in his place, he lay down on the sofa in the cabin,
+without removing his clothes, and fell asleep. When he awoke, he arose
+and went on deck, just as the ship's bell was striking midnight. It was
+very dark, and the only sound that broke the stillness was the splashing
+of the wheels of a steamer as she went on her way up the river. For an
+hour he remained on deck, listening, but without hearing any thing
+suspicious until just as he was about to return to the cabin. He had
+started down the stairs, when he heard a slight splashing ahead of the
+vessel, like a heavy oar dipped carefully into the water. He listened a
+moment, and the sound was repeated.
+
+"There they are! They're coming, sure!" said Archie, who stood at his
+cousin's side.
+
+"Yes, sir," said Tom, the gunner's-mate, who, in his eagerness to be the
+first to announce the approach of the rebels, had remained on deck
+during the whole night. "That's them, sir!"
+
+"Tell the officer of the deck to call all hands to quarters as quietly
+as possible," said Frank.
+
+The officer ran below, and the young commander heard the sound again,
+still faint, but nearer and more distinct than the others. It was well
+that he had not put off his preparations to receive the rebels, for they
+were certainly approaching. Presently the pilots came up and took their
+stations at the wheel, and a moment afterward the executive officer came
+up and reported the crew ready for action. So quietly had the men been
+aroused, that Frank had not heard them as they moved to their stations.
+Nearer and nearer came the sound of oars, and suddenly a large flatboat,
+crowded with men, loomed up through the darkness.
+
+"On deck, there!" whispered Frank, leaning over the rail and speaking to
+a sailor on the forecastle. "Slip that anchor."
+
+There was the rattling of a chain as this order was executed, and as the
+man sprang through one of the ports, a sheet of flame covered the
+forecastle, and two twenty-four pound shells went crashing and shrieking
+among the rebels.
+
+The pilots rang the bell for the engineers to "come ahead," and as the
+Boxer turned out into the river, thus bringing her broadside guns to
+bear on the boat, two more shells completed the ruin. The rebels were
+caught in their own trap. Their boat was sinking, half their number
+either dead or wounded, and all who were able to swim were springing
+into the water and making for the nearest shore.
+
+It was so dark Frank could not see the havoc that had been made among
+the guerrillas, and he was about to give them another broadside, when he
+heard loud cries for quarter. That boat was disposed of, and he turned
+to look for the other, (for Captain Wilson had said there were two of
+them,) but it was not to be seen. As he afterward learned, the
+guerrillas, having been completely deceived as to the force of the
+Boxer, had crowded sixty men into one boat, thinking that force
+sufficient to insure an easy victory. After running up the river nearly
+a mile without seeing any signs of the boat, the Boxer returned to her
+station, and found the rebel craft hard and fast aground. Her deck was
+covered with dead and wounded, and Frank at once turned his attention to
+taking care of the latter. Twenty-three wounded guerrillas were conveyed
+on board the vessel, and delivered into the charge of the doctor and his
+steward, together with nearly a dozen prisoners, who, being unable to
+swim, had not dared to leave the boat. The dead were left where they had
+fallen. The Boxer then returned to her anchorage, and Frank, feeling
+safe for the remainder of the night, ordered hammocks to be piped, a
+command which the sailors gladly obeyed, for their soft mattresses were
+much more comfortable than the hard deck. By the time every thing had
+been restored to order, the quarter-master reported the Manhattan
+approaching. Frank answered her signals, and as she came alonside,
+Captain Wilson sprang on board.
+
+"How is it, captain?" he inquired, as Frank met him at the gangway.
+"Mercy!" he exclaimed, as he entered the door and saw the wounded rebels
+lying in rows on the deck. "Lively while it lasted, wasn't it? How many
+men have you lost?"
+
+"None, sir," replied Frank. "If the rebels fired a shot at us, I don't
+know it."
+
+"When I heard the firing," continued the captain, "I was afraid you had
+neglected to make preparations to receive them, and had got yourself
+into a bad scrape. But I see you are able to take care of yourself."
+
+The captain then returned on board his vessel, which moved out into the
+river and came to anchor at a short distance from the Boxer, while Frank
+retired to his room and fell asleep, well satisfied with his night's
+work.
+
+Early the next morning, a single rebel appeared on the bank, with a flag
+of truce, and a boat being sent out from the Manhattan, he was conveyed
+on board that vessel. In a short time, however, it returned and set the
+rebel on board the Boxer.
+
+"I want permission to bury our dead," said the guerrilla, on being shown
+into the cabin.
+
+"You must see Captain Wilson about that," replied Frank. "I have no
+authority while he is here."
+
+"I have just been to see him," replied the rebel, "and he sent me to
+you. He says you command this station."
+
+This was a compliment seldom paid a young officer; but the fact was,
+Captain Wilson was so elated at Frank's success, that he determined to
+take every opportunity to make his approval known. The young commander,
+of course, granted the request, and soon after the Manhattan steamed
+down the river.
+
+About a week afterward, a tin-clad came up, and her captain came on
+board the Boxer and presented Frank with written orders to report to
+Captain Wilson without delay.
+
+"I expect," said he, "that you will take my old station. If you do, you
+will have your hands full, for boats are fired into every day; but,
+somehow, I was always at the wrong end of my beat to meet the rebels."
