The Project Gutenberg EBook Frank on the Lower Mississippi, by Castlemon

Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the
copyright laws for your country before downloading or redistributing
this or any other Project Gutenberg eBook.

This header should be the first thing seen when viewing this Project
Gutenberg file.  Please do not remove it.  Do not change or edit the
header without written permission.
                    
Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the
eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file.  Included is
important information about your specific rights and restrictions in
how the file may be used.  You can also find out about how to make a
donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved.


**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts**

**EBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971**

*****These EBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers*****


Title: Frank on the Lower Mississippi

Author: Harry Castlemon

Release Date: November 2004  [EBook #6958]
[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule]
[This file was first posted on February 17, 2003]

Edition: 10

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII





*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LOWER MISSISSIPPI BY CASTLEMON ***



This eBook was produced by David Garcia, Juliet Sutherland,
Charles Franks, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.





FRANK ON THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI.

BY

HARRY CASTLEMON




  CONTENTS


  CHAPTER    I.--THE NEW PAYMASTER

  CHAPTER   II.--A NIGHT EXPEDITION

  CHAPTER  III.--ARCHIE IN A PREDICAMENT

  CHAPTER   IV.--A MARK FOR THE UNION

  CHAPTER    V.--A RUN FOR LIFE

  CHAPTER   VI.--FRANK TURNS DETECTIVE

  CHAPTER  VII.--FRANK'S FIRST COMMAND

  CHAPTER VIII.--AN UNLUCKY FLIGHT

  CHAPTER   IX.--UP THE WASHITA

  CHAPTER    X.--THE PROMOTION

  CHAPTER   XI.--THE RIVAL SPIES

  CHAPTER  XII.--A SCOUTING PARTY

  CHAPTER XIII.--TOM THE COXSWAIN

  CHAPTER  XIV.--A REBEL TRICK

  CHAPTER   XV.--HONORABLY DISCHARGED




FRANK ON THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI.




CHAPTER I.

The New Paymaster.


Vicksburg had fallen, and the army had marched in and taken possession
of the city. How Frank longed to accompany it, that he might see the
inside of the rebel stronghold, which had so long withstood the advance
of our fleet and army! He stood leaning against one of the monster guns,
which, at his bidding, had spoken so often and so effectively in favor
of the Union, and for two hours watched the long lines of war-worn
soldiers as they moved into the works. At length a tremendous cheer
arose from the city, and Frank discovered a party of soldiers on the
cupola of the court-house, from which, a few moments afterward, floated
the Stars and Stripes. Then came faintly to his ears the words of a
familiar song, which were caught up by the soldiers in the city, then by
those who were still marching in, and "We'll rally round the flag,
boys," was sung by an immense choir. The rebels in the streets gazed
wonderingly at the men on the spire, and listened to the song, and the
triumphant shouts of the conquering army, which proclaimed the beginning
of the downfall of their confederacy.

To Frank, it was one of the proudest moments of his life--a sight he
would not have missed to be able to float at the mast-head of his vessel
the broad pennant of the admiral. All he had endured was forgotten; and
when the Old Flag was unfurled in the air which had but a short time
before floated the "stars and bars," he pulled off his cap and shouted
at the top of his lungs.

Having thus given vent to his feelings of exultation, in obedience to
orders, he commenced the removal of his battery on board the Trenton. It
was two days' work to accomplish this, but Frank, who was impatient to
see the inside of the fortifications worked with a will, and finally the
battery was mounted in its old position. On the following day, the
Trenton moved down the river, and came to anchor in front of Vicksburg.
Shore liberty was granted, and Frank, in company with several of his
brother officers, strolled about the city. On every side the houses bore
the marks of Union shot and shell, and the streets were blocked with
fortifications, showing that had the city been taken by storm, it was
the intention of the rebels to dispute every inch of the ground. Every
thing bore evidence to the fact that the fight had been a most desperate
one; that the rebels had surrendered only when they found that it was
impossible to hold out longer.

In some places the streets ran through deep cuts in the bank, and in
these banks were the famous "gopher holes." They were [ca]ves dug in
the ground, into which a person, if he happened to hear a shell coming,
might run for safety. Outside the city, the fortifications were most
extensive; rifle-pits ran in every direction, flanked by strong forts,
whose battered walls attested the fury of the iron hail that had been
poured upon them. It was night before Frank was aware of it, so
interested was he in every thing about him, and he returned on board his
vessel, weary with his long walk, but amply repaid by seeing the inside
of what its rebel occupants had called "the Gibraltar of America."

During the next two days, several vessels of the squadron passed the
city, on their way to new fields of action further down the river. One
of them--the Boxer, a tin-clad, mounting eight guns--had Frank on board.
He had been detached from the Trenton, and ordered to join this vessel,
which had been assigned a station a short distance below Grand Gulf. As
usual, he had no difficulty in becoming acquainted with his new
messmates, and he soon felt perfectly at home among them. He found, as
he had done in every other mess of which he had been a member, that
there was the usual amount of wrangling and disputing, and it amused him
exceedingly. All the mess seemed to be indignant at the caterer, who did
not appear to stand very high in their estimation. The latter, he
learned, had just made an "assessment" upon the mess to the amount of
ten dollars for each member; and as there was no paymaster on board, the
officers had but very little ready money, and were anxious to know where
all the funds paid into the treasury went to. He also found that the
caterer's authority was not as much respected as he had a right to
claim, for during the very first meal Frank ate in the mess, a dispute
arose which threatened for a time to end in the whole matter being
carried before the captain.

One of the members of the mess, who was temporarily attached to the
vessel, was a pilot who had been pressed into the service. He was a
genuine rebel, and frequently said that he was called a traitor because
he was in favor of allowing the South to "peaceably withdraw from the
Union." The doctor, a little, fat, jolly man, and a thorough Unionist,
who believed in handling all rebels without gloves, took up the sword,
and the debate that followed was long and stormy. The pilot, as it
proved, hardly knew the reasons why the South had attempted to secede,
and was constantly clinching his arguments by saying, "Men who know
more, and who have done more fighting during this war than you, Doctor
Brown, say that they have a right to do so." The debate waxed hotter and
hotter, until some of the other members of the mess joined in with the
doctor against the pilot, and the caterer, thinking that the noise the
disputants made was unbecoming the members of a well-regulated mess, at
length shouted:

"Silence! Gentlemen, hereafter talking politics in this wardroom is
strictly prohibited."

"Eh?" ejaculated the doctor, who was thoroughly aroused, "Do you expect
us to sit here and listen to a conscript running down the Government--a
man who never would have entered the service if he had not been
compelled to do so? No, sir! I wouldn't hold my tongue under such
circumstances if all the six-foot-four caterers in the squadron should
say so. You are not a little admiral, to come down here and hoist your
broad pennant in this mess-room."

The caterer was astounded when he found his authority thus set at
defiance, and without further parley he retired to his room; and in a
few moments returned with the books, papers, and the small amount of
money that belonged to the mess; laying them on the table, he said:

"Gentlemen, you will please elect another caterer."

The debate was instantly hushed, for not one member of the mess, besides
the caterer just resigned, could have been hired to take the
responsibility of managing affairs. When the officers had finished their
dinner, they walked carelessly out on deck, as if the question of where
the next meal was to come from did not trouble them in the least.
Nothing was done toward an election; no one took charge of the books or
papers, and when the table was cleared away they were thrown
unceremoniously under the water-cooler. The money, however, was taken
care of by the doctor. Dinner-time came, and when Frank, tired and
hungry, was relieved from the deck, he inquired what was to be had to
eat.

"There's nothing been done about it yet," answered the officer who
relieved him. "The steward went to several of the members of the mess,
and asked what they wished served up; but they told him that they had
nothing to do with the caterer's business, and the consequence is, if
you want any thing to eat, you will have to go into the pantry and help
yourself."

Frank was a good deal amused at the obstinacy displayed by the different
members of the mess, and wondered how the affair would end. The mess
could not long exist without some one to take charge of it; but for
himself he was not at all concerned. He had paid no initiation fee,
because no one had asked him for it, and he knew that as long as there
were provisions in the paymaster's store-rooms, there was no danger but
that he would get plenty to eat. He found three or four officers in the
pantry making their dinner on hard-tack, pickles, and raw bacon. They
were all grumbling over the hard fare, but not one of them appeared
willing to assume the office of caterer.

Things went on in this way for nearly a week, (during which time they
had arrived at their station,) and the doctor, who was fond of good
living, could stand it no longer. He went to the caterer who had
resigned, and, after considerable urging, and a solemn promise that
politics should not again be discussed in the mess, the latter was
persuaded to resume the management of affairs. The change from hard
crackers and pickles to nice warm meals was a most agreeable one, and
the jolly doctor, according to promise, was very careful what questions
were brought up before the mess for discussion.

By this time, as we have before remarked, the Boxer had arrived at her
station. Her crew thought they were now about to lead a life of idleness
and inactivity, for not a rebel had they seen since leaving Vicksburg.
But one morning, while the men were engaged in washing off the
forecastle, they were startled by a roar of musketry, and three of the
sailors fell dead upon the deck.

The fight that followed continued for two hours, the rebels finally
retiring, not because they had been worsted, but for the reason that
they had grown weary of the engagement. This was the commencement of a
series of attacks which proved to be the source of great annoyance to
the crew of the Boxer. The guerrillas would appear when least expected,
and the levee afforded them a secure hiding-place from which they could
not be driven, either with big guns or small arms. They were fatal
marksmen, too; and during the week following, the Boxer's crew lost ten
men. One rebel in particular attracted their attention, and his reckless
courage excited their admiration. He rode a large white horse, and
although rendered a prominent mark for the rifles of the sailors, he
always escaped unhurt. He would ride boldly out in full view of the
vessel, patiently wait for someone to expose himself, when the sharp
crack of his rifle would be followed by the report made to the captain,
"A man shot, sir."

Frank had selected this man as a worthy foe-man; and every time he
appeared the young officer was on the watch for him. He was very expert
with the rifle, and after a few shots, he succeeded in convincing the
rebel that the safest place for him was behind the levee. One morning
the foe appeared in stronger force than usual, and conspicuous among
them was the white horse and his daring rider. The fight that ensued had
continued for perhaps half an hour, when the quartermaster reported the
dispatch-boat approaching. As soon as she came within range, the
guerrillas directed their fire against her, to which the latter replied
briskly from two guns mounted on her forecastle. The leader of the
rebels was constantly in view, cheering on his men, and discharging his
rifle as fast as he could reload. Frank fired several shots at him, and
finding that, as usual, they were without effect, he asked the captain's
permission to try a howitzer on him, which was granted. He ran below,
trained the gun to his satisfaction, and waited for an opportunity to
fire, during which the dispatch-boat came alongside and commenced
putting off a supply of stores.

At length the rebel mounted the levee, and reigning in his horse, sat in
his saddle gazing at the vessels, as if not at all concerned. He
presented a fair mark, and Frank fired, but the shell went wild and
burst in the woods, far beyond the rebel, who, however, beat a hasty
retreat behind the levee.

"Oh, what a shot!" shouted a voice through the trumpet that led from the
pilot-house to the main deck. "What a shot--altogether too much
elevation."

"Who's that, I wonder?" soliloquized Frank. "It _was_ a poor shot,
but I'd like to see that fellow, whoever he is, do any better."

After giving orders to have the gun reloaded and secured, he ran into
the wardroom to look after his mail, at the same time inquiring of every
one he met, "Who was that making fun of my shooting?" But no one knew,
nor cared to trouble himself about the matter, for the subject of
conversation was, "We've got a new paymaster."

Frank was pleased to hear this, but was still determined to find the
person who had laughed at his marksmanship, when he saw a pair of feet
descending the ladder that led from the cabin to the pilot-house, and a
moment afterward, a smart looking young officer, dressed in the uniform
of a paymaster, stood in the wardroom, and upon discovering Frank,
thrust out his hand and greeted him with--

"What a shot! Been in the service more than two years, and"--

"Why, Archie Winters, is this you?" exclaimed Frank, joyfully.

"_Paymaster_ Winters, if you please" replied Archie, with mock
dignity.

"How came you here? What are you doing? Got any money?" hurriedly
inquired Frank.

"Got plenty of funds," replied his cousin. "But I say, Frank, how long
has this fighting been going on?"

"Every day for the last week."

Archie shrugged his shoulders, and looked blank.

"I guess I had better go back to Cairo," said he; "these rebels, I hear,
shoot very carelessly. Just before we came alongside here, I was
standing on the deck of the dispatch-boat, and some fellow cracked away
at me, sending the bullet altogether too close to my head for comfort."

"Oh, that's nothing, so long as he didn't hit you. You'll get used to
that before you have been here a week. But, Archie, are you really
ordered to this vessel?"

Archie at once produced his orders, and, sure enough, he was an acting
assistant paymaster, and ordered to "report to the commanding officer of
the U. S. S. Boxer for duty on board that vessel."

During the two years that Archie had been in the fleet-paymaster's
office he had, by strict attention to his duties, worked his way up from
"writer" to corresponding clerk. He had had ample opportunity to learn
the duties of paymaster, and one day he suddenly took it into his head
to make application for the position. He immediately wrote to his
father, informing him of his intention, procured his letters of
recommendation, and a month afterward received the appointment.

