^j5«ifi*fisaaaBa5Ki 
 
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BURTON. 
 
 558 ST. CHARLES AVE. 
 
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 THE UNIVERSITY OF 
 
 NORTH CAROLINA 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 THE WILMER COLLECTION 
 
 OF CIVIL WAR NOVELS 
 
 PRESENTED BY 
 
 RICHARD H. WILMER, JR. 
 
g/lLMEBCOUJ^^^^ 
 
JJoOKSJor Boys 
 
 A G U N B OAT. 
 
 >i 
 
 Porter'& Con^^^jJ 
 
 PHILADELPHIA, f^' 
 
THE GUN-BOAT SERIES. 
 
 FRANK 
 
 ON A GUN-BOAT 
 
 HARRY CASTLEMON, 
 
 AUTHOR OF "the ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES," "THE GO-AHEAD 
 SERIES." ETC. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 PORTER & COAXES 
 
 CINCINNATI, O. : 
 R. W. CARROLL & CO. 
 
FAMOUS CASTLEMON BOOKS. 
 
 GUNBOAT SERIES. By IIakrv Castlkmon. Illustrated. 6 vols. 
 Hiuio. t'luth, extra, black iind gold. / 
 
 " Frank the Yolng Naturalist. Frank on a GuxnoAT. Frank 
 
 IN THB Woods. Frank befork Vicksbuug. Frank on tui: Low i:r v^ 
 
 MississiPi'i. Frank on the Prairie, v ' 
 
 ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES. By Harry Castlf.mon. 
 Illustrated. 3 vuls. IGino. Cloth, extra, black and gold. 
 Frank among the Rancheros. 
 Frank at Don Carlos* Kancho. 
 
 FitANK IN THE MOfNTAINS. 
 
 SPORTSMAN'S CLUB SERIES. By Harrv Castt.emcn. 
 Illustrated. 3 vuls. Kiuio. Cloth, extra, black and gold. 
 The Sportsman's Club in the Saddle. 
 The Sportsman's Club Afloat. 
 The Sportsman's Club among the Trappers. 
 
 GO-AHEAD SERIES. By Harrv Castlemon. Illustrated. 3 
 V(jis. IGnio. Cloth, extra, black and gold. 
 Tom Newcombe. Go-Ahi:ad. Xo Moss. 
 
 FRANK NELSON SERIES. By Harry Castlemon. Illu.«trated. 
 3 vols. 16mo. Cloth, extra, black. and gold. 
 Snowed Up. Frank in the Forecastle. Boy Traders. 
 
 BOY TRAPPER SERIES. By Harry Castlemon. Illustrated. 
 3 v(d-!. lljiuL). Cloth, extra, black and gold. 
 The Buried Treasure; or, Old Jordan's Haunt. 
 The Boy Trapper: or, How Dave Filled the Order. 
 The Mail-Carrier. 
 
 ROUGHING IT SERIES. By Harry Castlemon. Illustrated. 
 lOmu. Cluth, extra, black and gold. 
 George in Camp* 
 
 Other Volumes in Preparation, 
 
 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S64, by 
 
 R. W. CARROLL & CO., 
 
 [n the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Uiiited States, 
 
 for the Southern District of Ohio. 
 
(la\\tt\\t$. 
 
 CHAPTER I. PAQi 
 
 IW THE NaVT 7 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 Learninq the Ropes 17 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 Bqcarinq the Yards 90 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 A MtDVTGHT Alarm 42 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 A Discomfited Rebel 53 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 Frank's First Exploit M 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 On a Gcn-boat 78 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 The Struggle between the Lines 89 
 
 <n 
 
 ^ CHAPTER IX. 
 
 3^ A Union Family. 
 
 « 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 k Spunky Rebel lU 
 
?1 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. PA»„ 
 FkANTi A Prisoner. 124 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 The Escape ^. 134 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 The Faithful Negro .« 152 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 Chased bt Blood-hounds ICb 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 The Rescue 178 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 A Fkiend in Need 196 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 The Sceke at the Plantation 215 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 Almost Betrayed 229 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 CoHCLCSioa...-, M« 
 
FEANK ON A GUN-BOAT 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 
 ^^-.^ELL, Frank, did you bring home the 
 7l^(K evening's paper?" inquired Mrs. Nel- 
 ^ son, as her son entered the room 
 where she was sitting. 
 ^^p^R^ "Yes, ma'am. Here it is!" an- 
 f^^^^li swered Frank, producing it. "But 
 ^v there is no news in it. The Army 
 
 of the Potomac has not moved yet. I do n't see 
 what makes them wait so long. Why don't 
 McClellan go to work and thrash the rebels?" 
 
 " You must remember that the rebels have about 
 as many men as we have," answered his mother. 
 " l^erhaps, if McClellan should undertake to ' thrash ' 
 the rebels, as you say, he would get whipped him- 
 self." 
 
 (7) 
 
8 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 " That makes no difference," answered Frank 
 *' If I was in his place, and the rebels sJioidd Avhip 
 me, it wouldn't do any good, for I'd renew the 
 battle every day, as long as I had a man left." 
 
 It was toward the close of the first year of 
 the war, during the " masterly inactivity " of the 
 Army of the Potomac. For almost eight months 
 McClellan had been lying idle in his encampment, 
 holding in check that splendid army, which, with 
 one blow, could have crushed out the rebellion, and 
 allowing the rebels ample time to encircle their 
 capital with fortifications, before which the blood of 
 loyal men was to be poured out like water. The 
 people of the North were growing impatient; and 
 " On to Richmond ! " was the cry from every part 
 of the land. 
 
 From the time Fort Sumter had fallen, Frank 
 had been deeply interested in what was going on. 
 The insults which had been heaped upon the flag 
 under which his grandfather had fought and died, 
 made the blood boil in his veins, and he often 
 wished that he could enlist with the brave de- 
 fenders of his country. He grew more excited 
 each day, as the struggle went on, and the news of 
 a triumph or defeat would fire his spii'it, and he 
 
IN THE NAVY. 9 
 
 longed to be standing side by side -with the scldiera 
 of the Union, that he might share in their triumphs, 
 or assist in retrieving their disasters. 
 
 He was left almost alone now, for many of the 
 boys of his acquaintance had shouldered their 
 muskets and gone off with the others ; and that 
 very day he had met Harry Butler, who had en- 
 listed as a private, wearing the uniform of a lieu- 
 tenant, which he had won by his bravery at Fort 
 Donelson. 
 
 He had never said one word to his mother about 
 enlisting, for he was an only son, and he dreaded 
 to ask her permission. But that mother's quick 
 eye easily read what was going on in her son's 
 mind. She had Puritan blood in her veins ; her 
 ancestors had fought in the war of the Revolution, 
 and she had resolved that, if Frank wished to go, 
 she would give her full consent. A mother's heart 
 alone can tell the struggle it had cost her to come 
 to this determination. 
 
 "I've got a letter from Archie, also," said 
 Frank. 
 
 His mother took it from his hand, and read aa 
 follows : 
 
10 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 PoRTLAXD, March 18, 1862. 
 Dear Cousin: 
 
 I am about to tell you something which you will cal. 
 strange news. Father has at last given his consent to my 
 going to war, provided you will go too. He says that if 
 I go, I must have you with me, to take care of me, and 
 keep me straight. I suppose he thinks I will never go if 
 I am obliged to wait for you, for he says your mother 
 will not consent to your going. You can ask her, any 
 way. You know you always wanted to have a hand in 
 putting down this rebellion. 
 
 If we go at all, I think the best plan is to enter the 
 navy. It is a much better branch of the service than the 
 army — the discipline is better; there are no long marches 
 to endure; and, wherever you go, your house goes with 
 you. 
 
 Now, be sure and do your best, for now is our chance, 
 if ever. Please write immediately, for I am afraid father 
 will change his mind. 
 
 Yours, in haste, Archibald "Winters. 
 
 When Mrs. Nelson had read the letter, she 
 handed it back to her son without saying a word. 
 
 " Well, mother, what do you think of it ? " in- 
 quired Frank. 
 
 " The matter rests entirely with you, my son," 
 answered Mrs. Nelson, dropping her sewing into 
 her lap. " Do just as you think best." 
 
 "Do you say I may go?" inquired Frank, joy- 
 fuUy. 
 
m THE NAVY. 11 
 
 " Certainly. You have my full consent to go, 
 if you wish to." 
 
 " Oh, mother," exclaimed Frank, springing up 
 and throwing his arms around her neck, "I wish 
 I had known, long ago, that you were willing to 
 have me go." 
 
 " Where are you going, Frank ? " inquired Julia, 
 who had a vague suspicion of what was going on. 
 
 "I'm off to the war," answered her brother. 
 " I am going into the navy with Archie." 
 
 " Oh, Frank," she exclaimed, bursting into tears, 
 "you must not go. There's enough in the army 
 without you. You will certainly get shot." 
 
 "I'll never be shot in the back," said Frank; 
 "you may rely on that. But you don't suppose 
 that every one who goes to war gets shot, do you? 
 I may be one of the lucky ones ; so do n't cry 
 any more." 
 
 But Julia could not control her feelinors. The 
 
 o 
 
 thought that her brother was to be exposed to the 
 slightest danger was terrible; and Frank, seeing 
 that it would do no good to talk to her, left the 
 room, and went into his study, where he wrote to 
 Archie, stating that he would start for Portland 
 the next day. He spent the forenov^n in wander- 
 
12 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 ing about the house and orchard, taking a long and 
 lingering look at each familiar object. He locked 
 the museum, and gave the key to Julia, who was 
 close at his side wherever he went. Even Brave 
 seemed to have an idea of what was going on, for 
 he followed his master about, and would look into 
 his face and whine, as though he was well aware 
 that they were about to be separated. 
 
 Immediately after dinner, the carriage which was 
 to convey Frank and his baggage to the Julia 
 Burton drew up before the door. The parting 
 time had come. " Good-by, mother," said Frank, 
 as he stood at the door, ready to go. 
 
 " Good-by, my son," said Mrs. Nelson, strain- 
 ing him to her bosom, and struggling hard to keep 
 back a sob. "We may never see you again, but 
 I hope I shall never hear that you shrunk from 
 your duty." 
 
 Frank could not reply — his breast was too full 
 for utterance: and hastily kissing his sister, and 
 shaking Hannah's hand, he hurried down the walk 
 toward the gate. He had not gone far before 
 Brave came bounding after him. 
 
 " Go back, old fellow," said Frank, caressing the 
 faithful animal ; " you can't go with me this time. 
 
IN THE NAVY. 13 
 
 it will be a long while before you and I will go 
 any-wliere together again. Go back, sir." 
 
 Brave understood his master perfectly; and he 
 turned and trotted toward the house, looking back 
 now and then, and whining, as if urging his master 
 to allow him to go too. Frank did not stop to 
 look back, but sprang into the carriage, and the 
 driver closed the door after him, and mounted to 
 his seat and drove off. He had scarcely time to 
 get his baggage on board the steamer before she 
 moved off into the stream. And Frank was glad 
 it was so, for the longer he remained in sight of 
 the village, the harder grew the struggle to leave 
 it. But, at length, every famihar object w^as left 
 behind, and being surrounded by new scenes, Frank 
 gradually recovered his usual spirits. 
 
 In two days he arrived at Portland, and as he 
 was getting off the cars, he was seized by Archie, 
 who had come to the depot to meet him. 
 
 "I'm glad to see you," said the latter; "it is 
 lucky that you wrote just as you did, for father 
 has said a dozen times that I can't go. But I 
 guess he will not refuse me, now that you are 
 here." 
 
 " I hope not," said Frank ; " we can go as well 
 
14 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 as any one else. If every one was to stay at hom^, 
 ■we should n't have any army at all." 
 
 "That's just what I told father; but he didn't 
 seem to see it. He says there are some "who 
 ought to go, for they are of no earthly use here; 
 but he thinks that boys like you and me ought to 
 stay at home until we know enough to take care 
 of ourselves." 
 
 But Mr. Winters did not raise many objections 
 when he found that Frank had obtained his moth- 
 er's consent; and, on the next day but one after 
 Frank's arrival, he accompanied the boys on board 
 the receiving-ship, where they were speedily exam- 
 ined and sworn in. Each was then supplied with a 
 bag and hammock, and two suits of clothes ; and, 
 when they were rigged out in their blue shirts and 
 wide pants, they made .fine-looking sailors. At 
 Mr. Winters' request they were granted permis- 
 sion to remain on shore until a di^aft of men was 
 ready to be sent away. The boys were allowed to 
 d: pretty much as they pleased while they re- 
 mained, for, as they were to leave so soon, Mr. 
 Winters could not find it in his heart to raise any 
 objections to the plans they proposed for their 
 amusement. Besides, he knew that Archie was in 
 
IN TUE NAVY. 16 
 
 good hands, for Frank was a boy of excellent 
 habits, and possessed sufficient moral courage to 
 say nOy when tempted to do wrong ; and, as he 
 had great influence over his cousin, Mr. Winters 
 knew their conduct would be such as he could 
 approve. 
 
