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<pre>

Project Gutenberg's Frank on the Lower Mississippi, by Harry Castlemon

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Title: Frank on the Lower Mississippi

Author: Harry Castlemon

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Release Date: November, 2004
First Posted: February 17, 2003

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</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.&mdash;<a href="#chap01">THE NEW PAYMASTER</a>
    </h4>
    <h4>
      CHAPTER II.&mdash;<a href="#chap02">A NIGHT EXPEDITION</a>
    </h4>
    <h4>
      CHAPTER III.&mdash;<a href="#chap03">ARCHIE IN A PREDICAMENT</a>
    </h4>
    <h4>
      CHAPTER IV.&mdash;<a href="#chap04">A MARK FOR THE UNION</a>
    </h4>
    <h4>
      CHAPTER V.&mdash;<a href="#chap05">A RUN FOR LIFE</a>
    </h4>
    <h4>
      CHAPTER VI.&mdash;<a href="#chap06">FRANK TURNS DETECTIVE</a>
    </h4>
    <h4>
      CHAPTER VII.&mdash;<a href="#chap07">FRANK'S FIRST COMMAND</a>
    </h4>
    <h4>
      CHAPTER VIII.&mdash;<a href="#chap08">AN UNLUCKY FLIGHT</a>
    </h4>
    <h4>
      CHAPTER IX.&mdash;<a href="#chap09">UP THE WASHITA</a>
    </h4>
    <h4>
      CHAPTER X.&mdash;<a href="#chap10">THE PROMOTION</a>
    </h4>
    <h4>
      CHAPTER XI.&mdash;<a href="#chap11">THE RIVAL SPIES</a>
    </h4>
    <h4>
      CHAPTER XII.&mdash;<a href="#chap12">A SCOUTING PARTY</a>
    </h4>
    <h4>
      CHAPTER XIII.&mdash;<a href="#chap13">TOM THE COXSWAIN</a>
    </h4>
    <h4>
      CHAPTER XIV.&mdash;<a href="#chap14">A REBEL TRICK</a>
    </h4>
    <h4>
      CHAPTER XV.&mdash;<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&mdash;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&mdash;the Boxer, a tin-clad,
      mounting eight guns&mdash;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&mdash;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&mdash;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&mdash;
    </p>
    <p>
      "What a shot! Been in the service more than two years,
      and"&mdash;
    </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>&mdash;not at night&mdash;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&mdash;for
      the night was very cold&mdash;that I knew he wouldn't
      recognize me.
    </p>
    <p>
      "'I've been busy all day, cap'in,' said he; 'but the fact
      is'&mdash;
    </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&mdash;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'&mdash;
    </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&mdash;especially in the navy&mdash;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&mdash;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&mdash;without taking into consideration all the
      chances for and against it&mdash;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&mdash;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"&mdash;
    </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&mdash;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&mdash;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&mdash;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&mdash;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&mdash;the chief of the guerrillas.
    </p>
    <p>
      "I wonder what the old chap would say if he knew I was
      about," thought Archie&mdash;"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&mdash;and we shall not make the attempt unless
      it is&mdash;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&mdash;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&mdash;"this one contains my mail&mdash;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&mdash;<br>
      <br>
      &nbsp;&nbsp;"I'll lay ten dollars down<br>
      &nbsp;&nbsp;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&mdash;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&mdash;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&mdash;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&mdash;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&mdash;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&mdash;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&mdash;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&mdash;who had heard the shot, and knew, from the
      silence that followed, that the hound was dead&mdash;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&mdash;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&mdash;and as the thought passed through his mind, he
      clutched his revolvers desperately&mdash;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&mdash;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&mdash;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&mdash;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&mdash;who, he
      thought, would make the best of his way back to the vessel
      when left to himself&mdash;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&mdash;which lay at the mouth of Red River&mdash;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&mdash;
    </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&mdash;his face still wore that
      sorrowful expression&mdash;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&mdash;subjects still fresh in their
      memories&mdash;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&mdash;which was the flag-ship of the third division
      of the squadron&mdash;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&mdash;contrivances made to
      resemble pieces of coal&mdash;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&mdash;"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&mdash;
    </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&mdash;
    </p>
    <p>
      "Got any Northern money&mdash;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&mdash;tens, twenties, and
      fifties, enough to have made him independent if it had been
      good money&mdash;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>
        &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"U.
        S. FLAG-SHIP BLACKHAWK,<br>
        &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"OFF
        ALEXANDRIA, LA., March 20, 1864.<br>
        <br>
        "SIR:&mdash;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Very respectfully, your obd't
        serv't.,<br>
        &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;DAVID
        D. PORTER, <i>Rear Admiral</i>,<br>
        &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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"&mdash;
    </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&mdash;perhaps half a dozen of them in
      all&mdash;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&mdash;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&mdash;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&mdash;"Don't give up the
      ship!"&mdash;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"&mdash;
    </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&mdash;who had run the batteries at
      Vicksburg, and had twice, in the heat of action, swam from a
      sinking vessel&mdash;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&mdash;
    </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&mdash;his
      capture, the march to Shreveport, his flight from the prison,
      the bayonet-fight in the woods, the chase by
      blood-hounds&mdash;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&mdash;their
      hair-breadth escapes from recapture&mdash;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&mdash;
    </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&mdash;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&mdash;about a
      week after leaving Monroe&mdash;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&mdash;which, however was promptly
      hoisted again&mdash;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&mdash;
    </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&mdash;enough to have captured the vessels the
      moment they touched the bank&mdash;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&mdash;a place noted for
      guerrillas&mdash;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&mdash;who had ran below with a
      lantern&mdash;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'&mdash;
    </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&mdash;
    </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&mdash;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&mdash;'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&mdash;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&mdash;gun-boat men, I believe.
      His name is Thorne, and&mdash;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&mdash;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&mdash;for of course, we must not lose them&mdash;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&mdash;they were more
      humane.
    </p>
    <p>
      With the surrender of the rebels the object of the expedition
      had been accomplished&mdash;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&mdash;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&mdash;
    </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&mdash;
    </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&mdash;for his
      orders from Captain Wilson were to "keep moving"&mdash;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.
    -->



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