Hearing, through Frank, that the Boxer was without a paymaster, he
succeeded in getting ordered to her, and, as he had not written to his
cousin of his good fortune, the latter, as may be supposed, was taken
completely by surprise.

Archie was speedily introduced to the officers of the vessel, who were
pleased with his off-hand, easy manners, and delighted with the looks of
a small safe which he had brought with him, for they knew, by the very
particular orders he gave concerning it, that there was money in it.

At the end of an hour the rebels seemed to grow weary of the fight, for
they drew off their forces; then, as soon as it was safe on deck, the
cousins seated themselves on the guard, to "talk over old times." Frank
gave descriptions of the fights in which he had engaged since they last
met, and also related stories of mess-room life, with which Archie was
entirely unacquainted; and to show him how things were conducted, told
him of the jokes the officers frequently played upon each other.

"Speaking of jokes," said Archie, "reminds me of a little affair I had a
hand in at Cairo.

"While the commandant of the station was absent on a leave, his place
was supplied by a gentleman whom, for short, I will call Captain Smith.
He was a regular officer, had grown gray in the service, and was one of
the most eccentric men I ever saw. He was extremely nervous, too, and if
a steamer happened to whistle while passing the wharf-boat, it would
make him almost wild.

"One day, a man who lived off somewhere in the woods, came down to Cairo
to get an appointment for his son as master's mate. Our office, you
know, was just to the right of the door, and, if there was any thing
that bothered me, it was for some body to stick his head over the
railing when I was busy, and ask, 'Is the commandant of the station in?'
There was an orderly on watch day and night, always ready to answer such
questions, and besides, there was an abundance of notices on the walls
pointing out the different offices; but in spite of this, every stranger
that came in must stop and make inquiries of me.

"Well, this man came into the office, and as he had evidently never been
there before, judging by the way he gaped at every thing, I told him
that it was after office hours, and that he must call again the next
morning about nine o'clock. He took a turn or two across the floor
(by-the-way, he wore squeaking boots, that made a noise like a
steam-whistle), and finally went out.

"The next evening, just as I was locking up my desk, he came in again,
and I repeated what I had told him the night before, that he must come
at nine o'clock in the _morning_--not at night--if he wished to see
the captain, and he went out, after making noise enough with his
squeaking boots to set a nervous man's teeth on edge. Now, would you
believe it, that evening, after I had finished my work, and was starting
out for supper, I saw this man coming up the stairs. He met me with the
usual question, 'Is the captain in?' and I suddenly hit upon a plan to
get rid of him, for I had made up my mind that the man didn't know what
he was about; so I replied:

"'What do you want? Why don't you come here during our office hours, if
you want to see me?'

"I spoke in a gruff voice, and I was so bundled up--for the night was
very cold--that I knew he wouldn't recognize me.

"'I've been busy all day, cap'in,' said he; 'but the fact is'--

"I was afraid that I would be obliged to stand there in the cold and
listen to a long, uninteresting yarn, so I interrupted him.

"'Speak quick, and don't keep me waiting.'

"'Wal, cap'in,' said he, 'I heerd you are in want of officers, an' I
come to get a place for my son; I hear the wages are purty good.'

"'Yes,' I replied, 'we do want officers; but does your son know anything
about a ship?'

"'Oh, yes? He's run the river as deck-hand for goin' nigh on to three
year.'

"'Then he ought to know something, certainly. Come around tomorrow
morning, at nine o'clock exactly, and I'll see what can be done for you.
Now, mind, I say nine o'clock in the morning.'

"Well, the next morning, at the appointed time, to my utter
astonishment, the man was on hand, and, as usual, commenced walking up
and down the floor with his squeaking boots. The noise disturbed
everyone within hearing, and presently the captain, who was in his
office, and so busy that he hardly knew what he was about, spoke in a
sharp tone:

"'Orderly, pull off those squeaking boots!'

"'It isn't me, sir.' said the orderly; 'it's a gentleman out here
waiting to see you, sir.'

"'Then send him in--send him in at once, so that I can get rid of that
noise.'

"The man was accordingly shown into the presence of the captain, while I
listened with both ears to hear what was said.

"'Mornin', cap'in,' he began; 'I reckon I'm here on time.'

"'Time! what time? What do you want?' inquired the captain, who always
spoke very fast, as though he were in a hurry to get through with what
he had to say. 'What do you want, my good man. Be lively now.'

"'Why, cap'in, I come here to get that appointment for my son in this
ere navy.'

"'Appointment! For your son!' repeated the captain. 'Who is he? I never
heard of him.'

"'Wal, really now, cap'in, I'll be shot if you didn't tell me last night
that you would make my son an officer. The wages are good, I hear, an'
as I've a debt to pay off on the farm'--

"'Don't bother me!' interrupted the captain, beginning to get impatient.

"'But, cap'in,' urged the man, 'you can't bluff me off this 'ere way.
You told me last night that you wanted officers; you know I met you on
the stairs, and you promised, honor bright.'

"'Eh!' ejaculated the captain, in surprise,'my good man, allow me to
know what I'm about, will you? _Will_ you allow me to know myself?
Orderly,' he continued, turning to that individual, who had stood by,
convulsed with laughter, which he was vainly endeavoring to conceal,
'orderly, do you think this man is in his right mind?'

"The orderly said he didn't know; but, taking the man by the arm, showed
him out of the office, telling him to come again, when the captain was
not quite so busy.

"The conversation had been carried on in a loud tone, and all the
occupants of the different offices had heard it, and were highly amused,
for they knew that somebody had been playing a joke on the countryman;
but it was a long time before I told anyone of the share I had had in
the affair."




CHAPTER II.

A Night Expedition.


"The captain wishes to see you, gentlemen!" said the orderly, stepping
up and saluting.

The cousins repaired to the cabin, and after Archie had been introduced
to the captain (for being utterly ignorant of the manner in which things
were conducted on shipboard, he had not yet reported his arrival), his
orders were indorsed, and the captain, turning to his desk, ran his eye
hastily over an official document, and said:

"Mr. Nelson, I have received instructions from the admiral to make you
the executive officer of this vessel. Mr. Kearney's resignation has been
accepted, and you will take his place. I am certain, from what I know
and have heard of your past history, that I shall have no cause to
regret the change."

After a few moments' conversation with the captain upon unimportant
matters, the cousins returned to the wardroom.

Frank's constant attention to his duties had again been rewarded, and he
was now the second in authority on board the vessel. All orders from the
captain must pass through him, and in the absence of that gentleman he
became commander. To say that Frank was delighted would but feebly
express his feelings; he was proud of the honor, and determined that he
would prove himself worthy of it. In fact, he had now reached the height
of his ambition, although he had little dreamed that it would come so
soon. He asked nothing more. He had worked hard and faithfully ever
since he had entered the service, but in receiving the appointment of
executive officer he felt amply rewarded.

He was young in years for so responsible a position, but he had no fears
of his ability to perform all the duties required of him, for the
routine of ship life had become as familiar to him as was the road from
Lawrence to his quiet little home on the banks of Glen's Creek. But his
promotion did not affect him as it does a great many who suddenly find
themselves possessed of power. He did not "stand upon his rank," nor in
his intercourse with his messmates endeavor to keep constantly before
their minds the fact that he was the second in command. Those who have
been in the service--especially in the navy--will recall to mind
incidents of this character; but our hero never forgot the respect he
owed to his superiors, and his conduct toward those under him was marked
by the same kindness he had always shown them.

Frank knew that he had something of a task before him. Although he could
now turn into his bunk at night without being called upon to stand his
regular watch, he had more difficult duties to perform. He was
responsible for the manner in which affairs were conducted about decks,
for the neat appearance of the vessel and of the men; and as the former
executive officer had been rather careless in this respect, Frank knew
that his first move must be made in that direction.

For the next two days, as the rebels did not trouble them, Frank worked
early and late, and the results of his labor were soon made apparent.
Every one remarked the improved appearance of the men, who, at the
Sunday morning muster, appeared on deck in spotless uniforms and
well-blacked shoes. After the roll had been called, and the captain, in
company with Frank, proceeded to inspect the vessel, the young officer
knew that his improvements had been appreciated when the former, who was
an old sailor, said, with a smile of satisfaction:

"Mr. Nelson, this begins to look something like a ship, sir. This really
looks like business. The admiral may come here now and inspect the
vessel as soon as he pleases."

The next morning, as Frank sat at the table in the wardroom, engaged in
answering the letters he had received by the dispatch-boat, and Archie
was in his office straightening out his books and papers, a bullet came
suddenly crashing through the cabin--a signal that the rebels had again
made their appearance. Frank, who had become accustomed to such
interruptions, deliberately wiped his pen, corked his ink-stand, and was
carefully putting away his letters, when there was a hurrying of feet in
the office; the door flew open, and Archie, divested of his coat,
bounded into the cabin, exclaiming:

"A fellow can't tell when he's safe in this country. I wish I was back
in the fleet-paymaster's office. I wouldn't mind a good fair fight, but
this thing of being shot at when you least expect it isn't pleasant."

As Archie spoke, he hurriedly seized a gun from the rack, which had been
put up in the cabin in order to have weapons close at hand, and sprang
up the ladder that led into the pilothouse. Frank, although he laughed
heartily at his cousin's rapid movements, was a good deal surprised, for
he had always believed him to be possessed of a good share of courage.
It would, however, have tried stronger nerves than Archie's; but men who
had become familiar with such scenes, who had learned to regard them
merely as something disagreeable which could not be avoided, could not
sympathize with one in his situation, and many a wink was exchanged, and
many a laugh indulged in, at the expense of the "green paymaster."

When Frank had put away his writing materials, he ran below to see that
the ports were all closed; after which he returned to the wardroom, and,
securing a rifle, went into the pilot-house, where he found Archie
engaged in reloading his gun, while the officers were complimenting him
on a fine shot he had just made.

"Mr. Nelson," exclaimed the doctor, as Frank made his appearance, "I
guess your white horseman is done for now. The paymaster lifted him out
of his saddle as clean as a whistle."

Frank looked out at one of the ports, and, sure enough, there was the
white horse running riderless about, and his wounded master was being
carried behind the levee. The officers continued to fire as often as a
rebel showed himself, but the latter seemed to have lost all desire for
fighting, for they retreated to the plantation-house which stood back
from the river, out of range of the rifles, where they gathered in a
body as if in consultation, now and then setting up defiant yells, which
came faintly to the ears of those in the pilot-house.

"They are saucy enough now that they are out of harm's way," said
Archie, turning to his cousin. But the latter made no reply. He stood
leaning on his rifle, gazing at the guerrillas, as if busily engaged
with his own thoughts, and finally left the pilot-house and sought an
interview with the captain.

"I have been thinking, sir," said he, as he entered the cabin and took
the chair offered him, "that if that house out there had been burned
long ago, we should not have had ten men killed by those guerrillas.
They seem to use that building as their head-quarters, and if it could
be destroyed they would cease to trouble us."

"That's my opinion," replied the captain. "But who is to undertake the
job? Who's to go out there, in the face of three or four hundred rebels,
and do it? _I_ can't, with a crew of only fifty men."

"I didn't suppose it could be done openly, sir; but couldn't it be
accomplished by stratagem in the night, for instance?"

The captain shook his head; but Frank, who was not yet discouraged,
continued:

"I have not made this proposition, captain, without thinking it all
over--without taking into consideration all the chances for and against
it--and I still think it could be accomplished."

"Well, how would you go to work?" asked the captain, settling back in
his chair with the air of a man who had made his decision, from which he
was not to be turned.

Frank then proceeded to recount the plans he had laid for the
accomplishment of his object, to which the captain listened attentively,
and when Frank had ceased, he rose to his feet and paced the cabin. He
knew that the young officer had before engaged in expeditions similar to
the one he now proposed, when, in carrying out his designs, he had
exhibited the skill and judgment of a veteran. In the present instance,
his plans were so well laid, that there appeared to be but little chance
for failure. After a few moments' consideration, the captain again
seated himself, and said:

"Well, Mr. Nelson, it shall be as you propose. If you succeed, I am
certain that this guerrilla station will be broken up; if you fail, it
will only be what many a good officer has done before you."

"I assure you, sir, I shall leave no plan untried to insure my success,"
replied Frank, as he left the cabin.

"What's the matter now?" inquired Archie, as his cousin entered the
wardroom. "Been getting a blowing up already?"

"Oh, no!" replied Frank. "Come in here, and I'll tell you all about it;"
and he drew Archie into the office, where he proceeded to tell him all
that had been determined upon. When he had finished, the latter
exclaimed:

"I want to go with you. Will you take me?"

Frank thought of Archie's behavior but a few moments before, and
wondered what use he could posssibly be in an expedition like the one
proposed.

"If you do go," he answered, at length, "you'll be sorry for it. It
requires those who are accustomed to such business; and you have never
been in an action in your life. The undertaking is dangerous."

"I don't care if it is," answered Archie. "That's just the reason why I
want to go--to be with you; and I warrant you I'll stick to you as long
as any body."

"Besides," began Frank, "if any thing should happen to you"--

"I'm just as likely to get back as you are," replied Archie, excitedly,
"and I want to go."