 At length, one morning, when they went on 
 board the receiving-sliip to report as usual, they 
 w^ere ordered to present themselves at the depot 
 at two o'clock that afternoon, with their bags and 
 hammocks, in readiness to take the train for the 
 West. The boys were a good deal disappointed 
 when they heard this, for the idea of serving out 
 their year on the Mississippi River was not an 
 agreeable one. They had hoped to be ordered to 
 the coast. But, as Archie remarked, it was " too 
 late to back out," and they were obliged to submit. 
 When Archie came to bid farewell to his parents, 
 he found it to be a much more difficult task than 
 he had expected. The tears would come to his 
 eyes, in spite of himself, as he embraced his 
 mother ; and, as soon as he could disengage himself 
 from her arms, he seized his bag and hammock, 
 and rushed out of the house to conceal his emo- 
 tion. When they reached the depot, they found 
 
16 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 that the draft to which they belonged numbered 
 nearly two hundred men, some of whom were old 
 sailors, while others, like themselves, were entirely 
 unacquainted with the life they were about to lead. 
 
 The journey to Cairo — which was then the naval 
 depot of the Western rivers — was a long and tedi- 
 ous one. They were treated with the greatest 
 kindness by the officers who accompanied them, 
 and at almost every station the people would flock 
 around the cars with baskets of provisions, which 
 were freely distributed. 
 
 Early on the fifth morning they reached their 
 destination, and were immediately marched on 
 board a small steamer which lay alongside of the 
 naval wharf-boat, and carried to the receiving-ship, 
 which lay anchored in the middle of the river. 
 
LEARNING THE ROPES. 
 
 17 
 
 CHAPTER II 
 
 [:e^tinjiE3 iqt Mti^pts. 
 
 S they came on board the recehiug- 
 ship they were all dra^vm up in a 
 line, the roll was called, and they 
 were divided oiOf into messes. The 
 mess to which Frank and his cousin 
 belonged was called " Number Twenty- 
 five." As they were about to be dis- 
 missed, the officer who had called the roll said to 
 Archie : 
 
 " You will be cook of this mess." 
 " Sir ? " said Archie, in surprise. 
 " You will be cook of this mess," repeated the 
 officer, in a louder tone. " But what is the matter 
 with you ? Are you hard of hearing ? " 
 "No, sir; but I can't cook." 
 " Never mind ; you can try. Y^'ou may go be- 
 low, lads." 
 2 
 
18 FEANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 The men did as they were ordered, and Dur 
 heroes seated themselves on one of the broadside 
 guns, and Archie said : 
 
 "I 'm in a nice fix, ain't I? I don't know any 
 more about cooking than a hog does about gun- 
 powder." 
 
 *'I will assist you all I can," said Frank; "but 
 I wonder what we shall has^e for dinner? I hope 
 it will be something good, for I 'm as hungry as a 
 bear." 
 
 At this moment the whistle of the boatswain's 
 mate sounded through the ship, and that person- 
 age passed them and called out, in a low voice : 
 
 " Mess cook Number Twenty-five ! " 
 
 " He means me, do n't he ? " inquired Archie, 
 turning to his cousin. 
 
 ** I do n't know, I'm sure. Ask him." 
 
 " Mess cook Number Twenty-five," again shouted 
 the mate. 
 
 " Here I am," said Archie. 
 
 "Well, you ought to be somewhere else," said 
 the mate, sharply. " Why do n't you go and draw 
 your rations? " 
 
 " I do n't know where I should go," answered 
 Archie. 
 
LEARNING THE ROPES. 19 
 
 ** Then fly around and find out ; " and the mate 
 turned on his heel and walked away. 
 
 "Now, that's provoking," exclaimed Archie. 
 '* Why could n't he tell a fellow where to go? I '11 
 tell that officer that I did n't ship for a cook ; I 
 shipped to fight. I wish I was at home again." 
 
 But rec'rets were worse than useless, and Archie 
 began to look around to find some one who could 
 tell him where to go to draw his rations. At 
 length he met one of the men who belonged to his 
 mess, whose name was Simpson, who told him that 
 he must go to the paymaster's store-room, and 
 offered to show him the way; and, as he saw that 
 Archie was entirely unacquainted with life on 
 shipboard, Simpson told him to come to him when- 
 ever he wanted any advice. 
 
 As Archie entered the store-room, the paymas- 
 ter's steward, a boy about his own age, who was 
 serving out the provisions, after inquiring the 
 number of his mess, said : 
 
 " It 's lucky that you came in just as you did, for 
 I have sent the master-at-arms after you. If you 
 do n't attend to your business better than this, I 
 shall have you put on the black-list for a week or 
 two." 
 
20 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 Now, Archie had never been accustomed to be- 
 ing " ordered about by any boy of his size," as he 
 afterward remarked, and he felt very much like 
 making an angry reply. But he knew it would 
 only get him into trouble, and, choking down hi3 
 wrath, he answered : 
 
 " If any one will tell me what my duty is, I 
 shall be glad to do it." 
 
 " You have n't been in the navy a great while, 
 have you ? " inquired the steward, with a laugh. 
 
 " No ; this is my first attempt at learning to be a 
 sailor." 
 
 "Well, all I have got to say," continued the 
 steward, " is, that you will soon be sorry that you 
 ever made the attempt." 
 
 " I am sorry now," said Archie ; " and if I ever 
 get home again, you '11 never catch me in another 
 scrape hke this. I do n't like the idea of having 
 everybody order me around, and talk to me as 
 thouojh I was a dooj." 
 
 "No reflections," said the steward sharply. 
 "Better keep a civil tongue in your head. But 
 now to business. In the first place, here are your 
 dishes," and he handed Archie a number of tin 
 pots and plates, a large pan, and a mess-kettle. 
 
LEARNING THE ROPES. 21 
 
 "What shall I do with these?" asked Arcliie. 
 "Why, eat out of them, to be sure," answered 
 the steward ; " what else would you do with them ? 
 I shall hold you responsible for them," he contin- 
 ued; "and if any of them are lost, they will be 
 charged to your account. Now go and put them 
 a»vay in your mess-chest, which you will find on 
 the berth-deck, and then come back, and I will give 
 you your rations." 
 
 Archie accordingly picked up his dishes, and 
 started — he knew not whither, for he had no 
 idea to which part of the vessel he should go in 
 order to find the berth-deck. But he had often 
 boasted that he would have no diflSculty in getting 
 along in the world while he had a tongue in his 
 head ; so he made inquiries of the first man he met, 
 who told him to go up to the captain, who was al- 
 ways ready to send the executive officer to show 
 landlubbers over the ship. If there was any joke 
 in this, Archie was too angry to notice it, and he 
 was about to make a suitable rejoinder, when a 
 voice close behind him said: 
 
 " Now, shipmate, what 's the use o' being so hard 
 on the boy?" 
 
 Archie turned, and found Simpson at his side. 
 
22 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 "The youngster hain't been to sea as long as 
 you and I have," continued the latter. "If we 
 were ashore, he would stand a better chance of 
 gettin' along than you nor me." 
 
 " Then, shiver his tim'ers, why did n't he stay 
 ashore, where he belongs ? " asked the man, gruffly 
 
 " Oh, he 's got the right stuflf in him, and will soon 
 learn the ropes," answered Simpson. " Come, now, 
 my little marlinspike," he continued, turning to 
 Archie, "follow in my wake, and I'll show you 
 where our mess-chist is ; " and the kind-hearted 
 sailor led the way to the berth-deck, and showed 
 Archie the mess-chest, which had " No. 25 " painted 
 on it. Archie put all his dishes into it, with the 
 exception of the mess-kettle and two plates, which, 
 according to Simpson's directions, he took back to 
 the store-room, to put his rations in. The steward 
 then gave him a large piece of salt beef, some cof- 
 fee, sugar, butter, and sea-biscuit. 
 
 "Is this all we have to eat ?" inquired Archie, as 
 he picked up his rations and followed Simpson back 
 tc his mess-chest. 
 
 "All!" repeated Simpson; "yes, my hearty, and 
 you may thank your lucky stars that you have 
 got even this. You '11 have to live on worse grub 
 
LEARNING THE ROPES. 23 
 
 nor this afore your year is out. But I see you 
 do n't like the berth of cook, so I '11 take it off 
 your hands. Give me the key of the chist." 
 
 Archie accordingly handed it over, and then 
 went in search of his cousin, whom he found 
 perched upon a coi. of rope, engaged in writing a 
 letter. 
 
 *' Well," exclaimed the latter, as Archie came up, 
 *' how do you get along ? " 
 
 " I do n't get along at all," said Archie ; " I tell 
 you, we 've got ourselves in a fix. What do you 
 suppose we are going to have for dinner ? " 
 
 " I do n't know," answered Frank. 
 
 "Well, we will have a chunk of salt beef, coffee 
 without any milk, butter strong enough to go alone, 
 and crackers so hard that you could n't break them 
 with an ax. I tell you, the navy is played out." 
 
 "Well, it can't be helped," said his cousin. 
 "We are in for it. But we'll soon get accus- 
 tomed to the food ; we are seeing the worst of our 
 year now." 
 
 "I certainly hope so," said Archie; "but I know 
 I can stand it if any one else can; and when I 
 fairly get started, I won't ask favors of any one." 
 
 Frank made no reply, but went on with his let- 
 
24 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 ter, and Archie leaned on one of the guns and 
 gazed listlessly into the water. At length thej 
 were interrupted by the boatswain's whistle, blown 
 three times in succession, long and loud. 
 
 "What 's the matter now, I wonder," said Frank, 
 as the sailors commenced running about the ship 
 in all directions. 
 
 " I know," answered Archie, as he saw Simpson 
 dive into the cook's galley and reappear bearing 
 the mess-kettle, filled with steaming coffee, in one 
 hand, and a large pan, containing the salt beef, in 
 the other — " dinner is ready." 
 
 The cousins walked aft to their mess-chest, and 
 found the berth-deck filled with men, who were sit- 
 ting around the chests, brandishing their sheath- 
 knives over plates full of salt beef and "hard-tack." 
 
 Coming directly from home, where they had been 
 accustomed to luxurious living, our young sailors 
 thought they could not relish this hard fare ; but, 
 as they had eaten no breakfast, they were very 
 hungry, and the food tasted much better than they 
 had expected. 
 
 When dinner was ended, Simpson began to 
 gather up the dishes belonging to his mess, pre- 
 paratory to washing them. Frank and Arclu« 
 
LEARNING THE ROPES 25 
 
 offered their assistance, and Simpson directed the 
 former to take the mess-kettle and go up to the 
 galley after some hot water. When he was re- 
 turning, he saw a man stealing around the deck, 
 holding something behind him that looked very 
 much like a bundle of rope, and keeping a close 
 watch on every one he met. Frank did not know 
 what to make of this, and stepping up to the boat- 
 swain's mate, he inquired : 
 
 "What is that man doing with that bundle of 
 rope behind him ? " 
 
 " That ain't a bundle of rope, you landlubber," 
 rephed the mate; "that's a swab." 
 
 " Well, what is he doing with it ? " 
 
 " The best way for you to learn would be for 
 you to spill some of that water you have got in 
 your kettle on the deck." 
 
 Frank, without stopping to think, tipped up his 
 kettle, and turned out some of the water ; and the 
 man, who had been watching his every movement, 
 sprang toward him and threw down the swab, ex- 
 claiming, 
 
 " I 've caught you, my hearty ; now you may log 
 this bit of rope for awhile." 
 
 "What do you mean?" inquired Frank, amid a 
 
26 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 roar of laughter from every sailor who had wit- 
 nessed the performance. 
 
 "What does he mean?" repeated the mate; 
 " why, he means that you have got to wipe up that 
 water you have spilt on deck, and carry that swab 
 until you can catch some one else doing the same 
 thing." 
 
 For the benefit of the uninitiated, we will make 
 an explanation. It often happens on shipboard, 
 especially receiving-ships, that the men become 
 very careless ; and in carrying water, paint, or 
 grease about the ship, frequently spill some of it 
 on deck. While this state of things continues, it 
 is impossible to keep a ship clean, and, in order to 
 break up this habit, the culprits are obliged to wipe 
 up whatever they have spilled, and then carry a 
 swab about the deck until they can detect some one 
 else equally unfortunate. This is not a pleasant 
 task ; for, as soon as this rule is put in force, the 
 men become very careful, and the luckless oJBTender 
 is sometimes obliged to walk the decks the entire 
 day before he can detect any one in the act of vio- 
 lating it. 
 
 Frank, of course, did not understand this, and the 
 mate had got him into the scrape for the purpose 
 
LEARNING THE ROPES. 27 
 
 of getting the man who first had the swab, who was 
 a particular friend of his, out of his unpleasant 
 position. 
 
 " Come, youngster, drop that mess-kettle and 
 j)ick up that swab," commanded the mate. 
 
 Frank knew he had no alternative ; so he set 
 his mess-kettle on deck out of the way, and picking 
 up the swab, walked aft to the place where he had 
 left Simpson. 
 
 "Hullo, there," exclaimed the latter, as Frank 
 approached, "what's the matter with you?" 
 
 Frank related the whole circumstance, and Simp- 
 son could scarcely restrain his indignation. 
 
