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diff --git a/6958-h/6958-h.htm b/6958-h/6958-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ecc76fd --- /dev/null +++ b/6958-h/6958-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,6451 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content= + "text/html; charset=utf-8"> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Frank on the Lower + Mississippi, by Harry Castlemon + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + + * { font-family: serif;} + P { text-indent: 1em; } + P.initial { text-indent: 0em; } + H1,H2,H3,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + H4 { text-align: left; } + SPAN.caps { text-transform: uppercase; } + + </style> + </head> + +<body> + + +<pre> + +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: UTF-8 + +*** 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. + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<br> +<hr> +<br><br><br><br><br><br> + + + <h1> + FRANK ON THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI. + </h1> + <h3> + BY<br> + HARRY CASTLEMON + </h3><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <h2> + CONTENTS + </h2><br> + <h4> + CHAPTER I.—<a href="#chap01">THE NEW PAYMASTER</a> + </h4> + <h4> + CHAPTER II.—<a href="#chap02">A NIGHT EXPEDITION</a> + </h4> + <h4> + CHAPTER III.—<a href="#chap03">ARCHIE IN A PREDICAMENT</a> + </h4> + <h4> + CHAPTER IV.—<a href="#chap04">A MARK FOR THE UNION</a> + </h4> + <h4> + CHAPTER V.—<a href="#chap05">A RUN FOR LIFE</a> + </h4> + <h4> + CHAPTER VI.—<a href="#chap06">FRANK TURNS DETECTIVE</a> + </h4> + <h4> + CHAPTER VII.—<a href="#chap07">FRANK'S FIRST COMMAND</a> + </h4> + <h4> + CHAPTER VIII.—<a href="#chap08">AN UNLUCKY FLIGHT</a> + </h4> + <h4> + CHAPTER IX.—<a href="#chap09">UP THE WASHITA</a> + </h4> + <h4> + CHAPTER X.—<a href="#chap10">THE PROMOTION</a> + </h4> + <h4> + CHAPTER XI.—<a href="#chap11">THE RIVAL SPIES</a> + </h4> + <h4> + CHAPTER XII.—<a href="#chap12">A SCOUTING PARTY</a> + </h4> + <h4> + CHAPTER XIII.—<a href="#chap13">TOM THE COXSWAIN</a> + </h4> + <h4> + CHAPTER XIV.—<a href="#chap14">A REBEL TRICK</a> + </h4> + <h4> + CHAPTER XV.—<a href="#chap15">HONORABLY DISCHARGED</a> + </h4><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <h2> + <a name="chap01"></a> + FRANK ON THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI. + </h2><br> + <hr width="30%"> + <br> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <h3> + The New Paymaster. + </h3><img src="images/init-v.png" align="left" height="157" border="0" + width="117" alt="V"> + <p class="initial"> + <br> + <span class="caps">icksburg</span> 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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 + <!-- Transcriber's Note: + The first part of the preceding word is missing in the original text. + Based upon the word spacing of the original, I surmise that there + is only room for two characters, and contextually, "caves" is the + only word that makes sense here. + --> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "Silence! Gentlemen, hereafter talking politics in this + wardroom is strictly prohibited." + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "Gentlemen, you will please elect another caterer." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "Who's that, I wonder?" soliloquized Frank. "It <i>was</i> a + poor shot, but I'd like to see that fellow, whoever he is, do + any better." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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— + </p> + <p> + "What a shot! Been in the service more than two years, + and"— + </p> + <p> + "Why, Archie Winters, is this you?" exclaimed Frank, + joyfully. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Paymaster</i> Winters, if you please" replied Archie, + with mock dignity. + </p> + <p> + "How came you here? What are you doing? Got any money?" + hurriedly inquired Frank. + </p> + <p> + "Got plenty of funds," replied his cousin. "But I say, Frank, + how long has this fighting been going on?" + </p> + <p> + "Every day for the last week." + </p> + <p> + Archie shrugged his shoulders, and looked blank. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "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?" + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "Speaking of jokes," said Archie, "reminds me of a little + affair I had a hand in at Cairo. + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "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 + <i>morning</i>—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: + </p> + <p> + "'What do you want? Why don't you come here during our office + hours, if you want to see me?' + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "'I've been busy all day, cap'in,' said he; 'but the fact + is'— + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "'Speak quick, and don't keep me waiting.' + </p> + <p> + "'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.' + </p> + <p> + "'Yes,' I replied, 'we do want officers; but does your son + know anything about a ship?' + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, yes? He's run the river as deck-hand for goin' nigh on + to three year.' + </p> + <p> + "'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.' + </p> + <p> + "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: + </p> + <p> + "'Orderly, pull off those squeaking boots!' + </p> + <p> + "'It isn't me, sir.' said the orderly; 'it's a gentleman out + here waiting to see you, sir.' + </p> + <p> + "'Then send him in—send him in at once, so that I can + get rid of that noise.' + </p> + <p> + "The man was accordingly shown into the presence of the + captain, while I listened with both ears to hear what was + said. + </p> + <p> + "'Mornin', cap'in,' he began; 'I reckon I'm here on time.' + </p> + <p> + "'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.' + </p> + <p> + "'Why, cap'in, I come here to get that appointment for my son + in this ere navy.' + </p> + <p> + "'Appointment! For your son!' repeated the captain. 