After considerable urging, Frank finally asked and obtained permission
for Archie to accompany the expedition, at which the latter was
overjoyed. He was very far from realizing the danger there was in the
undertaking, and had as little idea of what would be required of him as
he had of the moon.

The cousins passed the afternoon in the pilothouse, watching the
movements of the guerrillas through spy-glasses, studying the "lay of
the land," the directions in which the different roads ran--in short,
nothing was omitted which they thought might be useful for them to know.
Just before night a storm set in; the wind blew, and the rain fell in
torrents; and, although Frank regarded it as something in their favor,
under any other circumstances he would have preferred tumbling into bed
to venturing out in it. The hammocks were not piped as usual, but all
hands were to remain on deck during the night, to be ready to lend
assistance in case it was required. At ten o'clock the cutter lay
alongside the vessel, the crew were in their places, and Frank and his
cousin, surrounded by the officers who had assembled to see them off,
stood on the guards ready to start.

"Paymaster," said Frank, turning to his cousin, "hadn't you better
remain on board?" (He addressed him as paymaster, for, of course, it
would have been contrary to naval rules to call him by his given name in
the presence of the captain.)

"No, sir," answered Archie, quickly buttoning up his pea-jacket with a
resolute air. "Do you suppose I'm going to back out now? If you do, you
are mistaken. I'm not afraid of a little rain."

Frank made no reply, but, after shaking hands with the captain and
officers, followed his cousin into the cutter, which floated off into
the darkness amid the whispered wishes for "good luck" from all the
ship's company who had witnessed its departure. Frank took the helm, and
turned the boat down the river. Not an oar was used, for the young
officer did not know but the rebels had posted sentries along the bank,
whom the least splashing in the water would alarm. Archie sat beside his
cousin, with his collar pulled up over his ears, and his hands thrust
into the pockets of his pea-jacket, heartily wishing that Frank had
chosen a pleasanter night for their expedition. For half an hour they
floated along with the current in silence, until Frank, satisfied that
he had gone far enough down the river to get below the sentries, if any
were posted on the bank, gave the order to use the oars, and turned the
cutter's head toward the shore, which they reached in a few moments.

The crew quietly disembarked, and as the sailors gathered about him,
Frank said,

"Now, men, I'm going to leave you here until the paymaster and myself
can go up to the house, and accomplish what we have come for. Tom," he
added, turning to the coxswain of the cutter, "you will have charge of
the boat, and remember you are in no case to leave her. We may be
discovered, and get into a fight. If we do, and are cut off from the
river and unable to get back, I'll whistle, and you will at once answer
me, so that I may know that you hear me, and pull off to the vessel.
We'll take care of ourselves. Do you understand?"

The crew of the cutter were old sailors--men who had followed the sea
through storm and sunshine all their lives. They had been in more than
one action, too, during the rebellion, and had gladly volunteered for
the expedition, supposing that they were to accompany Frank wherever he
went. During the short time the latter had been on board the Boxer, they
had become very much attached to him. Although he was a very strict
officer, and always expected every man to do his duty promptly, he
always treated them with the greatest kindness, and never spoke harshly
to them. This was so different from the treatment they had usually
received at the hands of their officers, that it won their hearts; and,
although they admired his courage, they would have felt much better
pleased had they received orders to accompany him.

"Don't you understand, Tom?" again asked Frank, seeing that the coxswain
hesitated.

"Oh, yes, sir," replied the sailor, touching his hat; "I understand,
sir. But, Mr. Nelson, may I be so bold as to ask one question--one
favor, I may say?"

"Certainly; speak it out," answered Frank, who little imagined what
thoughts were passing through the minds of his men. "What is it? Do you
wish to go back to the ship, and leave us here alone?"

"No, sir," answered all the men in a breath.

"Mr. Nelson," said the coxswain, "I never yet refused duty because there
was danger in it, and I'm too old a man to begin now. You have here,
sir, twelve as good men as ever trod a ship's deck, and you know, sir,
that when you passed the word for volunteers for this expedition, you
didn't have to call twice. But we all thought that we should go with you
to the end; and, to tell the truth, sir, we don't like the idea of you
and the paymaster going off alone among them rebels. You are sure to get
into trouble, and we want to go with you."

On more than one occasion had Frank been made aware of the affection his
men cherished for him, and he felt as proud of it as he did of the
uniform he wore; but he had never been more affected than he was on the
present occasion.

"Men," he answered, in a voice that was none of the steadiest, "I assure
you I appreciate the interest you take in my welfare, and were I going
to fight, I should certainly take you with me; but sometimes two can
accomplish more than a dozen. Besides, I promised the captain that I
would leave you here, and I must do so. Now, remember and pull off to
the vessel if you hear me whistle."

"Yes, sir," replied the coxswain; "but it'll be the first time I ever
deserted an officer in trouble."

The sailors were evidently far from being pleased with this arrangement,
but they were allowed no opportunity to oppose it, even had they felt
inclined to do so, for Frank and his cousin speedily disappeared in the
darkness.




CHAPTER III.

Archie in a Predicament.


As soon as the young officers had reached the top of the bank, they
paused to take their bearings, and to select some landmark that would
enable them to easily find the boat again. Away off in the darkness they
saw the twinkling of a light, which they knew was in the house which the
guerrillas were using as their head-quarters.

"Now, Archie," said Frank, "take a good look at this big tree here"
(pointing to the object in question) "so that you will know it again.
The boat lies in the river exactly in a line with that tree. Now, if you
should be separated from me and discovered, make straight for the
cutter. But if you are cut off from it, run up the river until you get a
little above where the vessel lies, and then jump in and swim out to
her. Do you understand?"

"Yes," replied Archie.

"Be careful of your weapons," continued his cousin, "and keep them dry
and ready for instant use. Don't be captured--whatever you do, don't be
captured!"

"I'll look out for that," answered Archie "But, Frank," he continued,
"why did you tell the men to pull back to the vessel if we should be cut
off from the river? I should think that would be just the time you would
want them to remain."

"Why," replied Frank, "the very first thing the rebels would think of,
if we were discovered, would be to capture our boat, and while part of
them were after us, the others would run to the river and gobble up
boat, crew, and all. Then they would know that we were still on shore,
and would scour the country to find us. But if the boat goes off to the
vessel, the rebels will be more than half inclined to believe that we
have gone off too, and, consequently, will not take the pains to hunt us
which they would do if they _knew_ we were still on shore. But let
us be moving; we've no time to waste."

Frank started toward the house, carefully picking his way over the wet,
slippery ground, now and then pausing to listen, and to reconnoiter as
well as the darkness would permit, and finally stopped scarcely a
stone's throw from the building. Not a guerrilla had they seen. Not
dreaming that the "yankee gun-boatmen" would have the audacity to attack
them when they knew the rebels were so far superior in numbers, the
latter had neglected to post sentries, and Frank was satisfied that
their approach had not been discovered.

"Now, Archie," said he, as they drew up behind a tree for concealment,
"you stay here, and I'll see if I can set fire to that house."

"There are people in it," said his cousin; "I just saw a man pass by
that window where the light is."

"Then they must look out for themselves," answered Frank. "That's what
we have to do when they shoot into our cabin. Now, you stay here, and if
you hear any shooting, run for the boat."

"What will _you_ do?" asked Archie.

"Oh, I'll take care of myself. Good-bye."

As Frank spoke he moved silently toward the house, and was soon out of
sight.

"Now," soliloquized Archie, "I am to stay here, am I? That's what I was
ordered to do, but I don't know whether I'll obey or not. It is evident
Frank left me here to keep me out of harm's way. Perhaps he thinks that
because I have never smelt powder, I am a coward; but I'll show him that
I am not."

So saying, Archie stepped out from behind his tree, and walked slowly
toward the house. When he arrived opposite the window from which the
light shone, he stopped and looked in. He did not, however, go up close
to the window, or he certainly would have been seen; but he remained
standing at a respectful distance, so that he would have some chance for
escape, in case he should be discovered.

The sight that met his gaze would have been sufficient to deter most men
from attempting to burn the house. The room was filled with men, some of
whom were lying on the floor on their blankets, others sitting around
the table, and one or two were walking about the apartment. In the
corner stood their arms, ready to be seized at a moment's warning. And
this was but one of the rooms; perhaps the whole house was filled with
guerrillas.

"My eye!" said Archie to himself, "what a hornet's nest would be raised
about our ears, if we should be discovered."

His heart beat faster than usual, as he moved back from the window, and
walked silently around to the other side of the house. Here also was a
window, from which a light shone, and as, like the other, it was
destitute of a curtain, every thing that went on within could be plainly
seen by Archie, who took his station behind some bushes that stood at a
little distance from the house. The room had three occupants, whom
Archie at once set down as officers. One of them carried his arm in a
sling. He was a tall, powerful-looking man, and Archie recognized in him
the daring rider of the white horse--the chief of the guerrillas.

"I wonder what the old chap would say if he knew I was about," thought
Archie--"I, who gave him that wound. I'd be booked for Shreveport,
certain."

He was interrupted in his meditations by the movements of the officers,
who arose and approached the door, bringing their chairs with them. The
storm had ceased, and as there was no longer any necessity of remaining
in the house, the rebels were, no doubt, moving to cooler quarters.
Archie at once thought of retreating; but the thought had scarcely
passed through his mind, when the door opened, the rebels walked out on
the portico, and seating themselves in their chairs, deposited their
feet on the railing; while the young officer stretched himself out
behind the bush, heartily wishing that he could sink into the ground out
of sight.

"A very warm evening, colonel," said one of the rebels, fanning himself
with his hat.

"Very," answered the guerrilla chief, gently moving his wounded arm,
little dreaming that the one who gave him that wound was at that very
moment lying behind the bushes into which he had just thrown the stump
of his cigar. "It's very warm. I wish I had that rascally Yank that shot
me," he added, "this wound is very painful."

Archie upon hearing this was almost afraid that the beating of his
heart, which thumped against his ribs with a noise that frightened him,
would certainly reveal to the rebels the fact that the "rascally Yank"
was then in their immediate vicinity.

"But, if our plans work," continued the colonel, "in less than a week
from this time they will all be on the way to Shreveport."

"May I ask, colonel," said the one who had not yet spoken, "how soon
those boats will be ready?"

"Major Jackson reports that they will be finished by to-morrow night,
and it will take all of one day to run them down the creek to the
river."

"Then by Thursday evening," said the one who had first spoken, "we may
be ready to make the attempt."

"Yes, if the night is favorable."

"But, colonel, all these gun-boats are supplied with hot water, and
that, you know, is the worst kind of an enemy to fight. Men will run
from that who wouldn't flinch before cold steel."

"Oh, we must take the Yanks by surprise, of course. The boats will hold
fifty men each, and we must drop down the river so that we will land one
on each side of the vessel. If the night is dark--and we shall not make
the attempt unless it is--we can get within pistol-shot of her before we
are discovered, and by the time their men get fairly out of bed she's
ours. Hark! what noise was that?"

The rebels listened for a moment, and one of them replied:

"I didn't hear any thing."

"Well, _I_ did," returned the colonel, "and it sounded very much
like some one shouting for help. I'm certain I heard it."

Archie, who lay in his concealment, trembling like a leaf, was also
confident that _he_ had heard something that sounded like a call
for assistance. What if it was Frank in danger, and shouting to the
cutter's crew for help? The thought to Archie was a terrible one, and he
forgot the dangers of his own situation, and thought only of his cousin.
But if Frank was in trouble, why did he not give the signal to the
cutter's crew? Archie waited and listened for it, but did not hear it
given.

While these thoughts were passing through his mind, the rebels sat on
the portico listening, and at length the colonel said:

"I know I hear something now, but it is the tramping of a horse. I
suppose it is Tibbs, coming with the mail."

The colonel's surmise proved to be correct, for in a few moments a man
rode up, and dismounting so close to Archie that the latter could have
touched him, tied his horse to the very bush which formed his
concealment; then, throwing a pair of well-filled saddle-bags across his
shoulder, he ran up the steps, saying:

"Good evening, gentlemen. What! colonel, are you wounded?" he added, on
seeing the rebel's bandaged arm.

"Yes; this makes four times I have been shot while in the service. But
how is the mail?"

"Rather heavy," answered the man. "If you have any letters to go, you
will have to furnish another bag--these are full."

"All right," said the colonel; then raising his voice, he called out,
"Bob! Bob! Where is that black rascal?"

"Heyar, sar," answered a voice, and presently a negro came around the
corner of the house, and removing his tattered hat, stood waiting for
orders.

"Bob," said the colonel, "tell Stiles that the mail is all ready to go
across the river."

_Stiles!_ How Frank would have started could he have heard that
name! He would have known then, had he not before been aware of the
fact, that he was again among _Colonel Harrison's Louisiana
Wild-cats_.

The negro, in obedience to his orders, disappeared, but soon returned,
with the intelligence that Stiles was not to be found.

"Not to be found," echoed the colonel; "that's twice he has failed me.
But this mail must not be delayed. Tell Damon I want to see him."

The negro again disappeared, and in a few moments came back with a
soldier, to whom the colonel said:

"Damon, here's a mail that must go across the river to-night. Can you
pull an oar?"