 " That bo'son's mate ought to be mast-headed 
 for a whole week," he exclaimed. "But I'll 
 square yards with him some day. I'm sorry 
 you have got into this scrape, but it can't be 
 helped. I 've seen many a good fellow, in my 
 time, in the same fix. Now you must walk around 
 the ship, and if you see any one spill the least drop 
 of water, or any thing else, on deck, rush up and 
 give him the swab. There are a good many land- 
 lubbers on board, who don't know the rules, and 
 you won't have any trouble in catching them. Al- 
 
28 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 ways be careful to keep the svrab behind you, out 
 of sight." 
 
 Frank was a good deal mortified at being the 
 victim of this novel mode of punishment; but he 
 consoled himself with the thought that he would 
 soon learn his duty, and be enabled to avoid all 
 such scrapes. He walked about the vessel for an 
 hour, trailing the swab along the deck behind him ; 
 but it seemed as though every one was particularly 
 careful. 
 
 Meanwhile Arcliie, who had learned the par- 
 ticulars of the case from Simpson, was acting as a 
 sort of scout, hoping to be of some assistance to 
 his cousin. But he looked and waited in vain for 
 some one to violate the rule, and finally he resolved 
 to make use of a little strategy in releasing 
 Frank. 
 
 Discovering a man coming out of the galley with 
 a pail of water, Archie walked rapidly down the 
 deck, and jostled him with sufficient force to empty 
 half the contents of his pail on the deck. Archie 
 did not, of course, stop to- apologize, but hurried 
 on, and before the man could look up to see who 
 had caused the miscliief, he had disappeared. 
 Frank, who had been watching his cousin's mo 
 
LEARNING THE ROPES. 29 
 
 tions, immediately stepped up and dropped the 
 swab before the man, and walked away, laughing 
 in his sleeve, when he thought how cleverly his 
 release had been accomplished. 
 
 When the hour of bedtime arrived, the boys 
 were instructed how to get into their hammocks, 
 and laughed at for tumbling out on the opposite 
 side. But, after a few attempts, they succeeded in 
 gaining the center of their suspended beds, and 
 were soon in a sound sleep. 
 
30 PRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Y degrees the boys became accuS" 
 tomed to their new situation, and 
 4i^ began to feel much more contented. 
 The only thing that troubled them was 
 the food they received. It consisted, 
 for the most part, of salt pork and beef, 
 and hard crackers, with now and then a little 
 flour and dried apples. Simpson, who had been 
 in the navy nearly all his life, and had become 
 well acquainted with its rules and regulations, 
 asserted that they did not receive half their al- 
 lowance, and promised that, if he could detect 
 the paymaster's steward in the act of cheating 
 them, he would pay him back in his own coin. 
 Now Blinks, for that was the steward's name, was 
 a notorious cheat; he never gave the men their 
 full rations. On the contrary, he often boasted 
 
SQUARING THE YARDS. 31 
 
 that he cleared not less than a hundred pounds 
 of provisions every day. He was the caterer of 
 the steerage mess, and many a pound of flour and 
 apples, which should have been given to the men, 
 found its way to his table, in the shape of pies ani 
 puddings. Blinks always rose early, and as soon 
 as he was dressed, the steerage steward, every 
 morning, brought to his room a lunch, consisting 
 of coffee and apple-pie. He was very fond of 
 pies, and had several made every day. Every 
 time the men passed the galley, they saw long 
 rows of them set out to cool. Many a midnight 
 plundering expedition had been planned against 
 the galley, but without success. The door and 
 windows were securely fastened at sundown, and 
 all attempts to effect an entrance were unavailing. 
 It was also useless to attempt to bribe the cook, 
 for Blinks, who was a strict accountant, always 
 knew how many pies were made every day, and if 
 any of them were missing, the cook was sure to 
 Buffer. One evening, while Frank and Simpson 
 were engaged in washing up the supper-dishes, the 
 latter inquired : 
 
 " Would you like one of those pies we saw in 
 the galley to-day ? " 
 
32 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 " Yes," answered Frank ; " they looked very 
 tempting." 
 
 " Well," said Simpson, lowering his voice to a 
 whisper, " we '11 have some of them to-night." 
 
 "How will we get them?" inquired Frank. 
 
 "Why, we '11 steal them. We can't beg or buy 
 them. Besides, the stuff they are made of right- 
 fully belongs to us. I do n't care a snap for the 
 pies, but I do n't want to see that rascally steward 
 growing fat off our grub." 
 
 " I 'm in for it," answered Frank, who had long 
 wanted an opportunity to revenge himself on 
 Blinks. 
 
 "Will that cousin of yours lend us a hand?" 
 inquired Simpson. 
 
 "Yes, without any coaxing. He does not like 
 the steward any better than I do. But I 'd like 
 to know how we are going to work to get at the 
 pies? The doors and windows are all fastened." 
 
 " We will pry up the galley, so that one of us 
 can crawl under it. I 've put a handspike where I 
 can find it in a moment. We shall have no trouble 
 at all." 
 
 As soon as the dishes were washed and stowed 
 away in the mess-chest, Frank went to find hi? 
 
SQUARING TUE YARDS. 33 
 
 cousin, who was always ready for any mischief of 
 that kind, and readily agreed to the proposal. 
 When bedtime came, the three slung their ham- 
 mocks together, and, to all appearances, were soon 
 fast asleep. At nine o'clock the ship's corporal 
 put out all the berth-deck lights, which left the 
 place shrouded in darkness. As soon as he had 
 gone forward again, Simpson raised himself on his 
 elbow, and whispered : 
 
 " Turn out, lads. Now 's our time." 
 The boys crept noiselessly out of their ham- 
 mocks, and followed the sailor, who led the way 
 directly to the galley, which was, in fact, a small 
 house, about ten feet square, built on the deck, to 
 which it was insecurely fastened. Simpson found 
 his handspike without any difficulty, and placing 
 one end of it under the galley, easily raised it from 
 the deck, while Archie threw himself on his hands 
 and knees, and crawled in under it. It was as dark 
 as pitch inside the galley, but he knew exactly 
 where the pies were kept, and had no difficulty in 
 finding them. He handed three of them to his 
 cousin, and then crawled out again, and the galley 
 was lowered to its place. After stowing the pies 
 safely away in their mess-chest, they again sought 
 3 
 
34 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 their hammocks. The next morning, when tlie 
 steward entered the galley to prepare the usual 
 lunch for Blinks, he was surprised, and a good deal 
 terrified, to find that some of the pies were missing. 
 He immediately went on deck, and reported it to 
 Blinks, who furiously asked : 
 
 "Where have they gone to, you rascal?" 
 
 " I do n't know, sir, I 'm sure," answered the 
 steward, while visions of double-irons danced be- 
 fore his eyes. " There were eight pies in the gal- 
 ley when I locked it up last night." 
 
 " I do n't believe it, you scoundrel. You sold 
 the pies, and think that, by telling me they are 
 missing, you can make me believe that they were 
 stolen." 
 
 " I have never done any thing of the kind since 
 I have been your steward, Mr. Blinks," said the 
 man, with some spirit. " I have always been as 
 careful of your interests as I would be of my own. 
 Did you ever detect me in a mean or a dishonest 
 act?" 
 
 " No ; but I have often caught the cook steaHng 
 things. I '11 report you to the executive officer, 
 and have you punished. Go below." 
 
 The man sullenly withdrew, and Blinks hurried 
 
SQUARING THE YARDS. 35 
 
 to tlie executive oflBcer's room and reported the 
 affair. 
 
 "Are you sure the steward stole the pies, Mr. 
 Blinks?" inquired the oflScer; "perhaps some one 
 broke into the galley. It would be well for you 
 to go down and see, before punishing the steward." 
 
 Blinks hurried below, and commenced a thorough 
 examination of the locks and window-fastenings, 
 but all to no purpose; and he was still more sur- 
 prised when the steward affirmed that he had 
 found all the doors and windows closed, just as he 
 had left them. This was also reported to the ex- 
 ecutive officer, who advised Blinks to say nothing 
 about the affair, but to set a watch over the galley, 
 and, if possible, discover the offender. 
 
 Blinks resolved to act upon this suggestion; 
 and, the following evening, he posted a sentry over 
 the galley, with instructions to arrest any one who 
 might be discovered prowling around. After fast- 
 ening the doors and windows himself, he put the 
 keys in his pocket and walked away. 
 
 At half-past nine o'clock our young sailors and 
 Simpson were again on hand. After a careful re- 
 connoissance, the sentry was discovered fast asleep 
 at his post. They immediately set to work as be- 
 
36 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 fore — the galley was raised up, and tliree more pies 
 secured. It was all done in a moment, and the 
 sentinel was not awakened ; and as they retreated 
 to their hammocks, they could scarcely refrain 
 from laughing outright, when they thought how 
 nicely the trick was performed. 
 
 The next morning Blinks opened the galley at 
 an early hour, and was surprised and enraged to 
 find that some of his pies were again missing. 
 He carefully examined every nook and corner of 
 the galley, but failed to discover a place where any 
 one could effect an entrance. 
 
 For four nights more, in succession, Frank and 
 his accomplices visited the galley, each time taking 
 pies enough to last them a whole day ; and Bhnks, 
 in the mean time, was making unavailing efforts 
 to discover the offenders. On the fifth night, 
 Archie, who was the one that always went into the 
 galley, was much longer than usual in finding the 
 pies. At length he whispered, 
 
 "I say, Simpson!" 
 
 "Ay, ay, my hearty; what is it?" 
 
 "I can't find but one pie." 
 
 "You can't, hey?" said Simpson; "I smell a 
 rat. Bring the pie out here.'* 
 
SQUARING THE YARDS. 37 
 
 Archie accordingly handed it out, saying, as he 
 iid so — 
 
 " I 'm hungry as blazes ; I believe I '11 eat a 
 piece of that pie to-night," 
 
 " Not in a hurry," said Simpson, as they began 
 to crawl back toward their hammocks; "not in a 
 hurry; I've been in such scrapes as this before, 
 and can't be fooled easy." 
 
 "What do you mean?" inquired Frank. 
 
 " Wliy, I mean that this pie was made on pur- 
 pose for us," said Simpson ; " it has got some 
 kind of medicine in it that will make a fellow sick. 
 If we should eat it, they would not be long in find- 
 ing out who stole the pies." 
 
 " I '11 tell you what to do with it," said Frank, 
 suddenly ; " let 's give it to Jenkins, the boat- 
 swain's mate ; he 's a mean fellow, and I should n't 
 be sorry to see him sick.' 
 
 " That 's just what I was going to do with it," 
 said Simpson. "Now, you go back to your ham 
 mocks, and I'll carry him the pie." 
 
 "As Simpson had taken particular notice of the 
 place where Jenkins was in the habit of slinging 
 his hammock, he had no difficulty whatever in find- 
 ing it. 
 
88 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 "I say, shipmate," he whispered, shaking the 
 mate by the shoulder. 
 
 "AVhat do you want?" he growled. 
 
 " Wake up," said Simpson ; " I 've got a nice pie 
 for you; do you want it?" 
 
 " Of course I do," answered the mate, taking it 
 from Simpson's hand. "But who are you?" he 
 inquired, for it was so dark that he could not 
 have recognized the features of his most intimate 
 friend. 
 
 "I'm Jack Smith," answered Simpson; "but I 
 can't stop to talk with you, for some one may dis- 
 cover me;" and before Jenkins could detain him, 
 he had slipped off quietly in the darkness. 
 
 It was as Simpson had said — the pie had been 
 made "on purpose for them." When Blinks saw 
 that it was impossible to discover the guilty party, 
 he ordered his steward to make a nice, large pie, 
 into which he put two doses of jalap. It was his 
 intention to make the offender sick; and he told 
 the doctor what he had done, and requested him to 
 keep an eye on all who came to him for medicine 
 
 The next morning Jenkins was not heard blow- 
 ing his whistle, but was seen moving slowly about 
 the ship, with a pale, woe-begone countenance; 
 
SQUARING THE YARDS. 39 
 
 and as soon as the doctor appeared, he made ap- 
 plication to go on the "sick-list." 
 
 "What's the matter with you?" inquired the 
 doctor. 
 
 Jenkins then explained how he had been sud- 
 denly taken very ill during the night, and was 
 afraid he was going to die. The doctor, who knew 
 in a moment that it was the effect of the medicine 
 contained in the pie, exclaimed : 
 
 " Why, you 're just the man Mr. Blinks has been 
 wanting to see for the last week. Orderly, ask 
 Mr. Blinks if he will have the kindness to come 
 here a moment." 
 
 The orderly disappeared, and Jenkins stood, 
 looking the very picture of despair, too sick to 
 know or care what was going on. 
 
 " Mr. Blinks, I 've found your man," said the 
 doctor, when the paymaster's steward made his 
 appearance. 
 
 "Well, my fine fellow," said Blinks, turning to 
 the mate, and smiling grimly, "how do you feel by 
 this time? Very pleasant morning, isn't it? I 
 knew I 'd catch you, you scoundrel," he exclaimed, 
 suddenly changing his tune ; " I '11 teach you to 
 Bteal my pies ! " 
 
40 FRANK ON A GUN- BOAT. 
 
 " I — I — do n't know what you mean, sir ! " said 
 the mate, in surprise. 
 
 " Do n't talk to me, you villain," said Blinks, 
 savagely; "didn't you eat a pie last night?" 
 
 " Yes, sir," answered Jenkins, hesitatingly, 
 "but"— 
 
 "I knew you did, you rascal." 
 