'Who is + he? I never heard of him.' + </p> + <p> + "'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'— + </p> + <p> + "'Don't bother me!' interrupted the captain, beginning to get + impatient. + </p> + <p> + "'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.' + </p> + <p> + "'Eh!' ejaculated the captain, in surprise,'my good man, + allow me to know what I'm about, will you? <i>Will</i> 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?' + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h2> + <a name="chap02"></a> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <h3> + A Night Expedition. + </h3><img src="images/init-t.png" align="left" height="157" border="0" + width="102" alt="T"> + <p class="initial"> + <br> + <span class="caps">he</span> captain wishes to see you, + gentlemen!" said the orderly, stepping up and saluting. + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + After a few moments' conversation with the captain upon + unimportant matters, the cousins returned to the wardroom. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "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>I</i> can't, with + a crew of only fifty men." + </p> + <p> + "I didn't suppose it could be done openly, sir; but couldn't + it be accomplished by stratagem in the night, for instance?" + </p> + <p> + The captain shook his head; but Frank, who was not yet + discouraged, continued: + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "I assure you, sir, I shall leave no plan untried to insure + my success," replied Frank, as he left the cabin. + </p> + <p> + "What's the matter now?" inquired Archie, as his cousin + entered the wardroom. "Been getting a blowing up already?" + </p> + <p> + "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: + </p> + <p> + "I want to go with you. Will you take me?" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "Besides," began Frank, "if any thing should happen to + you"— + </p> + <p> + "I'm just as likely to get back as you are," replied Archie, + excitedly, "and I want to go." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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.) + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + The crew quietly disembarked, and as the sailors gathered + about him, Frank said, + </p> + <p> + "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?" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "Don't you understand, Tom?" again asked Frank, seeing that + the coxswain hesitated. + </p> + <p> + "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?" + </p> + <p> + "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?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir," answered all the men in a breath. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir," replied the coxswain; "but it'll be the first + time I ever deserted an officer in trouble." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h2> + <a name="chap03"></a> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <h3> + Archie in a Predicament. + </h3><img src="images/init-a.png" align="left" height="157" border="0" + width="104" alt="A"> + <p class="initial"> + <br> + <span class="caps">s</span> 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. + </p> + <p> + "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?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," replied Archie. + </p> + <p> + "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!" + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "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 <i>knew</i> we were + still on shore. But let us be moving; we've no time to + waste." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "There are people in it," said his cousin; "I just saw a man + pass by that window where the light is." + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "What will <i>you</i> do?" asked Archie. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I'll take care of myself. Good-bye." + </p> + <p> + As Frank spoke he moved silently toward the house, and was + soon out of sight. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "My eye!" said Archie to himself, "what a hornet's nest would + be raised about our ears, if we should be discovered." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "A very warm evening, colonel," said one of the rebels, + fanning himself with his hat. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "May I ask, colonel," said the one who had not yet spoken, + "how soon those boats will be ready?" + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "Then by Thursday evening," said the one who had first + spoken, "we may be ready to make the attempt." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, if the night is favorable." + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "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?" + </p> + <p> + The rebels listened for a moment, and one of them replied: + </p> + <p> + "I didn't hear any thing." + </p> + <p> + "Well, <i>I</i> did," returned the colonel, "and it sounded + very much like some one shouting for help. I'm certain I + heard it." + </p> + <p> + Archie, who lay in his concealment, trembling like a leaf, + was also confident that <i>he</i> 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. + </p> + <p> + While these thoughts were passing through his mind, the + rebels sat on the portico listening, and at length the + colonel said: + </p> + <p> + "I know I hear something now, but it is the tramping of a + horse. I suppose it is Tibbs, coming with the mail." + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "Good evening, gentlemen. What! colonel, are you wounded?" he + added, on seeing the rebel's bandaged arm. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; this makes four times I have been shot while in the + service. But how is the mail?" + </p> + <p> + "Rather heavy," answered the man. "If you have any letters to + go, you will have to furnish another bag—these are + full." + </p> + <p> + "All right," said the colonel; then raising his voice, he + called out, "Bob! Bob! Where is that black rascal?" + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "Bob," said the colonel, "tell Stiles that the mail is all + ready to go across the river." + </p> + <p> + <i>Stiles!