"Yas," replied the man.

"Then get some one to go with you, and start at once. The skiff, you
know, is in the creek, just above where that Yankee gun-boat lies."

"Yas," answered the man again, as he took the mail-bags which the
colonel handed him.

"This one," continued the rebel, pointing to a small canvas bag which
one of his officers had just brought out of the house--"this one
contains my mail--all official documents, to go to Richmond. Be careful
of it. Don't let the Yankees get hold of you."

"No," replied the soldier, as he shouldered the mail and disappeared.

The conversation that followed, of which Archie heard every word, served
to convince him that, although the rebels kept up a bold front, and
appeared sanguine of success in their attempts to destroy the
Government, yet among themselves they acknowledged their cause to be
utterly hopeless unless some bold stroke could be made to "dishearten
the Yankees."

In spite of Archie's dangerous situation, which had tried his nerves
severely, he listened to every word that was uttered, and even became
interested in what the rebels were saying. Now and then he was called to
a sense of his situation by the movements of the horse, which, being
restive, came very near stepping on him as he pranced about.

Damon had been gone about half an hour, and the colonel had just
commenced explaining to the man who had brought the mail the manner in
which the capture of the Boxer was to be effected, when suddenly the
report of a pistol startled every one on the portico. A moment afterward
came another, which was followed by a yell of agony.

"What's that?" exclaimed the colonel, springing from his chair in alarm.
"Are we attacked? Get out there, every mother's son of you!" he
continued, as the men, having been aroused by the noise, came pouring
out of the rooms in which they were quartered. "Every man able to draw a
saber get out there! Run for the river! That's where the reports
sounded, and if there are any boats there capture them. That will keep
the Yankees on shore, and we can hunt them up at our leisure!"

The men ran out of the house and started for the river at the top of
their speed, at the same time yelling with all the strength of their
lungs, while the colonel and his officers ran into their room, and
hastily seizing such weapons as came first to their hands, followed
after. To describe Archie's feelings, as he lay there behind that bush
and listened to the sounds of pursuit, were impossible. The noise the
rebels made seemed to bewilder him completely, for he lay on the ground
several moments, it seemed to him, without the power to move hand or
foot.

Suddenly the thought struck him that now was the time to accomplish the
object of the expedition. The house was deserted, and the yells, which
grew fainter and fainter, told him that the rebels were getting further
away. Yes, it was now or never. In an instant, Archie's courage and
power of action returned. Springing to his feet, he ran to the end of
the portico, on which were piled several bales of hay and bundles of
fodder, which the rebels no doubt intended for their horses. But Archie
determined that they should be put to a different use, for he quickly
drew from his pocket two large bottles filled with coal oil, which he
threw over the hay. He then applied a match, and in an instant it was in
a blaze. He waited a moment to see it fairly started, and then sprang
off the portico. As he passed the door, he heard an ejaculation of
surprise, followed by the report of a pistol, and the noise of a bullet
as it whizzed past his head. It frightened him, and at the same time
acted upon him as the crack of a whip does upon a spirited horse; for
when the rebel who fired the shot had reached the portico, Archie had
disappeared in the darkness.




CHAPTER IV.

A Mark for the Union.


Let us now return to Frank, whom we left setting out for the house,
after having given Archie emphatic instructions to remain behind the
tree until his return. He did not feel at all at his ease after he had
left his cousin, for he might have stationed him in the most dangerous
place that could have been found; and what if Archie should be
discovered and captured? He was well enough acquainted with his cousin's
disposition to know that he would not surrender without a fight; but
what could he do when opposed by a regiment of veteran rebels? Frank
thought not of his own peril, for that was something he had fully
expected to encounter before he started. This was not the first time he
had voluntarily placed himself in danger; but with Archie the case was
different; and Frank was several times on the point of returning to his
cousin and making use of his authority, as commander of the expedition,
to send him back to the boat. By the time these thoughts had passed
through his mind, he had reached a log-cabin which stood at a little
distance from the house; and as he halted behind it, to shelter himself
from the storm, still debating upon the course he ought to pursue in
regard to Archie, some one inside the cabin commenced singing--

  "I'll lay ten dollars down
  And chuck 'em up one by one!"



If there was any more of the song, the rebel evidently did not know it,
for he kept singing these two lines over and over, now and then varying
the monotony of the performance by whistling. Frank stood for some
moments listening to him, and finally began moving cautiously around the
cabin, to find some opening through which he could look and see what was
going on inside. He presently discovered a hole between the logs, and,
upon looking in, saw a man seated on the floor before a fire-place, in
which burned some pine knots, engaged in whittling out an oar with his
bowie-knife. On the floor near him lay one evidently just finished. At
the opposite side of the room stood a bag, from the mouth of which
peeped several letters.

A thought struck Frank--which would be of the most benefit, to burn the
house or to capture the mail, which might contain information of the
greatest importance? Undoubtedly the latter would be of the most
consequence. Then he debated long and earnestly upon the chances of
escaping with the mail, should he attempt its capture. The man who had
charge of it was a most powerful-looking fellow, who knowing the
importance of his trust, and the certainty of receiving prompt and
effective assistance from his comrades, would, no doubt, fight most
desperately, unless he could be taken at disadvantage and secured before
he had time to think of resistance. Besides, the cabin was scarcely
fifty feet distant from the house, which Frank knew was filled with men,
for he could hear them walking about the rooms and talking to each
other. The least unusual noise would certainly alarm them, in which case
escape would be entirely out of the question Frank, we say, thought over
all these things, and finally coming to the conclusion that it would be
worse than useless to attempt the capture of the mail, turned his
attention to the house. How was he to set fire to it?

Frank, we know, was not wanting in courage, but he had learned, by
experience, that there are times when "discretion is the better part of
valor." When he proposed the expedition, he had not expected to find the
entire regiment quartered in the house. He had supposed that the men
would find sleeping-rooms in the negro quarters, which were nearly a
half mile back, while the house would be reserved for the officers. But
the rebels surely would not remain up all night, and when they had all
gone to bed would be the time to execute his purpose. He would not
abandon his project until he had given it a trial, or fully satisfied
himself that the undertaking was utterly impracticable. For the present,
he would remain where he was; something might "turn up" which would be
to his advantage.

At this moment a man entered the cabin, the door of which stood open,
and inquired:

"Going over to-night, Stiles?"

Frank was thunderstruck, and he now saw the necessity of attempting
nothing unless it promised complete success. As the reader has already
learned, he was among his old enemies, the Wildcats. Upon making this
discovery he was both astonished and alarmed--astonished, for it seemed
to him that he could scarcely make a move in any direction without being
confronted by the redoubtable Wild-cats. This was the second time he had
found himself among them before he was aware of it. He was alarmed,
because he knew, by experience, the treatment he would receive if he
should fall into their hands without the prospect of an immediate
exchange.

But his attention was again drawn to the men in the cabin.

"Yes," replied Stiles, in answer to his companion's question, "I'm going
over to-night--allers makin' due 'lowance for bein' ketched by the
Yanks."

"Here's some mail, then," continued the man, thrusting several letters
into the bag. "How soon do you start?"

"Jest as soon as Tibbs comes with the up-country mail, an' I get the
kernel's letters. Was you takin' a chaw of tobaker, Bob?"

"No, I wasn't," replied the other, quickly thrusting his hand into his
pocket, as if to protect the precious article. "Tobacco is scarce."

"Now, Bob," said Stiles, "I know you've got some. Me an' you's allers
been good friends."

The rebel could not withstand this appeal, although he produced his
"plug" very reluctantly, and as he handed it to his companion, said:

"Stiles, you're a dead beat. Go easy on that, now, if you please,
because it's all there is in the regiment."

The rebel cut off a huge piece of the weed, and, thrusting it into his
cheek, went on with his work, while Bob returned to his quarters. He had
scarcely quitted the cabin before Frank had all his plans laid. He would
go back after Archie, and together they would lie in wait on the bank of
the river, and, if possible, capture that mail. With this determination,
he was moving slowly away from the cabin, when a door, which he had not
before noticed, suddenly opened, and Stiles came out, and turning the
corner, stood face to face with Frank, and scarcely an arm's length from
him. With the latter, retreat without discovery was, of course,
impossible. There was but one course he could pursue, and that presented
but a small chance for success. He was, however, allowed no time for
deliberation, for the rebel, quickly recovering from his surprise,
turned to run; but with one bound Frank overtook him, and throwing him
to the ground, caught him by the throat, stifling a cry for help that
arose to his lips. This it was that had alarmed the colonel and Archie;
and had the former investigated the matter, Frank would again have been
a prisoner in the hands of the Wild-cats.

Stiles struggled desperately to free himself from the strong grasp that
held him, until Frank pulled one of his revolvers from the pocket of his
pea-jacket and presented it at his head.

"Do you surrender?" he asked, releasing his hold of the rebel's throat.

"Yes," replied Stiles, faintly. "Don't shoot, Yank!"

"You shall not be harmed if you behave yourself. Have you any weapons?"

"No! They are all in the shanty!"

Frank, after searching the rebel's pockets and satisfying himself of the
truth of this statement, continued:

"Get up! Now, I know you have friends all around you, but if you have
the least desire to live, you'll not make any noise; although you may
alarm the camp, it will not save you. Do you understand?"

"Have I got a pair of ears?" asked the rebel.

"Well, if you have, you hear what I say," returned Frank. "Now go this
way," he added, pointing toward the river.

The rebel, who had a wholesome fear of the revolver which Frank held in
his hand, ready cocked, obeyed, without the slightest hesitation, and
they reached the bank of the river, where the cutter lay, without being
discovered.

"Now," said Frank, "I want to ask you a few questions. Where do you keep
the boat in which you were going to carry that mail?"

"In the creek, jest above where that ar' gunboat lies, replied Stiles."

"How many of you were to go?"

"Two--me an' another feller."

"Well, now, the colonel won't find you when he wants you. What will he
do?"

"Oh, he'll send some body else. The mail must go, an' it makes no odds
who takes it, so long as he don't get ketched."

"That's all I want to know," said Frank. Then, going to the top of the
bank, he called out:

"Tom, come up here!"

The coxswain soon made his appearance, and Frank said:

"Now, Stiles, you're a prisoner."

"Dog gone ef I keer," he replied, "so long as I get plenty of grub an'
tobaker."

The rebel was marched down the bank, and Frank again bent his steps
toward the house, intending to find his cousin, and, with his
assistance, to capture the mail. When he arrived at the tree where he
had left Archie, the latter was not to be seen. This, however, did not
give him any uneasiness, for Archie, he thought, had doubtless gone back
to the cutter. Frank had already made up his mind to go back after him,
when he saw a man walk up to the cabin in which he had first discovered
the man who was now his prisoner, and heard him call out:

"Massa Stiles! de mail all ready, sar!"

Receiving no answer, the negro walked into the cabin, but finding it
vacant, went out to make the report to the colonel that Stiles was not
to be found. From this Frank knew that he had no time to lose. Stiles
had told him that some one else would be sent with the mail, and as it
was all ready, a man would soon be found to take his place. If he went
back after Archie, he might be too late. He must attempt it alone, and
unaided. Walking out from behind the tree, he started toward the creek,
where lay the boat in which the mail was to be carried.

The creek he found without difficulty; but the boat was evidently hidden
away, for he searched up and down the bank for it without success. If he
found it, it was his intention to cut it loose, and allow it to drift
out into the river, thus depriving the rebels of the means of carrying
their mail. But failing in this, he ran up the bank, and awaited the
coming of the rebels. It was a hazardous undertaking to attempt the
capture of two men, both of whom were, no doubt, well armed; but Frank
had great confidence in the _looks_ of his revolvers, and hoped to
accomplish his object without alarming the rebels in the house.

He had waited perhaps a quarter of an hour, when he heard footsteps
approaching, and presently he discovered the two men for whom he had
been watching. One carried the mail-bags, and the other a pair of oars,
the same, no doubt, which Stiles had but a short time before completed.
Frank waited until they were almost upon him, and then sprang up with a
revolver in each hand, which he pointed straight at the heads of the
men, exclaiming:

"You're my prisoners. Don't make any resistance."

The rebels were astonished, and the man who carried the mail-bags threw
them down and held his arms above his head, in token of surrender. But
the other, after regarding the officer for a moment, as if to make sure
that it was a human being with whom he had to deal, dropped his oars,
and before his captor was aware of his intention, drew a pistol and
fired. Frank felt a sharp pain in his left shoulder, and the revolver
which he held in that hand fell from his grasp. He had received his
first wound, but although thoroughly frightened, he did not lose his
presence of mind. If he had, he would soon have been recalled to a sense
of his dangerous situation, for the rebel again cocked his revolver; but
this time Frank fired first, and the rebel sank to the ground with a
loud yell. In an instant Frank turned upon the other; but he appeared to
be too much under the influence of fear to lend his comrade any
assistance.

All thought of concealment was now out of the question. The rebels in
the house had, of course, been alarmed, and Frank's only chance for
escape with his prisoner and the mail was to reach the cutter as soon as
possible, and pull off to the vessel. Hastily relieving the prisoner of
his weapons, he directed him to pick up the mail and follow the course
he pointed out.