 "But the pie was given to me, sir," said the 
 mate. 
 
 " Oh, that story won't do at all. I '11 fix you. 
 Go below." 
 
 In a short time the mate, who was so weak that 
 he was scarcely able to stand alone, was sum- 
 moned before the captain, who gave him a severe 
 reprimand, and disrated him. He came down on 
 deck, looking very forlorn indeed ; and as he 
 passed by Simpson, who, with Frank and Archie, 
 was standing in the starboard gangway, the former 
 exclaimed : 
 
 "That's what I call squaring the yards; I'm 
 even with him now." 
 
 As soon as Jenkins had recovered from the ef- 
 fects of the physic, he began to make efforts to 
 find Jack Smith. One day he approached Simp- 
 son, who was seated on a coil of rope, spinning 
 
SQUARING THE YARDS. 41 
 
 one of his forecastle yarns to Frank and Archie, 
 and said : 
 
 "Shipmate, do you know any one aboard hero 
 named Jack Smith?" 
 
 " No," answered Simpson, with the utmost grav- 
 ity, "I don't know any one who goes by that 
 name." 
 
 "Well, there is a chap here by that name," said 
 Jenkins, "and I wish I could find him. He got 
 me into a bad scrape." 
 
 But, it is needless to say, he never found Jack 
 Smith. 
 
42 
 
 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 CHAPTER IV, 
 
 %¥ Sfa^^« 
 
 N the afternoon of the following day, 
 as Frank and his cousin were walk- 
 ing up and down the deck, talking over 
 old times, Simpson hurriedly approached 
 them, exclaiming, 
 
 "Boys, do you want to leave this 
 ship?" 
 
 "Yes," answered Frank; "we 're tired of stay- 
 ing here." 
 
 " Well, it 's all right, then. I volunteered to go, 
 and I had hoth your names put down. The ex- 
 ecutive officer says if you want to go, just get your 
 donnage and go for'ard." 
 
 "Where are we to go?" inquired Archie. 
 " On board of the Illinois," answered Simpson. 
 "She is a magazine-ship, and is lying half-way 
 
A MIDNlUHT ALARM. 43 
 
 between here and Mound City. No work at all 
 to do. I'm going.' 
 
 " Then we '11 go, of course," said Frank ; " for 
 we do n't want to lose you." 
 
 They immediately got down their hammocks 
 and bags, and went forward, where they found the 
 executive officer standing on the forecastle, wait- 
 ing for them. 
 
 " Well, lads, do you volunteer to go on the Illi- 
 nois?" he asked. 
 
 « Yes, sir." 
 
 "Jump down into that dingy, then," said the 
 officer, pointing to a small boat that lay along- 
 side. 
 
 The boys did as they were ordered, and just 
 as they had finished storing away their bags and 
 hammocks under the thwarts, a man dressed in the 
 uniform of a sailor sprang down into the boat, 
 exclaiming : 
 
 "Man your oars, lads, and shove off — you've 
 a long pull before you." 
 
 Archie took one of the oare, Frank the other; 
 Simpson stowed himself away in the bow of the 
 boat, and the sailor took his seat at the helm. 
 The cousins were both good oarsmen, and they 
 
44 FRAXK ON A viUN-BOAT. 
 
 made the little boat dance over the water like a 
 duck. It was full five miles to the place where 
 the Illinois lay, and they soon found that it was 
 indeed "a long, hard pull." The current was 
 very strong, and it reminded the boys of many a 
 tough struggle they had had around the head of 
 Strawberry Island, in the Kennebec River. 
 
 In about tAvo hours they i cached the IlHnois, 
 and, as they sprang on board, their baggage was 
 seized by willing hands, and carried to the cabin, 
 which had been stripped of nearly all its furniture, 
 and presented, altogether, a desolate appearance. 
 After a few moments' conversation with one of 
 their new messmates, they learned that there were 
 only fifteen men on board the vessel, including one 
 sergeant and two corporals. These were the only 
 officers; and they were, in fact, no officers at all, 
 for they were all rated, on the books of the receiv- 
 ing-ship, as "landsmen." 
 
 They soon discovered that there was no disci- 
 pline among the crew — there could not be, under 
 the circumstances. Each stood a two-hour watch, 
 at night, and assisted in pumping out the ship, 
 morning and evening. With the exception of these 
 duties, there was no work to be done on board the 
 
A MIDNIGHT ALARM. 45 
 
 vessel. The remainder of the day was spent as 
 suited them best. Some passed the time in hunt- 
 ing and fishing, some in reading, and some lounged 
 about the decks, from morning until night. 
 
 Frank and Archie were very much pleased with 
 their new situation. There was no boatswain's 
 mate to trouble them, and they were in no danger 
 of rendering themselves liable to punishment for 
 some unintentional offense. 
 
 After stowing away their bags and hammocks, 
 they amused themselves in strolling about the boat, 
 until a neat-looking little sailor stepped up, and 
 informed them that supper was ready. They fol- 
 lowed him into the cabin, and took their seats at 
 the table, with the rest, and one of the sailors, who 
 went by the name of "Woods, exclaimed : 
 
 " Now, boys, pitch in, help yourselves, for if you 
 do n't, you won't be helped at all. Every one that 
 comes here has to learn to take care of himself." 
 
 "You will not find us at all bashful," answered 
 Frank, and he began helping himself most boun- 
 tifully to every thing on the table. 
 
 It did not take them long to become acquainted, 
 and the boys found that their new shipmates were 
 much better educated than the majority of the 
 
46 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 Bailors they had met. They were a good-natured, 
 jovial set of fellows, and the meal-hour passed 
 away quickly and pleasantly. 
 
 Immediately after supper the corporal ordered 
 all hands below to pump out the ship. In a quar- 
 ter of an hour this was accomplished, and as they 
 were ascending to the boiler-deck, Woods re- 
 marked : 
 
 " I wish I was back in Wisconsin again for a 
 little while." 
 
 "Are you tired of the navy? " inquired Frank. 
 
 " Oh, no ! " answered Woods ; " but I should like 
 to see my friends again, and try my hand at quail- 
 shooting." 
 
 " Are you fond of hunting ? " 
 
 " Yes, indeed ; I spend all my spare time in the 
 woods, when I am at home." 
 
 This was the very man, of all others, that Frank 
 would have chosen for a companion, and he in- 
 formed Woods that he also was very fond of rural 
 sports. They seated themselves on the boiler 
 deck railing, and each related some of his hunting 
 and fishing adventures, and, finally, Woods pro- 
 posed that they should go over the river into Ken- 
 tucky, on the following morning, on a squirrel- 
 
A MIDNIGHT ALARM. 47 
 
 hunt. Frank, of course, readily agreed to this. 
 He immediately started in search of his cousin and 
 Simpson, and informed them of the proposed excur- 
 sion. WTien he returned to the place where he had 
 left Woods, he found him with a musket on his 
 shoulder, and a cartridge-box buckled about his 
 waist, pacing up and down the deck. 
 
 " I 'm on watch, you see," he said, as Frank 
 came up. "You will go on at midnight; so you 
 had better go and turn in. If we go hunting to- 
 morrow, we must start by four o'clock at least, for 
 we have a good way to walk before we reach the 
 hunting-ground. Good night." And Woods, set- 
 tling his musket more firmly on his shoulder, con- 
 tinued his beat, while Frank sought his hammock. 
 
 About midnight he was awakened by a hand laid 
 on his shoulder, when, starting up, he found one 
 of the corporals standing beside his hammock, 
 holding a lantern in his hand. 
 
 " Is your name Nelson ? " he inquired. 
 
 Frank answered in the affirmative, and the cor- 
 poral continued : 
 
 " Roll out, then, for it is time for you to go on 
 watch. But be careful when you come out, or 
 you '11 be shot." 
 
48 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 " Shot ! " exclaimed Frank. " Who '11 shoot 
 me? Are there any rebels around here? " 
 
 *' Yes, plenty of them. There are some out on 
 the bank now. I Avas walking with Woods, when I 
 happened to look up, and saw two men, with their 
 muskets pointed straight at us ; but we got out of 
 the way before they had time to shoot. Hurry up, 
 now, but do n't expose yourself," and the corporal 
 hurried aft, hiding his lantern under his coat as he 
 went. 
 
 What Frank's feelings were, we will not attempt 
 to say. He was not a coward, for we once saw 
 him alone in the forest, standing face to face 
 with a wounded wild-cat, with no weapon in his 
 hands but an ax ; but fighting a wild-cat and a rebel 
 sharp-shooter were two widely different things. He 
 had never heard the whistle of a hostile bullet, nor 
 had he ever seen a rebel ; and it is not to be won- 
 dered at, if his feelings were not of the most envi- 
 able nature. But he was not one to shi'ink from 
 his duty because it was dangerous ; and he drew on 
 his clothes as quickly as possible, and seizing a 
 musket and cartridge-box that stood in a rack close 
 by the cabin door, he hurried aft, where he found 
 Woods concealed behind the port wheel-house, and 
 
A MIDNIGHT ALARM. 49 
 
 the corporal beliind a chicken-coop. They both 
 held their guns in readiness, and were peering into 
 the woods, as if trying to pierce the thick darkness 
 that enshrouded them. The Illinois was tied up 
 close to the bank, which, as the water in the river 
 was low, was about tliirty feet in hight ; and as the 
 moon was shining very brightly, a person hidden 
 in the bushes could distinctly see every thing on 
 deck. 
 
 " Keep close there," said Woods, as Frank came 
 up. " The corporal says he saw some guerrillas 
 on the bank." 
 
 Frank accordingly concealed himself behind a 
 stanchion, and his hand trembled considerably as 
 he cocked his musket and brought it to his shoul- 
 der. They remained in this position for nearly a 
 quarter of an hour, when, suddenly, something 
 stirred in the bushes. 
 
 " There they are," whispered the corporal, draw- 
 ing liimself entirely out of sight, behind the 
 chicken-coop. " Look out, they '11 shoot in a 
 moment." 
 
 Frank kept a close watch on the bushes, and 
 presently discovered a white object moving about 
 among them. 
 4 
 
50 FRANK ON A QUN-BOAT. 
 
 " I see something, boys/' he said ; " but it do ii't 
 look to me like a mjCTi." 
 
 "Yes, it is a man," exclaimed the corporal, 
 excitedly. " Shoot him." 
 
 In obedience to the order, Frank raised his gun 
 to his shoulder, and an ounce ball and a couple of 
 buckshot went crashing through the bushes. The 
 commotion increased for a moment, and then 
 ceased, and something that sounded very much 
 like a groan issued from the woods. 
 
 " By gracious, you hit one of them," exclaimed 
 the corporal. " That was a good shot. We '11 
 teach these rebs that it is n't healthy to go prowl- 
 incr about here at nio;ht." 
 
 Frank hastily reloaded his musket, and they 
 waited, impatiently, for nearly an houi', for the 
 other guerrilla to show himself, but the woods 
 remained as silent as death. 
 
 " I guess that shot finished them," said the cor- 
 poral ; " so I will go and turn in. Keep a good 
 look-out," he added, turning to Frank, " and do n't 
 expose yourself too much." 
 
 Woods and the corporal then went into the 
 cabin, and Frank was left to himself. A feeling 
 of loneliness he had never before experienced came 
 
A MIDNIGHT ALARM. 61 
 
 over him. At first he determined to go and call 
 his cousin to come and stand watch with him, so 
 that he would have some one to talk with ; hut, on 
 second thought, he remembered that Archie was 
 to come on watch at two o'clock, and probably 
 would not like to be disturbed. Besides, if he 
 called him, it would look as though he was a cow- 
 ard, and afraid to stand his watch alone ; so he 
 gave up the idea, and remained in his place of 
 concealment. Once he thought he discovered the 
 sheen of a musket among the bushes ; but it was 
 only his imagination, and after waiting half an 
 hour without hearing any thing suspicious, he shoul- 
 dered his gun, and commenced pacing the deck, 
 in full view of the woods. But he was not mo- 
 lested, and when two o'clock came he saw a figure 
 steal cautiously out of the cabin, and creep along 
 toward him, under cover of the wheel-house. As 
 he approached nearer, Frank recognized his cousin. 
 
 " Where are the rebs ? " inquired the latter. 
 
 " The corporal said he saw two of them out 
 there in the woods," answered Frank, pointing to 
 a thick clump of bushes that stood on the edge of 
 the bank; "and there was something out there, 
 and I shot at it. But I've been on deck here. 
 
52 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 in plain sight, for the last hour, and haven't seen 
 any thing." 
 
 " I hope there are no rebs in there," said 
 Archie ; " but I '11 keep dark for awhile. I shipped 
 to fight, but I do n't Hke the idea of paving a fel- 
 low send a bullet into me when I can't see him," 
 and he began to settle himself into a comfortable 
 position behind the chicken-coop. 
 
 " I do n't think there is any danger," said 
 Frank; "but perhaps it is well to be careful at 
 first. Be sure and call us when you come off 
 watch," and he shouldered his rifle and walked 
 leisurely into the cabin. 
 
A DISCOMFITED REBEL. 
 