+
+When the captain had returned on board his vessel, the Boxer got up
+steam, and, in obedience to her orders, started down the river. They
+found Captain Wilson the next day, and Frank was assigned a new station.
+His beat was about five miles in length, and was a noted place for
+guerrillas. Steamboat captains dreaded to pass it, for their boats were
+fired into, and often badly cut up. The rebels had a battery of three
+guns, with which they were constantly dodging from one point to another,
+always taking good care, however, to keep out of reach of the gun-boats.
+On the second day Frank arrived at his station, and while running idly
+about--for his orders from Captain Wilson were to "keep moving"--a
+steamer passed them on her way up the river, and Frank ordered the pilot
+to round-to and follow her. The order was obeyed, but they had not gone
+more than half a mile, when a battery, mounted on a point which ran for
+some distance out into the river, opened on the steamer. The Boxer was
+at that moment behind the point and out of sight of the rebels, who,
+however, were soon made aware of her presence; for they had scarcely
+fired two rounds before a shell dismounted one of their guns. Their
+surprise was complete, and abandoning their battery, they ran into the
+woods for protection. The Boxer rounded the point, all the while
+shelling the woods, and Frank, seeing the guns deserted, landed with his
+vessel and secured them. That guerrilla station was, for the present,
+broken up. So thought Frank, who ordered the pilot to proceed up the
+river until he found the Manhattan. The next day the battery was
+delivered up to Captain Wilson, who sent it by the dispatch-boat to
+Mound City, which was then the naval station.
+
+From that time hostilities along the river gradually ceased. The Boxer
+for nearly a year ran from one end of her beat to the other without
+encountering a single armed rebel. Then came the news of the glorious
+success of the Army of the Potomac, followed by the intelligence of a
+general surrender of the rebel forces. The Boxer was dressed with flags,
+salutes fired, and officers and crew looked forward with impatience to
+the time when they would be permitted to return home. At length came the
+long expected order to report to the admiral at Mound City, where the
+reduction of the squadron was rapidly going on.
+
+Although Frank was impatient to see his quiet little home once more, he
+was reluctant to part from his crew, whom, upon his arrival at the
+navy-yard, he had received orders to discharge. One by one the sailors
+came into the cabin, and the hearty grasp of their hands, and the
+earnest manner in which they wished their commander "plain sailing
+through life," showed that their feelings were not unlike his own.
+
+One morning, upon inquiry at the navy-yard post-office, Frank was
+presented with two official documents, which proved to be leaves of
+absence for himself and Archie for three months, "At the expiration of
+that time," so read the document, "if your services, are no longer
+required, you will he honorably discharged from the navy of the United
+States. Acknowledge the receipt of this leave, and send your address to
+the department."
+
+As soon as this order had been complied with, the cousins began to make
+preparations to start for home. Their trunks had been packed several
+days before, in readiness for an immediate departure, and in three hours
+after the receipt of their leaves they had taken their seats in the
+train bound for Portland. The ride had never seemed so long, nor had the
+cars ever moved so slowly: but, in due time, they reached the city in
+safety. Frank remained but one day in Portland, for he was anxious to
+reach home. The "Julia Burton" still made her regular trips from Augusta
+to Lawrence, and on the third day he reached the village. Brave was the
+first to welcome him as he stepped out of the hack that had conveyed him
+from the wharf to the cottage, and not recognizing his master, muffled
+up as he was in his heavy overcoat, he stood at the gate, growling
+savagely, as if to warn him that he had ventured close enough. But one
+word was sufficient. The faithful animal had not forgotten the sound of
+the familiar voice, and bounding over the fence, he nearly overpowered
+his master with caresses.
+
+The meeting with his mother and sister we shall not attempt to describe.
+Those who have passed through similar scenes can easily imagine that joy
+reigned supreme in that house.
+
+About a week after his arrival at home, Archie Winters and his parents
+reached the village, the latter having "taken a holiday" in honor of the
+young paymaster's safe return. The cousins spent their furlough in
+visiting their old hunting and fishing-grounds, and in calling upon
+their friends. George and Harry Butler had returned, the former with an
+empty sleeve, having lost his arm in the Battle of the Wilderness. But
+all their companions had not been as fortunate as themselves. More than
+one had been offered upon the altar of their country, and many a
+familiar face was missing.
+
+At the expiration of their three months' leave, Frank and Archie
+received their honorable discharges from the service, the sight of which
+recalled vividly to their minds many a thrilling scene through which
+they had passed. How changed the scene now from that when they had first
+bid adieu to their homes, to join the ranks of their country's
+defenders! "Then a gigantic rebellion was in progress; armed men
+sentineled each other from Virginia to the Rio Grande; and the land was
+filled with the crash of contending armies. Now, the rebel forces are
+vanquished, their banner in the dust; the slave empire that was to rise
+upon the ruins of the Republic is itself in ruins; and the soldiers and
+sailors of the Union, returning their weapons to the arsenals, have
+exchanged their honored blue for the citizen's garb, and resumed their
+peaceful avocations, as modest and unassuming as though they had never
+performed the deeds of valor that have filled the whole civilized world
+with wonder."
+
+Frank and Archie are proud of the part they have borne in the war of the
+Rebellion, and will never forget their varied and eventful experience in
+the MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON.
+
+
+
+
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LOWER MISSISSIPPI BY CASTLEMON ***
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