The prisoner did as he was ordered; but they had not gone far when a
loud yelling announced that the rebels in the house had been alarmed,
and were in pursuit. Frank kept close behind his prisoner, who, through
fear of the revolver, ran at a rapid rate, but they had further to run
to reach the cutter than the guerrillas, and the latter gained rapidly.
The prisoner, who was not long in discovering this, slackened his pace
considerably, although he appeared to be doing his utmost. Frank,
however, was not deceived. Thrusting his revolver into his pocket, he
seized the rebel by the nape of the neck, and helped him over the ground
in a manner more rapid than agreeable. Had the man been aware of the
fact that his captor had but one arm that he could use, he might not
have submitted so quietly as he did. Frank, whose whole mind was wrapped
up in the idea of saving his prisoner and the mail, did not stop to
think of this, but pushed his man ahead to such good advantage that they
succeeded in reaching the cutter before their pursuers. He marched the
rebel down the bank in the most lively manner, and tumbled him into the
boat, where he was instantly seized and secured.

The sailors, who had heard the noise of the pursuit, and waited
impatiently for the appearance of their officer, were all in their
places, and as Frank sprang in, he shouted:

"Shove off--lively now, lads!"

The cutter was speedily pushed from the shore, and the oars got out and
handled by twelve strong fellows, all good oarsmen.

"Let fall--give away together," again commanded Frank, who, in spite of
the pain of his wound, began to chuckle over his good luck in securing
the mail. "The rebs will give us a volley," he continued, "unless we get
out of sight in the darkness before they reach the bank. So, pick her
up, lads, and walk right away with her."

The sailors, understanding the order, and rejoicing in the escape of
their young officer, whose safety and well-being they regarded as
infinitely of more importance than their own, gave way manfully on the
muffled oars, which made no sound as they bent beneath the sturdy
strokes, and the cutter flew noiselessly through the water, The rebels
reached the bank but a few moments after the cutter had left, but
neither seeing nor hearing any thing of her, they contented themselves
with uttering their yells, and firing a volley into the darkness in the
direction they supposed the boat had gone.

But their attention was soon called to another quarter, for a bright
flame shot up from the house. The boat's crew saw it, and could scarcely
refrain hurrahing; but knowing that they were not yet out of range of
the guerrillas' rifles, they gave vent to their jubilant feelings by
redoubling their efforts at the oars.

"Mr. Nelson," whispered the coxswain, "may I be allowed to say that was
well done, sir!"

"I didn't do that, Tom," answered Frank, in a faint voice, as he gazed
in surprise at the burning house, and thought of his cousin. "Is
Paymaster Winters in the cutter?"

Frank hardly dared to ask the question, for if his cousin had been in
the boat he would have known it before that time.

"The paymaster!" repeated the coxswain; "no, sir. He went away with you,
sir, and I haven't seen him since. He's missing, that's a fact."

Frank felt ready to faint on hearing this, and very bitterly did he
censure himself for allowing his cousin to accompany him! But regrets
were useless; the mischief had been done, and could not be undone. He
had one hope, however, to which he still clung--that Archie might be on
board the vessel. Perhaps, not daring to attempt to find his way back to
the cutter, through fear of capture, he had swam on board and was now
safe. He would soon know.

In a few moments they had reached the Boxer, and as the cutter came
along side, Frank seized the mail-bags and sprang out. After giving the
officer of the deck, who met him at the gangway, instructions in regard
to the prisoners, he ran up the stairs that led to the wardroom. Here he
met the captain, who, taking him familiarly by the arm, led him into the
cabin, exclaiming:

"Mr. Nelson, I congratulate you, sir; it was well done, sir! The house
is all in a blaze."

"Captain," said Frank, "I didn't do that, sir. Is the paymaster on
board?

"Why, no, sir; not unless he came with you."

"I haven't seen him, captain, since I left him within a short distance
of that house. If he is not on board, sir, he's out there yet, and he
has fired the building."

"Why, Mr. Nelson," exclaimed the captain, for the first time noticing
Frank's pale face and useless hand, from which the blood was dripping,
"you are wounded, sir. Orderly, orderly, send the doctor here at once."




CHAPTER V.

A Run for Life.


Archie was as light of foot as an antelope, and fear lent him wings. In
obedience to his cousin's instructions, he ran up the river, directing
his course through a thick woods, jumping over logs and making his way
through the bushes with a rapidity that surprised himself. The rebel who
had discovered him followed for a short distance, but finding that he
was losing ground, he stopped and fired his revolver in the direction he
supposed Archie had gone; but the bullets went wide of the mark, and the
latter, who now regarded his escape as a thing beyond a doubt, laughed
when he thought how cleverly he had accomplished the object of the
expedition.

Having reached a safe distance from the house, he stopped and listened.
He distinctly heard the crackling of flames, and presently a bright
light shone over the trees. The building was fairly in a blaze. He was,
however, allowed scarcely a moment to congratulate himself, for the
yells of the guerrillas plainly told him that they had discovered the
fire, and were commencing pursuit. Archie again set out, intent on
reaching clear ground as soon as possible, for he knew that no plan
would be left untried to capture him. His situation was still any thing
but a pleasant one, but he was sanguine of reaching the vessel in
safety, until a long-drawn-out bay came echoing through the woods, and
drove the blood back upon his heart. The rebels were following him with
a blood-hound!

For a moment Archie staggered as though he had been struck a severe blow
by some unseen hand, but quickly realizing the fact that his safety
depended upon his own exertions and the use he made of the next few
moments, he speedily recovered his presence of mind, and hastily
securing his revolvers, which, up to this time, he had carried in the
pockets of his pea-jacket, he pulled off that garment, and throwing it
on the ground, started off at the top of his speed.

Being thus relieved of a great incumbrance, he made headway rapidly,
but, fast as he ran, he heard that dreadful sound coming nearer, mingled
with loud yells of triumph from the pursuing rebels He had, with
surprise and indignation, listened to Frank's description of his run
from Shreveport, when he and his companions had been pursued with
blood-hounds, little imagining that he would ever be placed in a similar
situation.

And how did it happen that he had not aroused the hound while he was
about the house? Had he moved so silently that the animal had not heard
him, or had he been in the building with the men? This question Archie
could not answer. But one thing was certain, and that was that the hound
was, at that very moment, on his trail, and unless he soon reached the
river his capture was beyond a doubt. He, however, had no fears of being
overpowered by the hound. He fully realized the fact that he would soon
be overtaken, and had resolved to shoot the animal the moment he made
his appearance.

The yells of the rebels grew fainter, and Archie knew he was gaining on
them. This gave him encouragement. In fact, since the hound had opened
on his trail, after the first momentary feeling of terror had vanished,
he had retained his coolness in a remarkable degree, and had counted
over his chances for capture and escape with surprising deliberation for
one who had never before been placed in so exciting and dangerous a
situation. We have seen that he felt fear. Had it been otherwise he must
have possessed nerves of steel, or have been utterly destitute of the
power of reasoning; but that fear did not so completely overpower him as
it had but a short time before, when he lay behind the bush, and
listened to the guerrilla's plan for the capture of the Boxer and her
crew. On the contrary, it nerved him to make the greatest exertions to
effect his escape.

In a few moments, to his great joy, he emerged from the woods and
entered an open field, across which he ran with redoubled speed.
Directly in front of him was another belt of timber, and beyond that lay
the river, which, if he could reach, he would be safe. The baying of the
hound had continued to grow louder and louder, and, when Archie had
accomplished perhaps half the distance across the field, a crashing in
the bushes and an impatient bark announced, in language too plain to be
misunderstood, that the hound had discovered him.

In an instant he stopped, faced about, and drew one of his revolvers.
Stooping down close to the ground, he finally discovered the hound,
which approached with loud yelps, that were answered by triumphant
cheers from the pursuing rebels. Waiting until the animal was so close
to him that he presented a fair mark, Archie raised his revolver and
fired. The hound bounded into the air, and, after a few struggles, lay
motionless on the ground. Scarcely waiting to witness the effect of the
shot, the young officer sprang to his feet, and again started for the
river. The yells of the rebels--who had heard the shot, and knew, from
the silence that followed, that the hound was dead--again arose fierce
and loud; but Archie, knowing that his pursuers had now lost the power
of following him with certainty, considered the worst part of the danger
as past.

But he had to deal with those who could not be easily deceived. Colonel
Harrison, knowing that the only chance for escape was by the river, had
lined the banks with men, and, as Archie neared the woods, a voice
directly in front of him called out:

"It's all up now, Yank! Drop that shootin'-iron, or you're a gone
sucker!"

Archie's heart fairly came up into his mouth. He had little expected to
find an enemy in that quarter, but, without waiting an instant, he
turned and ran up the river again, hoping that he might soon be able to
get above the sentinels. The rebel, hearing the sound of his footsteps,
and knowing that he was retreating, shouted:

"Halt, Yank! halt! or I'll shoot--blamed if I don't!"

And he _did_ shoot, and Archie heard the bullet as it sung through
the air behind him.

The rebel, without stopping to load his gun, started in pursuit; but
Archie, who was running for his life, soon left him behind. As the
latter ran he heard shots fired on all sides of him, showing that he was
completely surrounded.

Escape seemed utterly impossible; and fearing that he might run into the
very midst of the guerrillas when he least expected it, he threw himself
behind a log in the edge of the woods, and awaited the issue of events
with feelings that can not be described. He now had little hope of being
able to elude his pursuers, who, he was certain, would keep the river
closely guarded until daylight, when they would soon discover his
hiding-place. He could not go on without fear of running against some of
his enemies, in the dark, and to remain where he was, appeared equally
dangerous. But of one thing he was certain--and as the thought passed
through his mind, he clutched his revolvers desperately--and that was,
if he was captured, it would require more than one man to do it.

Presently he heard footsteps approaching, and two rebels came up. One of
them he knew, by his voice, was the very man who had just fired at him.

"I know he went this yere way," said he.

"Wal, hold on a minit," said the other, panting loudly; "let's rest a
leetle--I'm nigh gin out;" and he seated himself so close to Archie
that, had it been daylight, he would certainly have been discovered.

"I'll be dog-gone," said the one who had first spoken, "ef this 'ere
night's work don't beat all natur'. Them ar Yanks ain't no fools, dog ef
they ar!"

"Who'd a thought it?" returned his companion. "Them ar two fellers come
out here an' burn a house with more'n three hundred men in it? Dog-gone!
But how did that other feller get away?"

"Oh, he had a boat," answered the other, "an he got thar afore we could
ketch him. He's on board his gun-boat afore this time. I jest ketched a
glimpse of him as he was goin' down the bank. He had Damon by the neck,
an' he was makin' him walk turkey, now I tell yer."

"Damon ketched!" ejaculated his companion. "An' what's come on the
kernel's mail?"

"Gone up--the hul on it! Damon's got the bracelets on by this time. But
come, let's go on."

All this while the rebels had been coming up, and Archie could hear them
in the woods, on all sides of him, yelling and swearing, like demons. He
had one source of consolation, however--his cousin was safe; and,
judging by the rebels' conversation, he had not gone back to the vessel
empty-handed.

Archie lay for some time listening to the movements of the rebels,
almost afraid to breathe lest it should be overheard, when he was
suddenly startled by a stunning report, which was followed by a hissing
and shrieking in the air; a bright light shone in his eyes for an
instant, and the next, the woods echoed with the bursting of a shell.
The guerrillas had scarcely time to recover from their astonishment when
there came another, and another, each one followed by groans and cries
of anguish that made the young officer shudder.

Frank Nelson had gained the Boxer in safety, and although surprised and
alarmed at the absence of Archie--who, he thought, would make the best
of his way back to the vessel when left to himself--he knew by the
yelling of the rebels, and the pistol-shots that were occasionally
heard, that they had not yet captured him. The noise of the chase
plainly told the Boxer's crew that the fugitive was making the best of
his way up the river, and Frank had opened fire on the rebels to create,
if possible, a diversion in his cousin's favor. His shells were thrown
with fatal accuracy, and the guerrillas, taken completely by surprise,
and having no levee to protect them, beat a hasty retreat.

Although threatened by a new danger, Archie was so overjoyed that he
could scarcely refrain from shouting, and as soon as he was satisfied
that his pursuers were out of hearing, he crawled from his concealment
and ran toward the river. The shells still kept dropping into the woods
at regular intervals, making music most pleasant to Archie's ears, for
he knew that as long as the fire was continued, his chances for escape
were increased. But in his eagerness he never thought of the men who had
been posted on the bank, and as he dashed through the woods, several
shots were fired at him by the rebels concealed in the bushes. But he
reached the water in safety, and struck out for the vessel. A few random
shots were fired at him, which Archie heard as they whistled past him;
but his good fortune had not deserted him, and he again escaped unhurt.
The reports of the guns on board the Boxer pointed out the direction in
which he was to go, and in a quarter of an hour he was within
hailing-distance of the vessel. The splashing he made in the water soon
attracted the attention of the sentry on the forecastle, who, having
been instructed by Frank, had kept a good look-out. A rope was thrown to
Archie, who was pulled on board the vessel in a state of complete
exhaustion.