 53 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 RCHIE stood his watch without see- 
 ing or hearing any thing of the reb- 
 els, and when he was relieved, at four 
 'clock, he aroused Simpson, Woods, 
 and his cousin, and after they had tied 
 up their hammocks, and stowed them 
 away in tjie nettings. Woods went to 
 
 the sergeant's room to obtain his consent to their 
 proposed excursion. This was easily accomplished, 
 and while they were filling their pockets with 
 musket-cartridges, Frank proposed that they should 
 go out and see what it was that had occasioned the 
 alarm during the night ; so they leaned their mus- 
 kets up in one corner of the cabin, and ran out 
 on the bank, and there, weltering in his blood, lay, 
 not a rebel, but a white mule. He it was that, 
 while feeding about in the woods, had occasioned 
 
54 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 the disturbance in the bushes, and Frank's shot 
 had done its work. The two men with muskets 
 had existence only in the corporal's imagination. 
 Simpson burst into a loud laugh. 
 
 "A nice set of fellows you are," he exclaimed 
 "I shouldn't want you stationed at my gun in 
 action." 
 
 ""VYhy not?" inquired Frank. 
 
 "Why, because you can't tell the difference 
 between a mule and a secesh." 
 
 Frank made no reply to this, for, although he 
 was very much relieved to find that it was a mulC; 
 and not a man, that he had killed, he was a good 
 deal mortified at first, for he expected to be made 
 the laughing-stock of his companions. But he 
 consoled himself with the thought that he was not 
 to blame. The corporal had said that he had seen 
 guerrillas in the woods, and he had, as in duty 
 bound, done his best to drive them away ; besides 
 he would not have fired his gun had he not beei 
 ordered to do so. 
 
 "It's no matter," said Simpson^ who noticed 
 that Frank looked a little crest-fallec ; " It wa& 
 the corporal's fault." 
 
 " I know it," said Frank. " But that \ pool 
 
A DISCOMFITED REBEL. 55 
 
 consolation. I killed the mule, and shall probably 
 be laughed at for it." 
 
 " What 's the odds ? " asked Simpson. " I Vo 
 seen many a better man than you laughed at. But 
 let us be going, for we have a long way to walk." 
 
 They accordingly retraced their steps to the 
 vessel, and AYoods awoke one of the corporals, who 
 had volunteered to row them over into Kentucky. 
 The dingy, which was kept fastened to the stern of 
 the lUinois, was hauled alongside, and, in a few 
 moments, they reached the opposite shore. Our 
 four hunters sprang out, and, bidding the corporal 
 good-by, shouldered their muskets, and disap- 
 peared in the forest. Woods, who was well ac- 
 quainted with the " lay of the land," led the way. 
 Just at sunrise they reached a ridge covered with 
 hickory and pecan-trees. 
 
 ** Here we are," he exclaimed, as he leaned on 
 his gun, and wiped his forehead with his coat- 
 sleeve. " There are plenty of squirrels around 
 here But I'm hungry; we have plenty of time 
 t: eat some breakfast before we begin." 
 
 They seated themselves under the branches of 
 Bome small hickories, and Simpson produced from 
 a basket some salt pork, hard crackers, and a 
 
56 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 bottle of cold coffee. Their long walk had given 
 them good appetites, and the meal, homely as it 
 was, was eaten with a relish. After they had 
 rested a few moments, they started off in different 
 directions, to commence the hunt. As Frank 
 walked slowly along, with his gun on his shoulder, 
 he could not help thinking of the many times he 
 had been on such excursions about his native vil- 
 lage. What a change a year had made! The 
 "Boys of Lawrence" were no longer amateur 
 sportsmen. They were scattered all over the 
 country, engaged in the work of sustaining the 
 integrity of the best government on earth. Would 
 they ever all meet again? It was not at all likely. 
 Perhaps some had already been offered up on the 
 altar of their country ; and if he should ever live to 
 return home, there would be some familiar faces 
 missing. In short, Frank was homesick. Finding 
 himself once more in his favorite element had made 
 him think of old times. He wandered slowly 
 along, recalling many a fishing frolic and boat-race 
 he had engaged in, until a loud chatter above his 
 head roused him from his reverie. He looked up 
 just in time to see a large squirrel striving to hide 
 himself among the leaves on a tree that stood close 
 
A DISCOMFITED REBEL.. 57 
 
 by. Frank's gun was at his shoulder in a moment, 
 and taking a quick aim at the squirrel, he pulled 
 the trigger. But the old Springfield musket waa 
 not intended for fine shooting ; for, though the 
 shot cut the leaves all around, the squirrel escaped 
 unhurt, and, running up to the topmost branch, 
 acain concealed himself. "While Frank was reload- 
 ing, Archie came up, and stood leaning on his gun, 
 with rather a dejected air. 
 
 " What 's the matter with you ? " inquired Frank. 
 
 "I wish I was down to the river," answered 
 Archie. 
 
 "What would you do there? go fishing?" 
 
 "No, but I'd sink this musket so deep that no 
 one would ever find it again. It do n't shoot 
 worth a row of pins. If I was standing twenty 
 feet from the side of a barn, I could n't hit it. I 
 wish I had my shot-gun here." 
 
 " So do I," answered Frank ; " I would very 
 soon bring down that squirrel. I'm going to try 
 him again;" and going around to the side of the 
 tree where the squirrel had taken refuge, he fired 
 again, but with no better success. The squirrel, 
 not in the least injured, appeared amid a shower 
 of leaves, and speedily found a new hiding-place. 
 
68 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 "It's no use, I tell you,'* said Archie; "you 
 can't hit any thing with that musket." 
 
 "It does look a httle that way. But T must 
 have that squirrel, if I have to shoot all day. 
 Have n't you got a load in your gun ? " 
 
 "Yes; but I might as well have none. I can 
 kill as many squirrels by throwing the musket at 
 them, as I can by shooting at them." 
 
 "Never mind, fire away — the ammunition doesn't 
 cost us any thing." 
 
 "I know it; but another thing, this musket kicks 
 like blazes. I had as soon stand before it, as be- 
 hind it. But I '11 try him ; " and Archie raised 
 his gun and blazed away. This time there was no 
 mistake ; the squirrel was torn almost to pieces by 
 the ball ; and when the smoke cleared away, Frank 
 saw his cousin sitting on the ground, holding both 
 hands to his nose, which was bleeding profusely. 
 
 "You've killed the squirrel," he said. 
 
 "Yes," answered Archie; "but I hurt myself 
 as much as I did him." 
 
 Frank was a good deal amused, and could scarcely 
 refrain from laughing at his cousin's misfortune. 
 He tried to keep on a sober face, but the corners 
 of his mouth would draw themselves out into a 
 
A DISCOMFITED REBEL. 59 
 
 emile, in spite of himself. Archie noticed this, 
 and exclaimed: 
 
 " Oh, it 's a good joke, no doubt." 
 
 " If you would hold your gun firmly against your 
 shoulder," said Frank, " it would n't hurt half so 
 bad. But hadn't we better go on?" 
 
 Archie raised himself slowly from the ground, 
 and they moved ofi" through the woods. The 
 squirrels were very plenty ; but it required two or 
 three, and, sometimes, as many as half a dozen 
 shots, to bring one down. 
 
 At length, after securing four squirrels, their 
 shoulders became so lame that they could scarcely 
 raise their guns; so they concluded to give up 
 shooting, and start in search of Woods and Simp- 
 son, who had gone off together. About noon they 
 found them, sitting on the fence that ran between 
 the woods and a road. Simpson had three squir- 
 rels in his hand. 
 
 "We are waiting for you," he said, as Frank 
 and Archie came up ; " it 's about time to start for 
 the boat." 
 
 "I'm hungry," said Frank; "why can't we go 
 down to that house and hire some one to cook our 
 squirrels for us?" 
 
60 FRAXK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 "That's a good idea." said Woods; "come 
 along;" and he sprang off the fence, and led the 
 way toward the house spoken of by Frank, ^hich 
 stood about a quarter of a mile down the road, 
 toward the river. 
 
 As they opened the gate that led into the yard, 
 they noticed that a man, who sat on the porch in 
 front of the house, regarded them with a savage 
 scowl on his face. 
 
 "How cross that man looks!" said Archie, who, 
 with his cousin, was a little in advance of the others ; 
 "maybe he 's a reb." 
 
 "How do you do, sir?" inquired Frank, as he 
 approached the place where the man was sitting. 
 
 "What do yees want here?" he growled, in 
 reply. 
 
 "We came here to see if we could n't hire some 
 one to cook a good dinner for us," answered Frank. 
 
 "No, ye can't," answered the man, gruffly; "get 
 out o' here. I never did notliin' for a Yank, an' 
 I never will. I 'd like to see yer all drove from 
 the country. Get out o' here, I tell yer," he 
 shouted, seeing that the sailors did not move, "or 
 I '11 let my dogs loose on yer ! " 
 
 " Why, I really believe he is a reb," said Archie ; 
 
A DISCOMFITED REBEL. 61 
 
 **h^'s the first one I ever saw. He looks just 
 like any body else, do n't he, boys?" 
 
 *' If yees do n't travel mighty sudden, I '11 make 
 a scatterin' among yer," said the man, between his 
 clenched teeth ; "I '11 be dog-gone if I do n't shoot 
 some o' yer;" and he reached for a long double- 
 barrel shot-gun that stood behind his chair. 
 
 "Avast, there, you old landlubber," exclaimed 
 Simpson; "just drop that shootin' iron, will you. 
 We 're four to your one, and you do n't suppose 
 that we are going to stand still and be shot down, 
 like turkeys on Thanksgivin' morning, do you? 
 No, sir, that would be like the handle of a jug, all 
 on one side. Shootin' is a game two can play at, 
 you know. Come, put that we'pon down;" and 
 Simpson held his musket in the hollow of his arm, 
 and handled the lock in a very significant manner. 
 
 The man saw that the sailors were not to be in- 
 timidated, and not Hking the way Simpson eyed 
 him, he leaned his gun up in the corner again, and 
 muttered something about Yankee mudsills and 
 Abolitionists. 
 
 "Just clap a stopper on that jaw of yours, will 
 you," said Simpson ; " or, shiver my timbers, if 
 we do n't try man-o'-war punishment on you. Now, 
 
62 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 Frank," he continued, "you just jump up there, 
 and shoot off the old rascal's gun; and then keep 
 an eye on him, and do n't let him get out of his 
 chair; and the rest of us will look around and see 
 what we can find in the way of grub." 
 
 Frank sprang up the steps that led on to the 
 porch, and fired both barrels of the gun into the air, 
 and then, drawing a chair to the other end of the 
 porch, coolly seated himself, and deposited his feet 
 on the railing ; while the others went into the house, 
 where they secured a pail of fresh milk and a loaf 
 of bread. From the house they went into the 
 wood-shed, where they found a quantity of sweet 
 potatoes. They then returned to the place where 
 they had left Frank. 
 
 "Come on, now," said Woods; "we'll have a 
 tip-top dinner, in spite of the old secesh." 
 
 " Hold on," said Frank ; " where are you going ? 
 I move we cook and eat our dinner here. There 'a 
 a stove in the house, and every thing handy." 
 
 The man was accordingly invited into his own 
 house by the boys, and requested to take a seat, 
 and make himself perfectly at home, but to be 
 careful and not go out of doors. They deposited 
 their muskets in one corner of the room ; and while 
 
A DISCOMFITED REBEL. 68 
 
 Archie started a fire in the stove, Frank dressed 
 the squirrels, and washed some of the sweet pota- 
 toes, and placed them in the oven to bake. Woods 
 drew the table out into the middle of the room; 
 and Simpson, after a diligent search, found the cup- 
 board, and commenced bringing out the dishes. 
 Frank superintended the cooking; and, in half an 
 hour, a s plendid dinner was smoking on the table. 
 When the meal was finished, they shouldered their 
 muskets, and Simpson said to the man : 
 
 " Now, sir, we 're very much obliged to you for 
 your kindness ; but, before we go, we want to give 
 you a bit of advice. If you ever see any more 
 Yankee sailors out this way, do n't try to bully them 
 by talking treason to them. If you do, just as 
 likely as not you'll get hold of some who won't 
 treat you as well as we have. They might go to 
 work and clean out your shanty. Good day, sir;" 
 and Simpson led the way toward the boat. 
 
64 
 
 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Ta^Ik'gi MitBi fepl^iit. 
 
 URING the three months following 
 that Frank and Archie were at- 
 [^ tached to the Illinois, they met 
 with no adventure worthy of notice. 
 They passed nearly every day in the 
 woods, and, after considerable practice, 
 had become splendid shots with their 
 muskets ; and as game was abundant, their table 
 was kept well supplied. 
 
 At length, the new magazine-boat, which had for 
 some time been building at Cairo, was towed along- 
 side the Ilhnois, and a detachment of men from the 
 receiving-ship were set to work to transfer the am- 
 munition. The crew of the Ilhnois were not at all 
 pleased with this, for they knew that the easy Hfe 
 they had been leading was soon to be brought to 
 an end. 
 
65 
 
 When the ammunition liad all been removed into 
 the new boat, the steamer Champion came along- 
 side, and the IlUnois was towed down to Columbu?, 
 "where she was to undergo repairs, and her crew was 
 transferred to the receiving-ship again. 
 
 The day after they arrived on board, while Frank 
 and his cousin were seated on a coil of rope, as 
 usual, talking over old times, and wondering how 
 George and Harry Butler liked the army, and why 
 they had not written, the boatswain's mate came 
 along, and called out, in a loud voice : 
 
 "Archie Winters!" 
 