</i> 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 <i>Colonel + Harrison's Louisiana Wild-cats</i>. + </p> + <p> + The negro, in obedience to his orders, disappeared, but soon + returned, with the intelligence that Stiles was not to be + found. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + The negro again disappeared, and in a few moments came back + with a soldier, to whom the colonel said: + </p> + <p> + "Damon, here's a mail that must go across the river to-night. + Can you pull an oar?" + </p> + <p> + "Yas," replied the man. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "Yas," answered the man again, as he took the mail-bags which + the colonel handed him. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "No," replied the soldier, as he shouldered the mail and + disappeared. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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!" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h2> + <a name="chap04"></a> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <h3> + A Mark for the Union. + </h3><img src="images/init-l.png" align="left" height="157" border="0" + width="80" alt="L"> + <p class="initial"> + <br> + <span class="caps">et</span> 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—<br> + <br> + "I'll lay ten dollars down<br> + And chuck 'em up one by one!"<br> + <br> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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? + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + At this moment a man entered the cabin, the door of which + stood open, and inquired: + </p> + <p> + "Going over to-night, Stiles?" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + But his attention was again drawn to the men in the cabin. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "Here's some mail, then," continued the man, thrusting + several letters into the bag. "How soon do you start?" + </p> + <p> + "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?" + </p> + <p> + "No, I wasn't," replied the other, quickly thrusting his hand + into his pocket, as if to protect the precious article. + "Tobacco is scarce." + </p> + <p> + "Now, Bob," said Stiles, "I know you've got some. Me an' + you's allers been good friends." + </p> + <p> + The rebel could not withstand this appeal, although he + produced his "plug" very reluctantly, and as he handed it to + his companion, said: + </p> + <p> + "Stiles, you're a dead beat. Go easy on that, now, if you + please, because it's all there is in the regiment." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "Do you surrender?" he asked, releasing his hold of the + rebel's throat. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," replied Stiles, faintly. "Don't shoot, Yank!" + </p> + <p> + "You shall not be harmed if you behave yourself. Have you any + weapons?" + </p> + <p> + "No! They are all in the shanty!" + </p> + <p> + Frank, after searching the rebel's pockets and satisfying + himself of the truth of this statement, continued: + </p> + <p> + "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?" + </p> + <p> + "Have I got a pair of ears?" asked the rebel. + </p> + <p> + "Well, if you have, you hear what I say," returned Frank. + "Now go this way," he added, pointing toward the river. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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?" + </p> + <p> + "In the creek, jest above where that ar' gunboat lies, + replied Stiles." + </p> + <p> + "How many of you were to go?" + </p> + <p> + "Two—me an' another feller." + </p> + <p> + "Well, now, the colonel won't find you when he wants you. + What will he do?" + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "That's all I want to know," said Frank. Then, going to the + top of the bank, he called out: + </p> + <p> + "Tom, come up here!" + </p> + <p> + The coxswain soon made his appearance, and Frank said: + </p> + <p> + "Now, Stiles, you're a prisoner." + </p> + <p> + "Dog gone ef I keer," he replied, "so long as I get plenty of + grub an' tobaker." + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "Massa Stiles! de mail all ready, sar!" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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 + <i>looks</i> of his revolvers, and hoped to accomplish his + object without alarming the rebels in the house. + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "You're my prisoners. Don't make any resistance." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "Shove off—lively now, lads!" + </p> + <p> + The cutter was speedily pushed from the shore, and the oars + got out and handled by twelve strong fellows, all good + oarsmen. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Nelson," whispered the coxswain, "may I be allowed to + say that was well done, sir!" + </p> + <p> + "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?" + </p> + <p> + Frank hardly dared to ask the question, for if his cousin had + been in the boat he would have known it before that time. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Nelson, I congratulate you, sir; it was well done, sir! + The house is all in a blaze." + </p> + <p> + "Captain," said Frank, "I didn't do that, sir. Is the + paymaster on board? + </p> + <p> + "Why, no, sir; not unless he came with you." + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h2> + <a name="chap05"></a> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <h3> + A Run for Life. + </h3><img src="images/init-a.png" align="left" height="157" border="0" + width="104" alt="A"> + <p class="initial"> + <br> + <span class="caps">rchie</span> 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. + </p> + <p> + 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! + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "It's all up now, Yank! Drop that shootin'-iron, or you're a + gone sucker!" + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "Halt, Yank! halt! or I'll shoot—blamed if I don't!" + </p> + <p> + And he <i>did</i> shoot, and Archie heard the bullet as it + sung through the air behind him. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "I know he went this yere way," said he. + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "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!" + </p> + <p> + "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?" + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "Damon ketched!" ejaculated his companion. "An' what's come + on the kernel's mail?" + </p> + <p> + "Gone up—the hul on it! Damon's got the bracelets on by + this time. But come, let's go on." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "The admiral, no doubt, knows his own business, but let me + tell you, young man, that you have no easy task before you." + </p> + <p> + 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— + </p> + <p> + "I'm glad to meet you again, Mr. Nelson, and among friends, + too." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h2> + <a name="chap06"></a> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <h3> + Frank turns Detective. + </h3><img src="images/init-a.png" align="left" height="157" border="0" + width="104" alt="A"> + <p class="initial"> + <br> + <span class="caps">day</span> 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + The sign which had attracted his attention bore the name and + occupation of the individual in question—"S. W. ABBOTT, + Chemist." + </p> + <p> + 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— + </p> + <p> + "Boy, do you belong here?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sar," he answered, indignantly; "I 'longs nowhar. I'se a + free man, I is. I'se a soger." + </p> + <p> + "Never been in this town before?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sar." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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— + </p> + <p> + "Got any Northern money—greenbacks?" + </p> + <p> + "Some," replied Frank. + </p> + <p> + "Wal," continued the man, "I'll give you five dollars in + Confederate money fur one dollar in greenbacks. Is it a + bargain?" + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "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," + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "Every rebel I meet says the same thing," said Frank. "But + who were the richest men in this place before the war broke + out?" + </p> + <p> + The man mentioned several names, among which was that of + Abbott, the chemist. + </p> + <p> + "Abbott, Abbott," repeated Frank, as if trying to recall the + man to mind; "I've heard that name before. Is he a Northern + man?" + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + Frank rose slowly to his feet, and commenced drawing on his + clothes, while the little negro disappeared through the door + like a flash. + </p> + <p> + "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?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," answered Frank, with a laugh; "I was getting out of + the way of a torpedo." + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "Boy, who lives here?" he inquired. + </p> + <p> + The negro gave the desired information, adding: "He ain't + hyar though, but missus will be home dis arternoon." + </p> + <p> + "Where's your master?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, he done gone off somewhar. I 'spects he don't like for + to see you Yankee sogers hyar." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "What do you want?" asked Frank. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + <br> + HEYWARD'S PLANTATION, <i>March</i> 20, 1864.<br> + "Will be at home at eight o'clock this evening. Have my + baggage ready to start for Shreveport early in the + morning." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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: + </p> + <p> + "How did you discover the whereabouts of this man Abbott, Mr. + Nelson?" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + Their business being finished, Frank followed the captain out + of the cabin, and returned on board the Michigan. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + <br> + "U. + S. FLAG-SHIP BLACKHAWK,<br> + "OFF + ALEXANDRIA, LA., March 20, 1864.<br> + <br> + "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.,<br> + DAVID + D. PORTER, <i>Rear Admiral</i>,<br> + Com'd'g + Miss. Squadron.<br> + U. S. Provost Marshal,<br> + Alexandria, La. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "Your business must be important indeed, judging by the + language of this note," said the marshal. "You shall not be + troubled." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "Massa Abbott, I'se glad to"— + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Abbott," said Frank, "you're my prisoner!" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h2> + <a name="chap07"></a> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <h3> + Frank's First Command. + </h3><img src="images/init-t.png" align="left" height="157" border="0" + width="102" alt="T"> + <p class="initial"> + <br> + <span class="caps">he</span> 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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "Good morning, Mr. Nelson," said he; "take a chair, sir." + </p> + <p> + Frank took the seat pointed out to him, and the admiral, + taking from his desk a bundle of papers, carefully tied up, + continued: + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "Loosen up that other end, there!" + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + These orders were promptly obeyed, and the difficulty was + easily overcome. + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "Here they are! Now, push her ahead strong. There's a battery + just below." + </p> + <p> + At the same moment there was a rush of feet on deck, and the + lieutenant entered the cabin pale and breathless. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "Come ashore here, or we'll sink you." + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Nelson, he's surrendering us, sir!" + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "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!" + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "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!" + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, he walked out on deck, and calling out to the + rebel, who had continued to follow the vessel: + </p> + <p> + "I'll surrender! Pilot, I tell you to turn her in toward the + shore." + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "Sink my tarry wig, if that ar' chap ain't going to give us + up without our having the least bit of a fight." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "Come ashore, if you surrender," shouted the rebel. + </p> + <p> + "Pilot," said the lieutenant, in a weak voice, "I order + you"— + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "All ready forward there?" he shouted to the men on the + boiler-deck. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "Do you surrender?" shouted the man on the bank. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + Frank's dispatches were safe. + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h2> + <a name="chap08"></a> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <h3> + An unlucky fight. + </h3><img src="images/init-a.png" align="left" height="157" border="0" + width="104" alt="A"> + <p class="initial"> + <br> + <span class="caps">s</span> 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "Steamer ahoy!" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, ay, sir!" shouted Frank, in reply. + </p> + <p> + "What steamer is that?" + </p> + <p> + "Army transport Key-West, bound for the mouth of the river, + with dispatches from the admiral." + </p> + <p> + "Come alongside, here," shouted the voice. + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "Are you the captain of this ship?" + </p> + <p> + "I have had no orders to act as such," replied Frank. + </p> + <p> + "Then why do you answer hails, and land here without my + permission? I'll have you court-martialed." + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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?" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "Untie that line." + </p> + <p> + "Hold on!" shouted the pilot. "Do you want to send us adrift + without any steam? Wait till I tell you we're all ready." + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "Do you know, sir, that I command this boat?" + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "Is that cutter ready for immediate use?" + </p> + <p> + "All ready, sir," was the answer. + </p> + <p> + "Let loose those guns, then. Fire!" + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Nelson, the tiller-rope is shot away, sir, and the boat + is on fire!" + </p> + <p> + In short, much sooner than Frank had expected, the transport + was a complete wreck. + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "Let every man take care of himself!" + </p> + <p> + 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 <i>he</i> 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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 <i>is</i> a job. What's to be done now, sir?" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "Bob, are you a good swimmer?" he asked, turning to the + coxswain. + </p> + <p> + "Yes sir! can swim all day," was the reply. + </p> + <p> + "Then follow me as silently as possible, and we may yet + escape." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h2> + <a name="chap09"></a> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> + <h3> + Up the Washita. + </h3><img src="images/init-a.png" align="left" height="157" border="0" + width="104" alt="A"> + <p class="initial"> + <br> + <span class="caps">ll</span> 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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— + </p> + <blockquote> + "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." + </blockquote> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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 <i>vessel of his own</i>, 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + The next day, as the two friends stood together on deck, + George suddenly said— + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "Madam," said the captain, addressing himself to Mrs. Le + Dell, "I am ordered to burn your house." + </p> + <p> + "I have been expecting it for a long time," was the reply. + </p> + <p> + "I will give you a reasonable time," continued the captain, + "to remove your valuables." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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, + </p> + <p> + "George!" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "George," sobbed the little fellow, "are you a Yankee + 'bolitionist?" + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "Mother, mother! George is here! He's come back!" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "Who do you mean, my little man?" he asked, putting his hand + on the boy's head. "What is his other name?" + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "Is that your brother?" asked the captain in surprise, as he + turned toward Mrs. Le Dell for an explanation. + </p> + <p> + "I have a son in the Federal navy," replied the lady. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h2> + <a name="chap10"></a> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> + <h3> + The Promotion. + </h3><img src="images/init-t.png" align="left" height="157" border="0" + width="102" alt="T"> + <p class="initial"> + <br> + <span class="caps">he</span> 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. + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "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!" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + That gentleman was so busy that he did not notice Frank, + until one of his clerks exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + "Admiral! here's Captain Nelson, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, yes," said the admiral, scarcely looking up from his + work. "Sit down, captain; I'm very busy just at present." + </p> + <p> + <i>Captain!</i> 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: + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "I'm sorry to have you leave us, Mr. Nelson. I suppose you + have got it?" + </p> + <p> + "I have something, sir," replied Frank, "but I don't know + what it is." + </p> + <p> + 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 <i>command of that + vessel</i>." 