Frank was soon informed of the safe return of his cousin, and Archie,
almost too weak to speak plainly, was carried to his room, where, after
being divested of his wet clothes, he was put to bed, and left in a
sound sleep. The next morning, however, he appeared in the mess-room, as
lively as ever, and none the worse for his long run; while Frank, who
began to suffer from his wound, was confined to his bed.

The latter listened to his cousin's narration of the part he had borne
in the expedition, and in admiration of Archie's bravery, forgot the
lecture he had intended to administer. The officers, who had not
expected such an exhibition of courage in one whose cheek had blanched
at the whistle of a rebel bullet, were astonished, and it is needless to
say that no more jokes were indulged in at the expense of the "green
paymaster."

For two months Frank held his position as executive officer of the
Boxer, during which time the vessel was twice inspected by the admiral.
He now had little to do beyond the regular routine of ship duties, for
the guerrilla-station had been broken up by the burning of the
plantation-house, and vessels were seldom fired into on the Boxer's
beat. But this was not to continue long, for, one day, the dispatch-boat
brought orders for him to report on board the Michigan--which lay at the
mouth of Red River--as executive officer of that vessel.

This was still another advancement, for the Michigan was an iron-clad,
mounted fourteen guns, and had a crew of one hundred and seventy men.
But Frank would have preferred to remain in his present position. After
considerable hard work, he had brought the Boxer's crew into an
admirable state of discipline; every thing about decks went off as
smoothly as could be desired, and besides, Archie was on board, and he
did not wish to leave him. But he never hesitated to obey his orders,
and as soon as he had packed his trunk, and taken leave of his
messmates, he went on board the dispatch-boat, and in a few days arrived
at his new vessel.

The captain of the Michigan had written to the admiral, requesting that
a "first-class, experienced officer" might be sent him for an executive,
but when Frank presented himself and produced his orders, that gentleman
was astonished. After regarding the young officer sharply for a moment,
he said:

"The admiral, no doubt, knows his own business, but let me tell you,
young man, that you have no easy task before you."

He no doubt thought that a person of Frank's years was utterly incapable
of filling so responsible a position. The latter, with his usual
modesty, replied that he would endeavor to do his duty, and after he had
seen his baggage taken care of, he went into the wardroom, where he
found a young officer seated at the table reading. He arose as Frank
entered, and thrusting out his hand, greeted him with--

"I'm glad to meet you again, Mr. Nelson, and among friends, too."

It was George Le Dell, the escaped prisoner, whom he had met during his
memorable flight from Shreveport. Frank had not seen him, nor even heard
of him, since he had left him on board the Ticonderoga; but here he was,
"among the defenders of the Old Flag" again, in fulfillment of the
promise he had made his rebel father, in the letter which Frank had read
to his fellow fugitives in the woods, where they had halted for the day.
He was not changed--his face still wore that sorrowful expression--and
Frank found that he rarely took part in the conversation around the
mess-table. He was an excellent officer, the especial favorite of the
captain, and beloved by all his messmates, who, very far from suspecting
the cause of his quiet demeanor, called him "Silence."

Frank heartily returned his cordial greeting, and the two friends talked
for a long time of scenes through which they had passed
together--subjects still fresh in their memories--until the entrance of
an officer put a stop to the conversation. Frank understood, by this,
that he was the only one of the ship's company who knew any thing of
George's past history.

The change from the cool, comfortable quarters of the Boxer to the hot
wardroom of the ironclad was not an agreeable one; but Frank was not the
one to complain, and he entered upon his duties with his accustomed
cheerfulness and alacrity. He was allowed very little rest. The captain
of the Michigan--which was the flag-ship of the third division of the
squadron--was a regular officer, who believed in always keeping the men
busy at something, and Frank was obliged to be on his feet from morning
until night. The decks were scrubbed every day, the bright work about
the guns and engines cleaned, the small boats washed out, and then came
quarters, and drilling with muskets or broad-swords. After this, if
there was nothing else to be done, the outside of the vessel was
scrubbed, or the chimneys repainted. In short, the Michigan was the
pattern of neatness, and her crew, being constantly drilled, knew
exactly what was required of them, and were ready for any emergency.

For several months little occurred to relieve the monotony of ship-life
beyond making regular trips from one end of their beat to the other; but
when spring opened, gun-boats and transports, loaded with soldiers,
began to assemble, and preparations were made for the Red River
expedition. At length every thing was ready, and one pleasant morning
the gun-boats weighed their anchors and led the way up the river.

Frank stood on deck as the vessels steamed along, and could not help
drawing a contrast between his present position and the one in which he
was placed when he first saw Red River. Then, he and his companions were
fugitives from a rebel prison; they had been tracked by bloodhounds, and
followed by men at whose hands, if retaken, they could expect nothing
but death. He remembered how his heart bounded with joy on the morning
when he and his associates, in their leaky dug-out, had arrived in sight
of the Mississippi. Then, he was ragged, hatless, and almost shoeless,
weary with watching, and living in constant fear of recapture. Now, he
was among friends, the Old Flag waved above him, and he was the second
in command of one of the finest vessels in the squadron.

The passage up the river was without incident worthy of note, and in a
short time they arrived at the obstructions which the rebels had placed
in the river nine miles below Fort De Russy. A vast amount of time and
labor had been expended upon these obstructions, but they were speedily
cleared away, and the fleet passed on. They had expected a stubborn
resistance at the fort, but it had been captured by the army after a
short engagement, and the gun-boats kept on to Alexandria.




CHAPTER VI.

Frank turns Detective.


A day or two after the arrival of the fleet at Alexandria, it became
known that several persons belonging to the rebel secret service were
hovering about in the vicinity of the village, with the intention of
destroying some of the vessels by torpedoes--contrivances made to
resemble pieces of coal--which were to be placed in those barges out of
which the boats were supplied with fuel. By some means the names of
these persons became known to the admiral, who issued a general order,
calling on all the officers of the squadron to kill or capture them
wherever found.

The same day the order was issued Frank obtained shore liberty, and
while roaming about the town, espied a name on a sign that immediately
attracted his attention. It was one of the names borne in the general
order.

"There's one of the rascals, now," soliloquized Frank, "or, rather,
where he has been. I wonder where he is. I'll see if I can't find out
something about him. If he could be caught, he would be put in a place
where he wouldn't lay any more plans to blow up Union gun-boats."

The sign which had attracted his attention bore the name and occupation
of the individual in question--"S. W. ABBOTT, Chemist."

The store had been closed on the approach of the Union forces, and was
now in the possession of several army surgeons and their assistants, who
were overhauling its contents, and appropriating whatever they thought
might be of service to them. A negro was leaning against the counter,
and of him Frank inquired--

"Boy, do you belong here?"

"No, sar," he answered, indignantly; "I 'longs nowhar. I'se a free man,
I is. I'se a soger."

"Never been in this town before?"

"No, sar."

Frank left the store, and walked slowly up the street toward the hotel,
wondering where he could go to make inquiries concerning the man whom he
wished to find. It was evident that this was the hardest task he had yet
undertaken. He knew the rebel's name, and that was all. He had no idea
how he looked, and, although the admiral's order stated that he was
loitering about the village, he might, at that moment, be fifty miles
away, or Frank might have already passed him on the street.

There were several men dressed in butternut clothes hanging about the
hotel, and Frank determined to enter into conversation with one of them,
and, if possible, learn something about Abbott. An opportunity was soon
offered, for one of the butternuts approached him, and inquired--

"Got any Northern money--greenbacks?"

"Some," replied Frank.

"Wal," continued the man, "I'll give you five dollars in Confederate
money fur one dollar in greenbacks. Is it a bargain?"

"Confederate money!" repeated Frank. "Of what use would it be to me? And
I am greatly mistaken if it will be of use to you much longer."

"Wal, I want your money fur a keepsake," replied the man. I know you-uns
don't like our money, but we-uns hev got to use it or go without any,"

"Well, I'll trade," said Frank. "Your paper will no doubt be a curiosity
to the folks at home." As he spoke, he produced the dollar, and the
butternut drew out of his capacious pocket a huge roll of bills--tens,
twenties, and fifties, enough to have made him independent if it had
been good money--and selecting a five-dollar bill, handed it to Frank,
who thrust it carelessly into his pocket.

"I'll allow that you-uns don't seem to be a bad lot of fellers," said
the butternut; "but I don't see what you-uns want to come down hyar to
fight we-uns for. We-uns never done nothing to you-uns."

"Every rebel I meet says the same thing," said Frank. "But who were the
richest men in this place before the war broke out?"

The man mentioned several names, among which was that of Abbott, the
chemist.

"Abbott, Abbott," repeated Frank, as if trying to recall the man to
mind; "I've heard that name before. Is he a Northern man?"

"No; he's allers lived at the South. His house is right back of the
hotel, third door from the corner, on the right-hand side as you go up
the street."

Frank had learned something, but he did not think it safe to question
the man further, for fear of exciting his suspicions; so, after a few
unimportant remarks, he turned on his heel and walked into the hotel,
which was used as the army head-quarters. Here he remained for nearly
half an hour, to give the man of whom he had received his information
time to leave the place, and then directed his steps toward Mr. Abbott's
dwelling. He had no difficulty in finding it, for he followed the
butternut's directions, and the rebel's name was borne on the
door-plate. The house, however, was deserted; the blinds were closed, as
were those of all the neighboring houses. Mr. Abbott, with his family,
if he had any, had doubtless removed out of reach of the Union forces.
Did he ever visit his home when in town? or did he make his
head-quarters somewhere else? were questions that suggested themselves
to Frank, but which, of course, he could not answer; neither did he dare
to question any of the citizens, for they might be Mr. Abbott's friends,
who would not fail to inform him that particular inquiries were being
made, which would lead him to act more cautiously. Frank did not know
what plan to adopt, but walked listlessly about the streets until he
heard the Michigan's bell strike half-past three o'clock. He must be on
board by four, as the admiral was to be there to inspect the vessel. He
was reluctant to leave without having accomplished any thing more than
the discovery of the rebel's dwelling; but there was no help for it, and
he walked slowly toward the landing, where he found a boat waiting for
him.

That night, although he retired early, he slept but little, but tossed
restlessly about in his bunk, endeavoring to conjure up some plan by
which he might capture the rebel; and when he fell asleep, he dreamed
about the subject uppermost in his mind. He thought that, after several
days' patient watching, he finally discovered his man; but all attempts
to capture him were unavailing. When he pursued, the rebel would
disappear in a magical way, that was perfectly bewildering. Finally, he
dreamed that the rebel assumed the offensive, and one day he met him in
the street, carrying in his hand something that looked like a lump of
coal, which he threw at Frank. It proved, however, to be a torpedo, for
it exploded with a loud report, and as Frank sprang over a fence that
ran close by the sidewalk, to escape, he came violently in contact with
the walls of a house. At this stage of his dream he was suddenly
awakened. To his no small amazement, he found himself stretched on the
floor of his room, his head jammed against the door, through which one
of the wardroom boys, a very small specimen of a contraband, was
endeavoring to escape, while the look of terror depicted on his face,
and the energy with which he strove to open the door, showed that he had
sustained something of a fright. On the opposite side of the room stood
the doctor, who gazed at Frank for a moment with open mouth and eyes,
and then threw himself on the bed, convulsed with laughter.

Frank rose slowly to his feet, and commenced drawing on his clothes,
while the little negro disappeared through the door like a flash.

"Mr. Nelson," said the doctor, as soon as he could speak, "you can't
make that jump again, sir. I came in to awaken you," he continued, "and
was just going to put my hand on you, when you sprang out of your bunk
upon your trunk, and then back again; and just as the darkey was coming
in, you made another jump, and landed against the door, frightening him
so that I actually believe he turned pale. Were you dreaming?"

"Yes," answered Frank, with a laugh; "I was getting out of the way of a
torpedo."

"Well, you certainly jumped far enough to get out of the way of almost
any thing," replied the doctor, after he had indulged in another hearty
fit of laughter. "Hurry up; breakfast is nearly ready."

Frank felt the effects of his agility in the shape of a severe pain over
his left eye, which had been occasioned by his head coming in contact
with the door-knob, and his "big jump" was the source of a good deal of
merriment at the breakfast-table.

Frank went ashore in the ten-o'clock boat, and, after strolling about
with his companions for a short time, invented a satisfactory excuse for
his absence, and started toward Mr. Abbott's house, which, to his joy,
he found open, with a negro engaged in sweeping the steps.

"Boy, who lives here?" he inquired.

The negro gave the desired information, adding: "He ain't hyar though,
but missus will be home dis arternoon."

"Where's your master?"

"Oh, he done gone off somewhar. I 'spects he don't like for to see you
Yankee sogers hyar."

As the negro ceased speaking, having finished his work, he turned and
went into the house, while Frank was about to move away, wondering what
was the next thing to be done, when a boy approached and opened the
gate.

"What do you want?" asked Frank.

The boy held up a letter which he carried in his hand, and Frank, seeing
that it was addressed to Mrs. Abbott, at once concluded that it
contained information which might be of the greatest value to him.

"It is all right," said he; "I'll attend to it;" at the same time taking
the note and handing some money to the boy, who departed well satisfied.
Frank then walked down the street, and, as soon as he was out of sight
of the house, opened the letter and read as follows:

HEYWARD'S PLANTATION, _March_ 20, 1864.