 " Here I am," said Archie. 
 
 " Well, go up on deck," said the mate ; " the 
 captain wants to see you." 
 
 " The captain wants to see me ! " repeated Archie, 
 in surprise. 
 
 " Yes ; and you had better bear a hand, too, for 
 the captain is n't the man to wait long when he 
 sends after any one." 
 
 Archie accordingly went on deck, trying all the 
 while to think what he had done that was wrong, 
 and expecting a good blowing up for some unin- 
 tentional offense. Perhaps the captain had by 
 some means learned who it was that had made the 
 5 
 
66 FRANK ON A GUN BOAT. 
 
 descent on tlie cook's galley, and had called him up 
 for the purpose of punishing him. 
 
 Finding the captain on deck, talking with the 
 executive officer, he very poUtely remained out of 
 hearing, holding his hat in his hand, and Tvaited 
 for a chance to speak to him. At length the cap- 
 tain inquired : 
 
 *' Has n't Winters come up yet ? " 
 
 "Yes, sir," answered Aixhie, stepping up with 
 his best salute. 
 
 "Is this your writing?" inquired the captain, 
 holding out to Archie a letter addressed, in a 
 splendid business hand, to James "Winters, Esq., 
 Boston. 
 
 ." Yes, sir," answered Archie ; " that 's a letter 
 I wrote to my father." 
 
 "Well," continued the captain, "I have got a 
 splendid position for you, as second clerk in the 
 fleet paymaster's office. Would you like to take it ? " 
 
 "Yes, sir," answered Archie; "but — but" — 
 
 " But what ? " inquired the captain. 
 
 " I do n't like to be separated from my cousin. 
 We shipped together, and I should like to remain 
 with him as long as possible." 
 
 "Oh, as to that," said the captain, "you can't 
 
FRANK'S FIRST EXPLOIT. 67 
 
 expect to be together long; there is no certainty 
 that you will be ordered to the same ship. You 
 might as well separate one time as another. I 
 think you had better accept this position." 
 
 " I should like to speak with my cousin before 
 I decide, sir." 
 
 " Very well ; look alive, and do n't keep me 
 waiting." 
 
 Archie touched his hat, and hurried below. 
 
 " What did he want with you ?" inquired Frank, 
 who was sitting with Simpson on their mess-chest. 
 
 Archie told his story, and ended by saying: 
 
 "I do n't beheve I '11 take it; for I don't want 
 to leave you." 
 
 " You 're foolish," said Simpson ; " for, as the 
 captain said, you can't expect to remain together 
 a great while. To-morrow one of you may be 
 ordered to a vessel in the Cumberland River, and 
 the other to the lower fleet. Better take it; Frank 
 can take care of himself." 
 
 "Yes," said Frank, "I should certainly take it, 
 if I were in your place. You '11 be an officer then, 
 you know." 
 
 "Yes, I shall be an officer," said Archie, con- 
 temptuously; "and if I meet one of you any- 
 
68 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 where, I mustn't associate with you at all. No, 
 sir ; I '11 go and tell the captain I can't take it." 
 
 "But, hold on a minute," said Frank, as his 
 cousin was about to move away; "perhaps you 
 may find that there is another good place, and 
 then you can recommend me." 
 
 " That 's so," said Archie ; " I did not think of 
 that; I believe I'll take it;" and he hurried on 
 deck again. 
 
 " Well, what conclusion have you come to ? " 
 inquired the captain. " Will you take it ? " 
 
 " Yes, sir, "VNdth many thanks for your kindness. ' 
 
 "What is your cousin's name?" 
 
 Archie told him, and the captain continued : 
 
 " I '11 keep an eye open for him. I do n't for- 
 get that I was young once myself; and I know 
 that a sailor's life is rather tough for one who is 
 not accustomed to it ; and when I find a deserving 
 young man, I like to help him along. Mr. Tyler," 
 he continued, turning to the officer of the deck, 
 "please send this young man over to the fleet pay- 
 master's office in the first boat that leaves the ship. 
 You need not take your donnage," he said, turn- 
 ing to Archie again ; " if you suit the paymaster, 
 you can come over for it at any time." 
 
Frank's first exploit. 69 
 
 "Very good, sir," answered Archie; and he 
 went below again. 
 
 When the ten o'clock boat was called away, 
 Archie, in obedience to the captain's order, was 
 sent over to the paymaster's office; and Frank was 
 left alone. He watched the boat until it reached 
 the landing, and he saw his cousin spring out. He 
 then walked aft, and seated himself on the mess- 
 chest, and commenced writing a letter to his mother. 
 While he was thus engaged, he heard the order 
 passed, in a loud voice: "All you men that be- 
 longed to the Illinois, muster on the forecastle with 
 your bags and hammocks." 
 
 As Frank hastened to obey the order, he met 
 Simpson, who exclaimed : 
 
 " We 're off again, my hearty; and I 'm glad of 
 it. I do n't like to lay around here." 
 
 ''Where are we going?" inquired Frank. 
 " I do n't know for certain ; but I suspect we are 
 to be the crew of the store-ship Milwaukee, now 
 lying alongside the wharf-boat." 
 
 Simpson's surmise j^^oved to be correct. The 
 entire crew of the IHinois, with the exception of 
 Archie, was mustered around the capstan; and after 
 answering to their names, they were crowded into 
 
70 FRANK ON A GUX-BOAT. 
 
 a cutter that lay alongside, and, in a few moments, 
 were landed on board the Milwaukee. 
 
 She had steam up ; her stores were on board, 
 and she was all ready to sail ; and the crew had 
 scarcely time to stow away their bags and ham- 
 mocks, when the order was passed: "All hands 
 stand by to get ship under way." 
 
 The gang-planks were quickly hauled in ; the 
 line with which she was made fast to the wharf- 
 boat was cast off, and the Milwaukee was soon 
 steaming down the river, and Cairo was rapidly 
 receding from view. 
 
 The Milwaukee, which was now dignified by the 
 name of " store-ship," was an old river packet. 
 She was loaded with clothing, provisions, and small 
 stores, with which she was to supply the fleet. It 
 was not, of course, intended that she should go 
 into action ; but, in order that she might be able to 
 defend herself against the guerrillas, which infested 
 the river between Cairo and Helena, she mounted 
 a twelve-pound howitzer on her boiler-deck, and 
 was well supphed with mulcts. Her destination 
 was Helena. 
 
 They reached that place without any adventure, 
 and, after supplying the fleet with stores, started 
 
71 
 
 to return to Cairo. One pleasant afternoon, aa 
 they were passing through Cypress Bend, the offi- 
 cer of the deck discovered a man standing on the 
 bank, waving a flag of truce. A bale of cotton 
 lay near him; and the man, as soon as he found 
 that he had attracted their attention, pointed to the 
 cotton, and signified, by signs, that he wished it car- 
 ried up the river. 
 
 The Milwaukee was immediately turned toward 
 the shore, and as soon as they arrived within 
 speaking distance, the captain called out : 
 
 "What do you want?" 
 
 " I would like to have you take this cotton to 
 Cairo for me," answered the man. 
 
 " Are you a loyal citizen ? " asked the captain. 
 
 " Yes, sir ; and here is a permit from Admiral 
 Porter to ship my cotton;" and, as the man spoke, 
 he held up a letter to the view of the captain. 
 
 "Bring her into the bank, Mr. Smith," said 
 the captain, addressing the pilot ; " and, Mr. 
 O'Brien," he continued, in a lower tone, turning to 
 an officer who stood near, "go down and stand by 
 that howitzer. Perhaps there is no treachery in- 
 tended, but it is well to be on the safe side." 
 
 As soon as the Milwaukee touched the bank, 
 
72 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 Frank and Simpson, with two others, sprang ashore 
 with a line, and, after making it fast to a tree, 
 retui'ned on board, and commenced pushing out a 
 plank, so that the cotton could be easily rolled on, 
 when, suddenly, several men rose from behind the 
 levee, and the quick discharge of their rifles sent 
 the bullets around those standing on the fore- 
 castle, like hailstones ; and Simpson, who was 
 standing directly in front of Frank, uttered a sharp 
 cry of pain, and sank heavily to the deck. Tho 
 next moment the guerrillas, with loud yells, sprang 
 down the bank in a body, intending to board the 
 boat and capture her. But they had not taken 
 her so much by surprise as they had imagined, for 
 a shell from the howitzer exploded in their very 
 midst, and one of the rebels was killed, and three 
 disabled. The others turned and hastily retreated 
 behind the levee. Frank took advantage of this, 
 and lifting the insensible form of his friend, re- 
 treated under cover, and laid him on a mattress 
 behind a pile of coal, where he would be safe 
 from the bullets of the guerrillas, which now be- 
 gan to come through the sides of the boat in 
 every direction. 
 
 This was the first time Frank had ever been 
 
73 
 
 ander fire, and he -was thoroughly frightened ; but 
 he knew that it was his duty to resist the rebels, 
 and to do them as much damage as possible ; so, 
 instead of looking round for a safe place to hide, 
 his first impulse was to run up on deck after a 
 gun. This he knew was a dangerous undertaking, 
 for the vessel lay close to the bank, the top of 
 which was on a level with the boiler-deck ; and 
 behind the levee, scarcely half a dozen rods dis- 
 tant, were the guerrillas, who were ready to shoot 
 the first man that appeared. Nevertheless, Frank 
 resolved to make the attempt, for he wanted 
 to take revenge on them for shooting Simp- 
 eon. But, just as he was about to start out, he 
 heard the captain shout down through the trum- 
 pet which ran from the pilot-house to the engine- 
 room : 
 
 "Back her, strong! We must get away from 
 the bank, or they will pick us all off." 
 
 In obedience to the order, the engineers let on 
 the steam, and a heavy puffing told Frank that 
 the powerful engines were doing their utmost to 
 break the line which held them to the bank. 
 Here was another thing that Frank knew he ought 
 to do ; he knew that he ought to cut that line, for 
 
74 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 it would be an impossibility to break it. There 
 was an ax handy, and a sudden rush and a couple 
 of lusty strokes would put the vessel out of dan- 
 ger. But, at short intervals, he heard the bullets 
 crashing through the side of the boat, and he 
 knew that the guerrillas were on the watch. If 
 he made the attempt he could scarcely hope to 
 come back alive ; and he thought of his mother 
 and Julia, how badly they would feel when they 
 heard of his death. But even where he stood he 
 was in danger of being struck by the bullets that 
 were every moment coming through the vessel; 
 and would not his mother much rather hear that 
 he fell while performing his duty, than that he was 
 shot while standing idly by, taking no part in the 
 fight? He did not wait to take a second thought, 
 but seized the ax, and, with one bound, reached the 
 gangway that led out on to the forecastle. Here 
 he hesitated again, but it was only for a moment. 
 Clutching his ax with a firmer hold, and gathering 
 all his strength for the trial, he sprang forward, 
 and a few rapid steps brought him to the capstan, 
 to which the line was made fast. He raised his 
 ax, and one swift blow severed the line, and the 
 Milwaukee swung rapidly out from the bank 
 
FRANK SAVING THE BOAT 
 
75 
 
 Without waiting an instant, Frank turned and 
 retreated ; but, instead of going back to the place 
 where he had left Simpson, he bounded up the 
 steps that led to the boiler-deck, and the next 
 moment was safe behind a pile of baled clothing. 
 His sudden appearance had taken the rebels com- 
 pletely by surprise, and before they could recover 
 themselv^es, the line had been cut, and the young 
 hero was safe. But they had seen where he had 
 taken refuge, and, with loud yells of disappoint- 
 ment and rage, sent their bullets about his 
 hiding-place in a perfect shower. Frank, how- 
 ever, knowing that he was safe, was not in the 
 least alarmed. Waiting until the fire slackened a 
 little, he sprang up, and, snatching a musket and 
 cartridge-box from the rack which stood close by 
 the door of the cabin, was back to his hidin^- 
 place in a moment. 
 
 " Now," he soliloquized, " we are on more 
 equal terms. Better keep close, or I '11 drop 
 some of you." 
 
 In his cool, sober moments, Frank would have 
 shuddered at the thought of taking the life of a 
 fellow-being ; but he had seen Simpson shot down 
 
76 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 before his eyes — perhaps killed ; and is it to be 
 wondered that he wished to avenge his fall? 
 
 It was some time before Frank could get an 
 opportunity to use his musket; for if he exposed 
 the smallest portion of his body, it was the signal 
 for his watchful enemies, who sent the bullets 
 about him in unpleasant proximity. In spite of 
 his dangerous situation, he could not help think- 
 ing that the rebels were very proficient in " In- 
 dian fighting," for, with all his watchfulness, he 
 could not get an opportunity to put in a shot. All 
 he could see of his enemies would be, first, a rifle 
 thrust carefully over the levee, then a very small 
 portion of a head would appear, and the bullet 
 would come straight to the mark. 
 
 In the mean time the Milwaukee was working 
 her way out into the stream, and the rebels, finding 
 that their fire was not returned, grew bolder by 
 degrees, and became less careful to conceal them- 
 selves. This was what Frank wanted; but he 
 reserved his fire until a tall rebel rose to his fuU 
 bight from behind the levee, fired his gun, and 
 stood watching the efi*ect of the shot. Frank's 
 musket was at his shoulder in an instant, his finger 
 
prank's first exploit. 77 
 
 pressed the trigger, and the rebel staggered for a 
 moment, and disappeared behind the levee. 
 