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." + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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— + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "Captain," shouted the commander of the transport, who stood + in his pilot-house, "what do you want me to do?" + </p> + <p> + "Take us up the river as fast as you can," shouted Frank, in + reply. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "All ready below, sir," was the word at this moment passed up + through the trumpet. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h2> + <a name="chap11"></a> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> + <h3> + The Rival Spies. + </h3><img src="images/init-t.png" align="left" height="157" border="0" + width="102" alt="T"> + <p class="initial"> + <br> + <span class="caps">hey</span> 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. + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "Look there, sir! What kind of a craft is that?" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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?" + </p> + <p> + "A friend," was the scarcely audible reply. + </p> + <p> + "Come on board here." + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "My name is William Striker," was the answer, "and I am an + escaped Union scout." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "Well," said Frank, "if you were in the trenches at + Vicksburg, tell me something that happened there." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "'Well,' said I,'do you know that as long as I have been in + the army, I have never seen this man?'" + </p> + <p> + "'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?' + </p> + <p> + "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: + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes! I've heard of him.' + </p> + <p> + "'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. + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "'What kind of a looking man is he?' I asked, at length. + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, he's a'— + </p> + <p> + "Just at this moment we heard several horsemen going by the + house, and Sam exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + "'There are some of our boys now. Perhaps we are wanted.' + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "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: + </p> + <p> + "'Wal, they've gobbled up one of them fellers!' + </p> + <p> + "'Which one?' I asked. + </p> + <p> + "'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.' + </p> + <p> + "You can easily imagine my feelings as I sat there and + listened to this. It required a strong effort to subdue my + feelings. + </p> + <p> + "'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?' + </p> + <p> + "'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.' + </p> + <p> + "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 <i>did</i> answer the description, and that was + the general's hostler. Could it be possible that he was the + spy? + </p> + <p> + "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: + </p> + <p> + "'Are you off again to-night, Bill?' + </p> + <p> + "I replied in the affirmative, and he continued: + </p> + <p> + "'Well, good luck to you. Don't let the rebs get hold of + you.' + </p> + <p> + "I mounted my horse and rode out of the camp, fully satisfied + that if he was the spy I would soon know it. + </p> + <p> + "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: + </p> + <p> + "Bill! Bill Striker!' + </p> + <p> + "I instantly stopped, and a moment afterward up galloped the + hostler. + </p> + <p> + "'Don't make so much noise, Jim,' said I, nastily. 'But what + on earth brings you here? Where are you going?' + </p> + <p> + "'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.' + </p> + <p> + "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: + </p> + <p> + "'Bill Striker, your scouting is up now! You're my prisoner!' + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "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— + </p> + <p> + "'Wal, ef here an't another,' and I was speedily surrounded, + and commanded to 'hand over my we'pons.' + </p> + <p> + "'Look here, boys,' said I, 'I've got a pass,' and I made a + motion to produce it. + </p> + <p> + "'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.' + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "'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. + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "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?" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h2> + <a name="chap12"></a> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> + <h3> + A Scouting Party. + </h3><img src="images/init-f.png" align="left" height="157" border="0" + width="117" alt="F"> + <p class="initial"> + <br> + <span class="caps">rank</span>, 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + Frank assured him that he would be allowed to accompany them + wherever they went, and the coxswain departed satisfied. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "There are more people in the house than there were last + night." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "There are some rebel soldiers in there," continued the + major, "and we can now get our horses without any difficulty, + already saddled and bridled." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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 <i>sight</i> 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. + </p> + <p> + "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 <i>is</i> a scrape!" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "Give it to 'em, lads!" he shouted, hurrying forward to join + in the fight. "Give it to 'em. No quarter to the Yankees!" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "Surrender!" shouted the major. "Throw down your arms!" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + With the surrender of the rebels the object of the expedition + had been accomplished—the guerrilla chief was their + prisoner! + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h2> + <a name="chap13"></a> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> + <h3> + Tom the Coxswain. + </h3><img src="images/init-n.png" align="left" height="157" border="0" + width="94" alt="N"> + <p class="initial"> + <br> + <span class="caps">ow</span> 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 <i>little</i> fight" he was ever engaged in. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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 + <i>he</i> 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "Archie," said he, "you and I must cover the retreat of the + others. Don't waste your ammunition now." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "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?" + </p> + <p> + "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?" + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "Paymaster, please rate Thomas Willis on your books as + gunner's-mate from the time the other mate was discharged." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h2> + <a name="chap14"></a> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> + <h3> + A Rebel Trick. + </h3><img src="images/init-t.png" align="left" height="157" border="0" + width="102" alt="T"> + <p class="initial"> + <br> + <span class="caps">he</span> 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "Well, major, what do you think of this, sir?" he asked, + turning toward the scout, who stood close at his side. + </p> + <p> + "It's a trick of some kind, captain," replied the latter. + "Depend upon it, it's a trick." + </p> + <p> + "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?" + </p> + <p> + "I want to come on board," shouted one of the rebels, in + reply. "I want to see the captain." + </p> + <p> + "Well, speak out; you can't come on board. What do you want?" + </p> + <p> + The rebels consulted together for a few moments, and then one + of them replied: + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "You can't come on board," shouted Frank, "that's settled. + But where's your prisoner?" + </p> + <p> + "Out in the woods, under guard." + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + Two days afterward the dispatch-boat came alongside, on her + way up the river, and the major took passage on her for + Cairo. + </p> + <p> + "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!" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "Shall we allow them to come alongside, sir?" asked the + officer of the deck. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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— + </p> + <p> + "Will yer let a feller look about a leetle? This is the fust + time I was ever on a gun-boat." + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + "Be these all the fellers you-uns hev got?" asked the man. + </p> + <p> + "What's the use of having any more?" replied Archie. "There's + no danger here." + </p> + <p> + "That's so," was the answer; "I haint seed a rebel round for + more 'n six months, dog-gone if I hev." + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "I've heered as how all these 'ere boats hev got hot water; + has yourn?" + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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— + </p> + <p> + "There's a boat coming!" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + "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!" + </p> + <p> + "I knew something was going on, sir," replied Frank, "and if + that is what they are up to, they will not find me + unprepared." + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + At the end of an hour, Frank returned on board his vessel, + and the Manhattan steamed down the river toward her station. + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h2> + <a name="chap15"></a> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> + <h3> + Honorably Discharged. + </h3><img src="images/init-w.png" align="left" height="157" border="0" + width="91" alt="W"> + <p class="initial"> + <br> + <span class="caps">hen</span> 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. + </p> + <p> + "There they are! They're coming, sure!" said Archie, who + stood at his cousin's side. + </p> + <p> + "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!" + </p> + <p> + "Tell the officer of the deck to call all hands to quarters + as quietly as possible," said Frank. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "On deck, there!" whispered Frank, leaning over the rail and + speaking to a sailor on the forecastle. "Slip that anchor." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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?" + </p> + <p> + "None, sir," replied Frank. "If the rebels fired a shot at + us, I don't know it." + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "I want permission to bury our dead," said the guerrilla, on + being shown into the cabin. + </p> + <p> + "You must see Captain Wilson about that," replied Frank. "I + have no authority while he is here." + </p> + <p> + "I have just been to see him," replied the rebel, "and he + sent me to you. He says you command this station." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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 <span class="caps">MISSISSIPPI + SQUADRON</span>. + </p><!-- + Transcriber's Note: + In the original text, the above is all-caps, it is NOT bolded. + The (redundant) SPAN tag is mean to emphasize this. + --> + + + +<br> +<br> +<hr> +<br><br><br><br><br><br> + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Frank on the Lower Mississippi, by Harry Castlemon + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FRANK ON THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI *** + +***** This file should be named 6958-h.htm or 6958-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/6/9/5/6958/ + +Produced by David Garcia, Juliet Sutherland, Charles Franks, +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will +be renamed. + +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United +States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. 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