"Will be at home at eight o'clock this evening. Have my baggage ready to
start for Shreveport early in the morning."

No name was signed to the note, but Frank was certain that he now had
the matter in his own hands, and that any preparations Mrs. Abbott might
make for her husband's journey to Shreveport would only be thrown away.
He at once directed his steps toward the landing, hailed his vessel for
a boat, and when he had arrived on board and reported to the captain,
showed that gentleman the note, at the same time requesting permission
to remain on shore after dark, in order to capture the rebel.

"I should be only too happy to allow you to do so, Mr. Nelson," said the
captain, "for you seem to be particularly fortunate in every thing of
this description you undertake. But, as it is the admiral's order that
all officers repair on board their vessels at sundown, he must be
consulted in regard to the matter. Orderly, tell the officer of the deck
to have the gig called away. We will go up to the flag-ship," he
continued, "and talk to the admiral."

The gig was soon manned, and after Frank had buckled on his sword (for
all officers visiting the flag-ship were required to wear their
side-arms), he stepped into the boat with the captain, and in a short
time they were in the presence of the admiral. The captain, in a few
words, explained the nature of the visit, showed him the note Frank had
intercepted, and ended by repeating the young officer's request that he
might be allowed to remain on shore after dark.

"Certainly," replied the admiral, "certainly. If you succeed, young man,
we shall have one less of these secret-service fellows to fear." Then,
turning to one of his clerks, he gave him an order which Frank did not
hear, after which he asked:

"How did you discover the whereabouts of this man Abbott, Mr. Nelson?"

Frank then proceeded to give the admiral an account of all he had done,
how he had seen the rebel's name on the sign, learned his residence, and
secured the note. To all of which the latter listened with attention.

"I hope you will succeed in capturing him," said he. "If you do, bring
him here; I want a look at him. Here," he continued, as his clerk handed
him a letter, "is a request that the provost-marshal will furnish you
with a pass. Good luck to you, young man."

Their business being finished, Frank followed the captain out of the
cabin, and returned on board the Michigan.

All that afternoon Frank was in a fever of excitement. He was impatient
for the night to come, that he might know whether or not his attempt was
to be crowned with success. A hundred things might happen to prevent it.
The rebel might not come home, or the note might have been written with
the intention of having it intercepted, in order to throw the one into
whose hands it might fall on the wrong scent; or it might be written in
cipher, and mean directly opposite to what Frank had supposed. But he
consoled himself with the thought that he had done, and would still
continue to do, all in his power to obey the admiral's general order,
and if he failed, the blame would not rest with him.

When the sundown boat was called away, Frank, after exchanging his
uniform for a citizen's dress, and his cap for a tattered slouch-hat,
thrust a revolver into his pocket, stepped into the cutter, and was soon
set on shore. He walked directly to the office of the provost-marshal,
which was in the hotel, and finding that officer at his desk, handed him
the admiral's note, which ran as follows:

  "U. S. FLAG-SHIP BLACKHAWK,
  "OFF ALEXANDRIA, LA., March 20, 1864.


"SIR:--Please furnish the bearer, Acting Ensign Frank Nelson, with a
pass. He has important business to perform, which may detain him on
shore most of the night, and it is absolutely necessary, for the
successful accomplishment of his mission, that he should not be
interfered with.     Very respectfully, your obd't serv't.,

                           DAVID D. PORTER, _Rear Admiral_,
                                       Com'd'g Miss. Squadron.
  U. S. Provost Marshal,
                Alexandria, La.


"Your business must be important indeed, judging by the language of this
note," said the marshal. "You shall not be troubled."

While he was speaking he had been writing an order commanding "all
guards and patrols to allow the bearer the freedom of the city, as he
was under special orders from the admiral, and must not be detained."

"There," said he, after he had finished the pass and handed it to Frank.
"That will take you through all right. You have my best wishes for your
success."

Frank thanked him, and putting the pass carefully away in his pocket,
walked out of the hotel fully satisfied on one point, and that was, if
his success depended upon the good wishes of his friends, failure was
impossible. He walked slowly down the street toward the place where the
soldiers were encamped; for as it lacked fully an hour and a half of the
appointed time, he did not wish to be seen loitering about the house, as
it might excite the suspicions of its inmates, who would not fail to
send word to Mr. Abbott that the house was being watched. Time moved
altogether too slowly for the impatient young officer, but at length he
heard the flag-ship's bell strike half-past seven, and as it had begun
to grow dark, he walked toward the house, and took his station in the
shadow of some trees on the opposite side of the street. At the end of
an hour his patience was rewarded, for he heard the sound of approaching
footsteps, and a man passed by the house. Frank knew, from the
suspicious manner in which he gazed about, that if it was not the man
for whom he was waiting, it was some other guilty fellow who ought to be
secured. Presently he returned, and after again looking cautiously about
him, ascended the steps and knocked lightly at the door, which was
almost instantly opened, and a voice exclaimed:

"Massa Abbott, I'se glad to"--

The rest of the sentence Frank did not hear, for the moment the man
entered the hall, the door was closed again. Now was the time for Frank,
who hastily crossed the street, and noiselessly ascended the steps. Here
he paused for a moment to draw his revolver, and then suddenly opened
the door and sprang into the hall. He was met by the negro, the same, no
doubt, whom he had heard welcoming his master, who, not liking the looks
of the huge six-shooter which the officer flourished before his eyes,
beat a hasty retreat. Frank kept on and entered the parlor, where he
found his man standing in the middle of the floor, pale and breathless.
No one else was in the room.

"Mr. Abbott," said Frank, "you're my prisoner!"

The man, who was so terrified that he seemed to have lost even the power
of speech, surrendered his weapons and submitted to his captor, who led
him out of the house and toward the flag-ship, which they reached in
safety. The admiral received Frank with great cordiality, and after
listening to his account of the manner in which the capture of the
prisoner had been effected, he ordered the cutter called away, and the
young officer, rejoicing over his success, was sent on board his vessel.




CHAPTER VII.

Frank's First Command.


The next morning, just after quarters, while the officers were getting
ready to go on shore, a boat from the flag-ship came alongside, and the
officer in charge of it was shown into the cabin, as he said he had
business with the captain. Frank, who thought he had accomplished
sufficient to satisfy him to remain on board, sat in the wardroom
reading, when the orderly entered and informed him that the captain
desired his presence in the cabin.

"Mr. Nelson," said he, "here's an order from the admiral, directing me
to furnish you with a cutter and an armed crew, and to send you to the
flag-ship for orders. I am also instructed to appoint an executive to
fill your place during your absence. I expect you will be sent off on
some expedition; so you had better prepare for a long trip."

The officer who brought the order having returned to his vessel, the
captain accompanied Frank on deck, and ordered the second cutter to be
called away and furnished with a crew well armed. In a short time the
boat was ready, and Frank, buckling on his side-arms, took leave of the
captain and started toward the flag-ship, wondering what duty he was now
called upon to perform, and fully determined that whatever orders he
might receive, however dangerous or difficult, should be executed, if
within the bounds of possibility.

When he arrived on board the Blackhawk, an officer, who appeared to be
waiting for him, conducted him into the cabin, where the admiral sat
writing at his desk.

"Good morning, Mr. Nelson," said he; "take a chair, sir."

Frank took the seat pointed out to him, and the admiral, taking from his
desk a bundle of papers, carefully tied up, continued:

"It has always been my habit, Mr. Nelson, not to let a brave or skillful
action pass unrewarded, any more than I would allow a bad one to pass
unpunished. I am now about to give you a much more important, and
perhaps dangerous, commission than has yet been intrusted to you. This
package contains official documents of the greatest importance, and I
want you to go down the river, and deliver it to the commanding naval
officer, whom you will find at Acklen's plantation, opposite the mouth
of Red River. I know there are rebels all along the banks, but whatever
you do, don't allow these letters to fall into their hands. There are
iron weights in the package, and if you should be in danger of capture,
throw it overboard. You will take passage on the army transport that now
lies at the stern of this vessel, all ready to start. I send the cutter
and armed crew with you, for the reason that the rebels may sink the
transport, in which case you can escape in your boat; for those letters
must go through, if possible; perhaps the success of this expedition
depends upon them. The transport, you will find, is in command of a
second-lieutenant. I should feel much safer if I could put one of my own
officers in charge, but, as the boat belongs to the army, I have no
authority in the matter. After you have executed your orders, return, by
first opportunity, to your vessel, and report to me by letter. Now, sir,
you may go, for they are waiting for you. Remember, I say the success or
failure of this entire expedition may depend upon you; and don't forget
that you are the young man that saved the Milwaukee."

Frank bowed himself out of the cabin, sprang into the cutter, and
started toward the transport that lay alongside of the bank, a short
distance below the flag-ship. As he stepped on board, he was met by a
flashy-looking young lieutenant, dressed in a brand-new uniform, who
greeted him with the inquiry:

"Are you ready at last? I have been waiting an hour for you. Business is
business, you know, and when I command a ship, I don't like to be
detained."

The lieutenant said this, probably, to impress upon Frank's mind the
important fact that he was the captain of the steamer, and must be
respected and obeyed accordingly. Frank, who knew that he was not
subject to the orders of the lieutenant only so far as the safety of the
vessel was concerned, replied that he had come as soon as he could after
he had received his orders, and turning to his men, directed part of
them to make the cutter fast to the stern of the steamer, and the others
to carry their arms to the boiler-deck, where they could be readily
seized in case of emergency. The transport was a small side-wheel boat
belonging to the quarter-master's department. The deck-hands were all
soldiers--perhaps half a dozen of them in all--the only steamboatmen on
board being one pilot, four engineers, and as many firemen. The steamer
was armed with two howitzers, mounted on the boiler-deck, and the
muskets of the soldiers were stacked in the cabin. The boilers were
protected by bales of cotton, which were piled on the guards, and the
pilot-house was defended in the same manner. A few bales were also
placed on the boiler-deck to serve as a breastwork. The whole was under
the command of the lieutenant, who, judging by the orders he issued,
knew nothing whatever of the management of a boat.

Frank had been on board but a few moments, when the engineer's bell
rang, to inform the pilot that all was ready for the start. The boat was
made fast by a single line, which ran from the forecastle to a tree on
the bank, and the gang-plank was out. The lieutenant's first order was,
"Haul in that plank." The soldiers obeyed, and then came the command for
"somebody to run out there and untie that line."

One of the soldiers sprang ashore and began trying to cast off the line,
which was drawn as taut as a four-mile current could make it. He worked
for several moments, but, of course without success (for the line should
first have been slackened up on board), and then called out:

"Loosen up that other end, there!"

"No, no!" replied the lieutenant, "that would allow the boat to swing
away from the bank, and then how would you get on board? It must be
untied from that tree first."

What difference it could possibly make in regard to the boat's swinging
away from the bank, whether the line was first slackened up on shore or
on board, Frank could not determine.

He was astonished at the lieutenant's ignorance, and amused at his novel
mode of casting off a line, while the sailors, who had gathered in a
group on the forecastle, watched the operation with a smile, wondering
how the affair would end, as they knew that the line could not be
"untied" from the tree unless first slackened up on board. But the
lieutenant seemed to have his own idea of the manner in which it ought
to be accomplished, and was constantly ordering the man to "Hurry up,
there!" The soldiers worked and pulled, but all to no purpose, and the
lieutenant, becoming impatient, ordered two more of the men to his
assistance. But the knot, which had been awkwardly made, was jammed, and
resisted their utmost efforts.

"I never did see such a clumsy set of fellows," said the lieutenant, at
length, turning to Frank, who stood beside him, making use of his
handkerchief to conceal his laughter. "We ought to have been two miles
down the river by this time."

It was evident that he was fast becoming disgusted with his first
attempt at "steamboating," but was too proud to ask advice. At length he
turned and walked into the cabin, muttering, "I guess they will get it
untied before night." But Frank was unwilling to wait so long. The delay
was entirely unnecessary, and he had begun to get impatient.

"Men," said he, addressing himself to the cutter's crew, who were
convulsed with laughter, "some of you run out that gang-plank, and
another slack up that line."

These orders were promptly obeyed, and the difficulty was easily
overcome.

"All gone, sir," shouted Frank to the pilot, meaning that the line was
cast off, and in a few moments the transport swung off from the bank,
and was plowing her way down the river. Frank leaned over the railing,
and wondered how a man so utterly ignorant of the management of a
steamer, as was the lieutenant, came to be put in command, and at a
time, too, when they might be placed in situations that would call into
requisition all the skill and judgment of experienced men. He did not at
all like the appearance of the young commander, for he was of the type
of officers known as "upstarts," who like to show their authority, but
are without the ability to successfully fill even the post of corporal.
What if the transport should be fired upon and disabled? It was evident
that in such an emergency nothing could be expected of a man who could
not cast off a line. Frank's commission was too important to be
intrusted to the care of such a man, and the young officer felt that he
would much rather step into the cutter, and trust to the skill and
courage of his twelve sailors, than to remain on board the transport.
Calling the coxswain on deck, he directed that if they were attacked,
the cutter should be kept ready for instant use, and in case the vessel
was disabled, they would attempt to finish their journey in her. After
giving these orders, Frank went up into the pilot-house, where he found
the man at the wheel in no enviable state of mind.