 "There," said Frank to himself, "that's what 
 Simpson would call ' squaring the yards.' I 'm 
 even with the rascals now." 
 
 The rebels answered the shot with loud yells, 
 and their bullets fell thicker than ever; but the 
 Milwaukee was almost out of range, and, in a few 
 moments, the firing ceased altogether. 
 
78 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 SP 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 HEN the Milwaukee was fairly out 
 ^yfe of range of the bullets of the guer- 
 rillas, Frank put his gun back in the 
 rack, and started in search of the 
 doctor's steward. He ran into the 
 cabin without ceremony, and was 
 about to enter the steward's room, 
 when he discovered a pair of patent-leather boots, 
 which he thought he recognized, sticking out from 
 under a mattress which lay on the cabin floor ; and, 
 upon examination, he found that it concealed the 
 steward, who was as pale as a sheet, and shaking 
 as though he had been seized with the ague. 
 
 " What do you want here ? " he asked, in a trem- 
 blins: voice, as Frank raised the mattress. 
 
 " Simpson is shot," answered Frank, " and I 
 would like to have you come down and see him." 
 
ON A GUN-BOAT. 79 
 
 " Do you suppose I am fool enougli to go out on 
 deck, and run the risk of being shot? No, sir; I '11 
 stay here, where I am safe ; " and the steward made 
 an effort to draw his head under the mattress again. 
 "There's no danger now," said Frank; "the 
 rebels have stopped firing. Besides, we are out 
 of"— 
 
 "Go away, and let me alone," whined the stew- 
 ard. " I am not going to expose myself." 
 
 " You 're a coward," exclaimed Frank, now fairly 
 
 aroused. "But I guess the captain can" 
 
 " Oh, do n't," entreated the steward ; " I have n't 
 been here a minute. I started to get a gun, to pay 
 the rebels back in their own coin ; but the bullets 
 came through the cabin so thick that I thought it 
 best to retreat to a safe place;" and the steward 
 threw off the mattress, and arose, tremblingly, to 
 his feet. 
 
 "You went after a gun, did you?" inquired 
 Frank, in a tone of voice which showed that he did 
 not believe the steward's story. 
 
 " Yes ; and I would have given them fits, for I 
 am a dead shot." 
 
 " Where did you put your gun when you found 
 that you had to retreat?" 
 
80 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 " I put it back in the rack again." 
 
 This was a hkely story; for a person as badly 
 friijhtened as was the steward would not have 
 stopped to put the gun back in its place ; and, in 
 his heart, Frank despised the man who could be 
 guilty of such a falsehood. 
 
 As they were about to go out on deck, the steward 
 drew back, exclaiming : 
 
 " I do n't hardly believe it is safe to go out there 
 just yet. Let us wait a few moments." 
 
 " I shan't wait an instant," said Frank. " Simp- 
 son has been neglected too long already. You can 
 come down and attend to him, or not, just as you 
 please." So saying, he opened the cabin door, 
 and walking rapidly out, descended the stairs that 
 led to the main deck. 
 
 The steward dreaded to follow; but he knew 
 that, if he did not attend the wounded sailor, he 
 would be reported to the captain, who, although a 
 kind-hearted man, was a strict disciphnarian, and 
 one who always took particular pains to see that 
 his crew was well provided for. He dared not 
 hesitate long; so, di*awing in a long breath, he 
 ran swiftly out on deck, and disappeared down the 
 Btairs like a shot. 
 
ON A GUN-BOAT. 81 
 
 Frank found Simpson sitting upon the mattress 
 A here he had been lain, with his elbows on his 
 knees, and his head supported by his hands. As 
 Frank came up, he said, in a weak voice : 
 
 "I came very near losing the number of my 
 mess, did n't I ? The rascals shot pretty close to 
 me ; " and he showed Frank an ugly-looking wound 
 in the back of his head, from which the blood was 
 flowing profusely. 
 
 By this time the steward arrived. After exam- 
 ining the wound, he pronounced it very severe, 
 and one that would require constant attention. 
 
 Simpson was speedily conveyed to the sick bay, 
 and every thing possible done to make him com- 
 fortable. Although the Milwaukee was completely 
 riddled by the bullets of the guerrillas, he was the 
 only one hurt. Frank was excused from all duty, 
 that he might act as Simpson's nurse; and he 
 scarcely left him for a moment during the two 
 weeks of fever and delirium that followed. By the 
 time they reached Cairo, however, he was pro- 
 nounced out of danfrer. 
 
 Frank wanted very much to see his cousin; but 
 the Milwaukee was anchored out in the river, and 
 no one was allowed to go ashore. One afternoon, 
 6 
 
82 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 as lie sat by his friend's hammock, reading aloud a 
 letter from Harry Butler, in which he gave a vivid 
 description of a late battle in which his regiment 
 had participated, the orderly entered and informed 
 him that the captain wished to see him. He fol- 
 lowed the orderly, and, as he entered the cabin, the 
 captain said : 
 
 " Please help yourself to a chair, Mr. Nelson ; 
 I shall be at liberty in a moment. I should like to 
 finish this letter before the mail-steamer sails. You 
 will excuse me, will you not ? " 
 
 "Certainly, sir," answered Frank; and he seated 
 himself, lost in wonder. 
 
 The captain had addressed him as Mr, Nelson, 
 while heretofore he had always been called, by th© 
 officers. Nelson, or Frank. What could it meanJf 
 The captain had always treated him with the great 
 est kindness ; but, since the engagement with the 
 guerrillas, all the officers had shown him more con- 
 sideration than ever. He had noticed the change, 
 and wondered at it. 
 
 At length the captain, after hastily directing the 
 letter he had written, and giving it in charge of the 
 orderly, took an official document from his desk, 
 Baying, as he did so : 
 
ON A GUN-BOAT. 83 
 
 "I am greatly pleased, Mr. Nelson, to be able 
 to give you this, for you deserve it;" and after 
 unfolding the letter, he gave it to Frank, vrho read 
 as follows : 
 
 Navy Department, •» 
 Washington, D. C, Dec. 18, 18G2. J 
 
 Sir: For your gallantry in the late action at Cypress 
 Bend, on the let inst, you are hereby appointed an Acting 
 Master's Mate in the Navy of the United States, on tempo- 
 rary service. Report, without delay, to Acting Rear-Ad- 
 miral David D. Porter, for such duty as he may assign you. 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 Gideon Welles, 
 Secretary of the Navy. 
 Acting Master's Mate Frank Nelson, 
 
 B. 8. Milwaukee, Mississippi Squadron, 
 
 " Well," said the captain, after Frank had read 
 the letter over three times, to make sure that he 
 ■was not dreaming, and that he was really an officer, 
 "what do you think of it?" 
 
 " I hardly know what to thinkj sir," answered 
 Frank. " It is an honor I did not expect." 
 
 " Very likely," said the captain, with a laugh ; 
 " but you deserve it. If it had n't been for you, 
 we should all have been captured. I saw the 
 whole of the transaction from the pilot-house." 
 
 "It was my duty to do it, sir." 
 
84 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 *'It was a brave act, call it what else you will 
 Now go and give this to the paymaster," contin- 
 ued the captain, handing Frank an order for the 
 settlement of his accounts, "and then go imme- 
 diately and report to the Admu-al." 
 
 Frank left the captain, a good deal elated at his 
 success; and when he approached Simpson, the 
 latter exclaimed: 
 
 "What is it, my hearty? Your promotion?" 
 
 " Yes," answered Frank ; " read that ; " and he 
 handed his appointment to his friend, who said : 
 
 " I knew you would get it. The captain is n't 
 the man to let such a thing as you did at Cypress 
 Bend pass unnoticed. Give us your flipper, my 
 boy ; I 'm glad to see you an officer." And the 
 brave fellow actually shed tears, as he shook 
 Frank's hand. "Now, when you are ordered to 
 your ship," he continued, "I wish you would speak 
 a word for me. I am very well contented here, 
 but I had much rather sail with you." 
 
 Frank promised to do his best, and, after put- 
 ting on his " shore togs," as Simpson called them, 
 and giving the captain's order to the paymaster, he 
 started off to report to the Admiral. 
 
 When he arrived on board the flag-ship, he was 
 
ON A GUN-BOAT. 85 
 
 met by the officer of the deck, Tvho inquired his 
 business. 
 
 "I wish to see the Admiral, sir," answered 
 Frank ; " I am ordered to report to him." 
 
 The officer immediately led the way aft, and 
 showed Frank a marine standing at the door of 
 the cabin, who took his name and disappeared. In 
 a moment he returned, and informed Frank that the 
 Admiral was waiting to see him. 
 
 He entered the cabin, and handed his appoint- 
 ment to the Admiral, who, after reading it, said : 
 
 " So, you are the young man that saved the Mil- 
 waukee, are you ? Take a chair, sir." 
 
 In a few moments his orders to report, without 
 delay, on board the Ticonderoga, were ready ; and 
 as the Admiral handed them to him, he said : 
 
 ^' Now, young man, you will be on a ship where 
 you will have a chance to distinguish yourself. I 
 shall expect to hear a good account of you." 
 
 " I shall always endeavor to do my duty, sir," 
 answered Frank ; and he made his best bow and 
 retired. 
 
 When he returned to the Milwaukee, his accounts 
 had all been made out. After the paymaster 
 had paid him up in full, Frank started for the 
 
86 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 nearest clothing-store, and when he came out, he 
 was changed into a fine-looking officer. 
 
 He immediately directed his steps toward the 
 naval wharf-boat, where he found a lively little 
 fellow, who seemed full of business, superintending 
 the loading of a vessel with provisions. It was 
 Archie Winters ; but it was plain that he did not 
 recognize his cousin in his new uniform, for Frank 
 stood close behind him, several moments, and 
 Archie even brushed against him, as he passed. 
 
 " Can you tell me, sir, where I can find Mr 
 Winters?" inquired Frank, at length. 
 
 " Yes, sir," answered Archie, promptly, looking 
 his cousin full in the face ; " I 'm the — why, Frank, 
 how are you?" and he seized his cousin's hand, 
 and shook it heartily. ^' I 've been on board the 
 Milwaukee twice this morning, but you were off 
 somewhere. I heard you had a fight down the 
 river, with the rebels. But what are you doing ? 
 What boat are you ordered to?" 
 
 " I am not doing any thing at present," an- 
 swered Frank; "but I am ordered to report on 
 board the Ticonderoga." 
 
 " There she is," said Archie, pointing to a long, 
 low, black vessel that lay alongside of the wharf- 
 
ON A GUN-BOAT. 87 
 
 boat. " I am just putting provisions on board of 
 her. I '11 come and see you as soon as I get my 
 work done." 
 
 Frank went on board his vessel, where he was 
 received by the officer of the deck, who showed him 
 the way into the cabin. After the captain had in- 
 dorsed his orders, he strolled leisurely about the 
 ship, examining into every thing, for as yet he 
 knew nothino^ of f^un-boat life. 
 
 The Ticonderoga was a queer-looking craft. 
 She was not exactly a Monitor; but she had a tur- 
 ret forward, and mounted two eleven-inch guns 
 and four twelve-pounder howitzers. She had a 
 heavy iron ram on her bow, and the turret was 
 protected by three inches of iron, and the deck 
 with two inches. It did not seem possible that a 
 cannon-ball could make any impression on her 
 thick armor. 
 
 The officers' quarters were all below decks ; and, 
 although it was then the middle of winter, Frank 
 found i rather uncomfortable in his bunk. 
 
 During the two weeks that elapsed before the 
 ship was ready to sail, the time was employed in 
 getting every thing in order — in drilling at the 
 great guns, and with muskets and broad-swords. 
 
88 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 Most of the crew were old seamen, who under- 
 stood their duty; and by the time their sailing 
 orders came, every thing moved like clock-work. 
 
 In the mean time Frank had been assigned his 
 station, which — being the youngest officer on board 
 the ship — was to command the magazine. He 
 learned very rapidly, and, as he was always atten- 
 tive to his duties, he grew in favor with both officers 
 and men. 
 
 At length, one afternoon, the anchor was weighed, 
 and the Ticonderoga steamed down the river. Her 
 orders were to report to the Admiral, who had 
 sailed from Cairo about a week previous. They 
 found him at Arkansas Post, where they arrived 
 too late to take part in the fight. In a fe^v days 
 a station was assigned to her in the Missi>'sippi 
 River; and the Ticonderoga immediately se^ sail, 
 in obedience to orders. 
 
THE STRUGGLE BETWEEN THE LINES. 
 
 8.9 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 '^ gtoijk §tto.ti0ij^ ti^t Mium, 
 
 NE day, about t\vo weeks after they 
 came out of Arkansas River, the Ti- 
 IS^WJ/ conderoga stopped at Smith's Landing 
 J Ti\^^^ to take on wood, as her supply of coal 
 V >yAirc;T iiad run short. The vessel was made 
 fast to the bank, and, while the seamen 
 were bringing in the wood, the paymas- 
 ter's steward called Frank's attention to some cat- 
 tle which were feeding on the bank, and remarked : 
 " I wish we could go out and shoot one of them." 
 " So do I," said Frank ; " I 've eaten salt pork 
 until I am tired of it. Let 's go and ask the cap- 
 tain." 
 