"I'm glad to see you," said he, as Frank entered, "for I want to talk to
you. I'm not at all pleased with the looks of our skipper," he went on
to say, "and how he came to be placed in command is a mystery to me.
Perhaps the quarter-master thinks, like a good many men who see the
Mississippi River for the first time, that any body can take charge of a
steamboat; but suppose we should run aground--what does that lieutenant
know about sparring off? or what if something about the engine should
let down? why, we might go forty miles down the river before he could
get us tied up to the bank. Besides, if we are fired upon, he'll
surrender. Now, mark my words, he'll surrender before he will fight, and
I'm opposed to that, for I was a prisoner once."

"So was I," said Frank, "and I don't mean to fall into the rebels' hands
again, if I can help it. I'll never be surrendered. That lieutenant may
not fight, but I think his men will, and I have twelve good fellows, all
well armed, on whom I know I can depend."

"Then I feel better," said the pilot. "That's talk I like to hear; for
if we are not disabled, we'll go through all right. There goes the bell!
Go down and get your dinner."

Frank deposited his weapons on a bench in the pilot-house and ran down
into the cabin, where he found the lieutenant and two engineers seated
at the table. The former seemed to have forgotten his failure of the
morning, for he talked a good deal in a condescending manner, as if
addressing his inferiors; and to Frank's inquiry if he expected trouble
from the rebels, replied that he had not given the matter a moment's
thought; that if they did attack the vessel, it would not be the first
time he had smelt powder, and if the engineers and pilot could be
depended upon, he had no fears but that he should be able to take the
boat safely through. Frank replied that he trusted the officers would
not be found wanting in courage; and when he had finished his meal, he
went on deck again, and surprised the pilot, by offering to relieve him
while he went down to his dinner. In his spare moments Frank, who wisely
regarded it as the duty of every officer to acquaint himself with every
part of the management of a vessel, had learned to handle the wheel, and
he was an excellent steersman. He could make a landing or get a boat
under way, as well as the most experienced pilot; and in the present
instance he was fully capable of steering the boat, for as the water in
the river was high, there was no danger of getting out of the channel.

The pilot gave him his place, and after watching the movements of the
young officer, who handled the wheel with all the confidence of an old
river man, he went below to his dinner, satisfied that he had left the
boat in safe hands. Frank remained at the wheel most of the afternoon,
for the pilot, who would be on watch all night, had gone to bed to
obtain a few hours' rest. About four o'clock, however, he made his
appearance, and Frank went down into the cabin, and was engaged in
reading a, newspaper, when he heard the pilot shout through the trumpet
to the engineers:

"Here they are! Now, push her ahead strong. There's a battery just
below."

At the same moment there was a rush of feet on deck, and the lieutenant
entered the cabin pale and breathless.

"We're captured," said he, in a faint voice. "We're surrounded. The bank
is black with rebels--ten thousand of them at least! It's no use to
think of fighting."

As he ceased speaking, he ran on deck again, followed by Frank, who
found his men drawn up behind the cotton-bales, with their weapons in
their hands, waiting for orders. The soldiers had cast loose the
howitzers, and stood at their posts. The lieutenant stopped a moment,
just long enough to say, "Boys, we're all captured!" and then ran into
the pilot-house. As Frank stood talking to his men, and encouraging them
with the famous words that never fail to nerve an American
seaman--"Don't give up the ship!"--a rebel rode out on the bank, in full
view of the steamer, and shouted:

"Come ashore here, or we'll sink you."

Frank looked toward the pilot-house, where the lieutenant had taken
refuge, and waited to hear his answer. To his surprise and horror, he
saw a hand extended waving a white handkerchief, and the coxswain
exclaimed:

"Mr. Nelson, he's surrendering us, sir!"

With one bound Frank sprang up the steps that led to the pilot-house,
caught the handkerchief and threw it overboard; and at the same moment
the lieutenant was seized from behind and thrown to the deck. He
instantly recovered his feet, and turning fiercely upon Frank and the
pilot, exclaimed:

"What are you about? Do you know that you have rendered yourselves
liable to a court-martial? I'm commander of this vessel, and I'll shoot
the first man that resists my authority!"

"You shall never surrender us," said Frank, firmly, not the least
intimidated by the other's threat. "If you will give orders for your men
to prepare for action, no one will oppose you. We'll stick to you as
long as a plank of this vessel remains above water."

"I know my own business," replied the lieutenant. "Resistance is
useless. We never could get by that battery, and I'm going to surrender
to save our lives. Turn her toward the shore, pilot!"

As he spoke, he walked out on deck, and calling out to the rebel, who
had continued to follow the vessel:

"I'll surrender! Pilot, I tell you to turn her in toward the shore."

The pilot gave a glance at Frank, and reading in his face a firm
determination to go through if possible, held the boat's head down the
stream, while a murmur of indignation arose from the men on the lower
deck, and the coxswain said, turning to his companions:

"Sink my tarry wig, if that ar' chap ain't going to give us up without
our having the least bit of a fight."

Frank stood for a moment irresolute. Ought he to oppose the lieutenant,
the lawful commander of the vessel? Was it his duty to stand by and
allow himself and his men to be surrendered without even a show of
resistance? And his dispatches, the importance of which the admiral had
stated in such emphatic language, should he throw them overboard,
instead of delivering them, as he had hoped to do, to the officer to
whom they were addressed? No! Sooner than do that, he would put the
cowardly lieutenant under arrest, and give the command to the pilot, a
man whom he knew understood his business, and would not think of
surrender until it had been clearly proved that successful resistance
was entirely out of the question.

While these thoughts were passing through Frank's mind, the boat, under
an increased head of steam, had been rapidly nearing the battery, which
could be distinctly seen about half a mile below, planted on the bank of
the river.

"Come ashore, if you surrender," shouted the rebel.

"Pilot," said the lieutenant, in a weak voice, "I order you"--

He never finished that order, for Frank seized him, and pulling him into
the pilot-house, closed the door. He made an attempt to draw a revolver,
but the pilot threw him to the deck, when Frank wrested the weapon from
him and retained it in his possession.

"All ready forward there?" he shouted to the men on the boiler-deck.

"Ay, ay, sir," answered the coxswain. "Mr. Nelson's in command," he
added, turning to his companions. "Douse my to'-gallant top-lights but
we'll have a skirmish now sure."

"Do you surrender?" shouted the man on the bank.

The reply he received was a shot from the pilot's revolver, which made
him beat a hasty retreat. He had scarcely disappeared when a cloud of
men arose from behind the levee, and a volley of bullets rattled into
the boat. It was answered by a shout of defiance from the men behind the
cotton-bales; but the pilot, who stood just in front of Frank, staggered
for a moment, and sank heavily to the deck. Frank was horrified. With
that man at the wheel, he had entertained no fears of their ability to
run by the battery; but now that he was left alone, with the duties of
both commander and pilot devolving upon him, his hopes fell again. But
he could not remain long inactive, for the boat, being without a guide,
began to swing toward the shore. Hastily seizing the wheel, he turned
her head down the river again, when the battery opened upon them, and a
storm of shells plunged into the water and whistled through the air
about the boat. Only one struck her, and that passed through one of the
smoke-stacks, and bursting, demolished part of the roof of the
pilothouse. Then, as fast as the guns could be loaded, the battery
played upon the transport, and Frank heard the shells crashing through
the cabin and exploding in the air above him. But he stood bravely at
his post, his only fears being of his inability to turn the point on
which the battery was planted, or that one of the shells might penetrate
the cotton-bales and strike the boilers or some part of the machinery.
But as he neared the battery, he discovered that the boat was struck
less frequently; that the rebels, in their excitement, were firing
wildly. His own men, cool and collected, encouraged by the example of
their officer, had not yet fired a shot; but when the boat arrived
opposite the battery, they opened upon it with the howitzers and small
arms with terrible effect. The point, which extended into the bend where
the battery stood, was long and sharp, a bad place for one unaccustomed
to handling a boat; but Frank passed it in safety, under a full head of
steam, and cheers of triumph arose from his men, which the rebels
answered with yells of rage, and continued to follow the transport,
sending bullets and shells after her as fast as they could reload. But
they were speedily left behind, and their yells died away in the
distance.

Frank's dispatches were safe.




CHAPTER VIII.

An unlucky fight.


As soon as Frank was certain that the rebels had given up the pursuit,
he called two of his men on deck, and directed them to carry the pilot,
who now began to show signs of returning consciousness, into the cabin.

During the fight the lieutenant had remained behind one of the
cotton-bales, where the pilot had thrown him, so completely overcome
with fear that he did not think of renewing his attempts to enforce his
authority. But now that the danger was over, he arose to his feet and
walked out of the pilot-house. As the sailors came up, in obedience to
Frank's order, they passed the lieutenant without giving the customary
salute, and acted as though they considered him beneath their notice.
They lifted the pilot tenderly in their arms, carried him down stairs,
and laid him on his bed.

There was no surgeon on board, and Frank was anxious to reach a gun-boat
as soon as possible, in order to place the pilot, who was the only one
injured, under the care of a medical man. He kept his place at the
wheel, his supper being brought up to him by one of his men, and shortly
after dark came within sight of the lights of a vessel which was lying
at anchor in the stream. He blew the whistle, to let her know that he
was approaching, to which the steamer, which proved to be a gun-boat,
replied by hoisting her signal-lights. Frank having no signals, whistled
again, and rang the bells for the engineer to run slowly. As soon as he
came within hailing distance, a voice called out:

"Steamer ahoy!"

"Ay, ay, sir!" shouted Frank, in reply.

"What steamer is that?"

"Army transport Key-West, bound for the mouth of the river, with
dispatches from the admiral."

"Come alongside, here," shouted the voice.

"Ay, ay, sir," replied Frank, and he commenced turning the boat's head
toward the vessel, while a hurrying of feet and a noise of dropping
handspikes on the gun-deck, told him in plain language that the captain
of the gun-boat was not at all satisfied with the report he had made,
and had called his crew to quarters, to be in readiness to sink the
transport if she should attempt to run by. It was an uncommon thing
during the expedition for boats to run in Red River after night, unless
supplied with the necessary signals, and the young officer was not at
all surprised at the precautions taken by the gun-boat.

Frank by this time had turned the transport around, and was coming up at
the stern of the gun-boat, when the lieutenant came on deck, and
entering the pilot-house, inquired:

"Are you the captain of this ship?"

"I have had no orders to act as such," replied Frank.

"Then why do you answer hails, and land here without my permission? I'll
have you court-martialed."

"I answered the hails because you were not on deck; and I land here
because I have been ordered to do so by the captain of that gun-boat."

"Well, I am not under his orders; he has no authority over me, and I
order you to turn around at once, and start down the river again."

"If I should undertake that," replied Frank, with a laugh, "this vessel
wouldn't last long. Every cannon on this aide of that gun-boat points
straight at us, and if we should turn around, they would blow us out of
water."

"They would, eh?" said the lieutenant, angrily. "I'll have the whole lot
of them up before a court-martial. I'm a second-lieutenant, sir, and
must not be detained, as I am on important business. Turn around at
once."

Frank made no reply, and at that moment the bow of the transport touched
the gun-boat, and one of the sailors sprang out with a line. As soon as
the boat was made fast, he put on his side-arms, and taking his
dispatches, walked out of the pilot-house, leaving the lieutenant almost
beside himself with rage. As soon as he stepped on board the gun-boat,
he was shown into the presence of Captain Wilson, the same who had
commanded the Ticonderoga when Frank was attached to her.

"Oh, is it you, Mr. Nelson?" he exclaimed, seizing the young officer's
hand and shaking it heartily. "Then it's all right. I did not know but
you were a rebel, and were going to run by; so I got my guns all ready
to sink you. Sit down. Are you in command?"

Frank replied that he was not, and then proceeded to repeat the orders
he had received from the admiral, telling the captain of the fight with
the battery, but carefully omitting any thing that related to the
conduct of the lieutenant, he ended by saying that the pilot was
wounded, and requesting that the doctor might be sent on board to attend
to him, which was done at once, the captain offering to send another
pilot to take his place.

The transport lay alongside nearly two hours, during which time the
pilot's wound, which was not dangerous, was dressed. The doctor then
declared that he was able to go on to the mouth of the river, where he
could be placed under the care of an army surgeon. Frank then took his
leave of the captain, and stepped on board the transport, accompanied by
one of the gun-boat pilots, who was well-known to the young officer, and
he was confident that the lieutenant, if he should again take it into
his head to give any unnecessary orders, would hear the truth plainly
told. He was an old acquaintance of the wounded pilot, from whom he had
heard the whole history of the trip from Alexandria; but as he had said
nothing about the matter to Frank, the latter was not aware that he knew
it.

The pilot took his station at the wheel, while Frank seated himself on
the boiler-deck railing. The lieutenant stood close by, and, without
waiting to hear whether or not the engineers were ready to start,
shouted:

"Untie that line."

"Hold on!" shouted the pilot. "Do you want to send us adrift without any
steam? Wait till I tell you we're all ready."

The engineers of the transport, taking advantage of the landing, had
allowed the steam to go down, in order to repair some part of the
machinery that was out of or