 " I 'm agreed," said the steward. 
 The captain was walking on deck at the time, 
 and his permission was readily obtained, for he 
 himself had grown tired of ship's pork; Frank, 
 
90 FRAXK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 accompanied hj the steward, and a seaman whc 
 was an expert butcher, started out. They were 
 armed with muskets, and, as they were all good 
 shots, and did not wish to kill more than enough 
 to feed the ship's company once, they took with 
 them no ammunition besides what was in the guns. 
 At the place where the Ticonderoga was lying, the 
 levee — an embankment about six feet high, built to 
 prevent the water from overflowing — ran back into 
 the woods about half a mile, then, making a bend 
 like a horse-shoe, came back to the river again, 
 inclosing perhaps a dozen acres of low, swampy 
 land ; and it was in this swamp that the cattle 
 were. They proved to be very wild ; but, after a 
 considerable run, Frank succeeded in bringing 
 down one, and the steward and seaman finally 
 killed another. The question now was, how to get 
 the meat on board the vessel. While they were 
 debating on the matter, they were startled by the 
 clatter of horses' hoofs on the levee ; and, instead 
 of drawing back into the bushes, out of sight, 
 they very imprudently waited to see who the 
 horsemen were. Presently, a party of guerrillas, 
 to their utter amazement — for they had not dreamed 
 that the rebels vere so near them —galloped up. 
 
THE STRUGGLE BETWEEN THE LINES. 91 
 
 The rebels discovered them at the same moment, 
 and one of them exclaimed • 
 
 " I '11 be dog-gone if thar ain't a Yank ; " and, 
 not knowing how many there might be of the 
 "Yanks," they very prudently drew up their 
 horses. One of them, however, who appeared to 
 be the leader of the band, comprehended their sit- 
 uation at a glance, and exclaimed : 
 
 " Throw down your arms, and you shall be 
 treated like men!" 
 
 This brought them to their senses, and they 
 turned and ran for their lives. They had scarcely 
 made a dozen steps before the bullets and buck- 
 shot began to rattle about their ears; but the 
 trees and bushes were so thick that they escaped 
 unhurt. Frank reached the vessel far in advance 
 of the others ; as he came over the side, panting 
 and excited, the captain, who was still on deck, 
 inquired : 
 
 "^\Tiat's the matter, Mr. Nelson?" 
 
 *'"VVe ran foul of some guerrillas out there in 
 the woods, sir," replied Frank. 
 
 " How many of them did you see ? " 
 
 "They didn't give us much of a chance to 
 judge of their numbers, sir; but I should say 
 
92 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 that there were at least a dozen of them, and they 
 were coming this way. I should n't wonder if they 
 intended to pick off some of the men who are car- 
 rying in wood." 
 
 "Mr. Hurd," said the captain, turning to the 
 executive officer, " take thirty men, who are good 
 shots, and go out there and keep those fellows off. 
 Mr. Nelson will go with you." 
 
 Frank accordingly ran below, and armed himself 
 with a revolver and musket, and buckled on a 
 cartridge-box. When the men were ready, he led 
 the way, along the levee, so that, if the guer- 
 rillas were advancing, they would be certain to 
 meet them. But they saw no signs of them until 
 they came within sight of a barn which stood in 
 the woods, about a mile from the river. The rebels 
 were gathered before it, as if in consultation, and 
 greeted the approach of the sailors with a scatter- 
 ing volley of musketry, which whistled harmlessly 
 over their heads, or plowed up the ground before 
 them. 
 
 " Give 'em a shot, boys," said the executive 
 officer, "and then scatter, and let each man take 
 to a tree and ficrht Indian fashion." 
 
 o 
 
 The sailors wheeled into line with all the prompt- 
 
THE STRUGGLE BETWEEN TUE LINES. 93 
 
 ness and regularity of veteran troops; and before 
 the smoke of their muskets cleared away, they had 
 disappeared, like a flock of young partridges. The 
 rebels had also treed, and the skirmish was con- 
 tinued for half an hour, without any damage being 
 done to either party. 
 
 This style of fighting did not suit Frank, and he 
 began to urge the executive officer to advance, and 
 drive them from their position. But the officer did 
 not think it safe to attempt it ; for, although he had 
 seen but a small number of the rebels, he did not 
 know how many there might be hidden away in the 
 bushes. 
 
 "Well, then," said Frank, after thinking a mo- 
 ment, " I have another proposition to make. If 
 you will give me ten men, and engage the rebels 
 warmly in front, I '11 go and get that fresh beef." 
 
 " Where did you leave it ? " inquired the officer. 
 
 " In the woods, about three hundred yards to the 
 left of where the rebels now are." 
 
 " Very well ; pick out your men, and go ahead." 
 
 Frank accordingly selected the boatswain's mate, 
 an old, gray -headed man, who had been in the navy 
 from boyhood, as his first lieutenant, and ordered 
 him to call for volunteers. 
 
94 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 If there is any thing a sailor admires, it isf 
 bravery in an officer. Every one on board the Ti- 
 conderoga, from the captain down, was acquainted 
 with Frank's gallant behavior at Cypress Bend, 
 although he himself had never said a word about 
 it; and this, together with his uniform kindness 
 tow^ard the men under his command, and the re- 
 spect he always showed his brother officers, had 
 made him very popular with the ship's company ; 
 and when the mate — who was never better pleased 
 than w^hen he could do Frank a service — passed 
 the word along the line that Mr. Nelson had called 
 for volunteers, the men flocked around him in all 
 directions. The mate quickly selected the required 
 number, and Frank led them toward the place 
 •where they had left the beef. 
 
 The woods were very thick, and, of course, the 
 rebels, who were hidden in the bushes, on the other 
 side of the levee, knew nothing of what was going 
 on. Frank sent two of his men to the levee, to 
 watch the motions of the rebels, with orders not to 
 fire unless they attempted to advance; and then 
 pulled off his coat, and set to work, wdth the others, 
 cutting up the beef. This was soon accomplished; 
 and, after getting it all ready to carr^ to the vessel, 
 
TUE STRUGGLE BETWEEN THE LINES. 95 
 
 Frank, after consulting ^vith the mate, concluded 
 that the rebels ought to be punished for what thej 
 had done, and ht determined to try the effect of a 
 cross-fire upon them. 
 
 He cautiously advanced his men to the levee, 
 when he found that the rebels had been growing 
 bolder ; and (me of them, who was mounted on a 
 powerful iron-gray horse, would frequently ride out 
 from his concealment, and advance toward the 
 place where the men under the executive officer 
 were stationed, coolly deliver his fi^e, and then 
 retreat out of range of their guns, to reload. 
 
 "Now, boys," said Frank, "if that fellow tries 
 that again, I '11 put a stopper on his shooting for 
 awhile." 
 
 The rebel, who, of course, was entirely ignorant 
 of the proximity of Frank's party, soon reappeared, 
 and rode rapidly down the levee, until he came 
 directly opposite the place where Frank and his 
 men were concealed, and then drew up his horse, 
 and settled himself in his saddle, for a good shot. 
 But at that instant the report of Frank's musket 
 echoed through the woods, and the horse on which 
 the rebel was mounted fell to the ground, with a 
 bullet in his brain. Before the astonished guer* 
 
96 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 rilla could extricate himself from the saddle, Frank, 
 with more recklessness than prudence, had bounded 
 out of his concealment, and seized him by the collar 
 with one hand, at the same time attempting to 
 draw his revolver with the other. 
 
 " You 're my prisoner ! " he exclaimed. 
 
 But the rebel had no sooner regained his feet, 
 than he seized Frank around the body, and, lifting 
 him from his feet, threw him heavily to the ground. 
 Frank's revolver had become entangled in his belt 
 in such a manner that he could not draw it, and 
 he now saw how foolhardy he had been, for his 
 antagonist was a man of almost twice his size, and 
 possessed of enormous strength. But Frank still 
 retained his presence of mind, and, in falling, he 
 managed to catch the rebel by the hair, and pulled 
 him to the ground with him. He clung to him with 
 a death-grip, and the guerrilla, after trying in vain 
 to break his hold, attempted to draw a knife from 
 his belt. Frank seized it at the same moment, when 
 each used all his skill and strength to obtain pos- 
 session of it. 
 
 Both parties gazed in utter amazement, as this 
 singular struggle went on, and neither dared to 
 fire a shot, for fear of hitting theii' own man. At 
 
THE STRUGGLE BETWEEN THE LINES. 97 
 
 length the mate, who, with his men, had watched 
 the progress of the conflict, with their fechngs 
 worked up to the highest pitch of excitement, dis- 
 covered that the rebel, by his superior strength, 
 was gaining the advantage ; and he knew that the 
 only way to save his officer was to drive the rebels 
 from their position. 
 
 " Steady there, lads ! " he exclaimed; " fix bayo- 
 nets." 
 
 The order was promptly obeyed. 
 
 " Ready, now ! Aim ! Fire ! Charge bayonets ! 
 Forward, double-quick ! " 
 
 The sailors broke from their concealment with 
 a loud yell, and rushed toward the rebel line. 
 They were soon overtaken by the men under com- 
 mand of the executive officer, who, not wishing to 
 be outdone by their comrades, had come to their 
 assistance. 
 
 The rebels were taken completely by surprise, 
 and, after delivering a straggling fire, rapidly re- 
 treated. 
 
 The charge made by the sailors infused new 
 courage into Frank, who increased his exertions, 
 and struggled furiously for the possession of the 
 knife. 
 
 7 
 
98 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 " Hold on," exclaimed the rebel ; " I '11 sur- 
 render, if you will promise me kind treatment." 
 
 " I guess you'll surrender any way," said Frank; 
 " and you may be sure that you will be well treated." 
 
 " Let go my hair, then," said the rebel ; " and 
 let me get up." 
 
 Frank accordingly released his hold, and the 
 rebel rose to his feet, and was immediately seized 
 by the mate, who, with his men, was just returning 
 from the pursuit of the rebels. 
 
 After the prisoner had delivered up his weapons, 
 they marched back to the place where they had 
 left the beef, and then started for the vessel. 
 
 Every one was soon made acquainted with the 
 particulars of the fight, and Frank was again the 
 hero of the mess-room. 
 
A UNION FAMILY. 
 
 99 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Inmn Mumzl^ 
 
 .FTER two days' sail, the Ticonde- 
 roga arrived at Phillips's Landino-, 
 where she had been ordered to take 
 her station ; for the Admiral had re- 
 ceived information that the rebel Gen- 
 eral Marmaduke was preparing to 
 cross the river, with his forces, at 
 that place 
 
 They came to anchor in front of a large planta- 
 tion, owned by the man after whom the place was 
 named. In a short time, a boat, rowed by twj 
 stout negroes, and which contained two ladies and 
 a gentleman, came alongside. 
 
 The captain received them, as they came upon 
 the quarter-deck, and the gentleman, after intro- 
 ducing himself as Mr. Phillips, and apologizing for 
 the liberty they had taken in coming on board, 
 
100 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 asked if the captain could furnish them with some 
 Northern papers. They lived in an out-of-the-way 
 place, he said, where boats seldom landed, for fear 
 of the guerrillas, and they were entirely ignorant 
 of what was going on. 
 
 The captain seemed much pleased with his vis- 
 itors. After complying with their request, he 
 conducted them down into the cabin, where they 
 passed an hour in conversation. When they were 
 about to take their departure, they invited ihe cap- 
 tain and his officers to call on them, and assured 
 them that there were no rebels in the vicinity. 
 
 The captain was an old sailor, and had been in 
 the service so long that he was inclined to be sus- 
 picious of any thing that looked like friendship on 
 the part of a person living in an enemy's country. 
 But, after calUng on Mr. PhiUips's family a few 
 times, without discovering any thing to confirm his 
 suspicions, he allowed both officers and men to go 
 ashore at all times ; and soon quite an intimacy 
 sprung up between them and the people of the 
 plantation, and dinner parties and horseback rides 
 were the order of the day. 
 
 Frank had been elected caterer of his mess, and 
 as he was obliged to furnish provisions, he had a 
 
A UNION FAMILY. 101 
 
 good excuse for being ashore most of his time. 
 He became a regular visitor at the phmtation, and 
 was soon well acquainted with each member of the 
 family. Thev all professed to be unconditional 
 Union people, with the exception of the youngest 
 daughter, who boldly stated that her sympathies 
 were, and always had been, with the South ; and 
 Bhe and Frank had many a long argument about 
 the war. 
 
 Things went on thus for a considerable time, 
 when, early one morning, as Frank was on his way 
 to the plantation, to buy his marketing, a negro 
 met him, as he was ascending the hill that led to 
 the quarters, and said : 
 
 " I 'd like to speak just one word with you, 
 young master.^' 
 
 "Well, what is it, uncle?" said Frank; "talk 
 away." 
 
 " Let us move out this way first, for I do n't 
 want them to see us from the house." 
 
 Frank followed the negro behind one of the 
 cabins, and the latter continued: 
 
 " I 'ra afraid you and all the ofiBcers on your 
 boat will be captured one of these days." 
 
 " What do you mean ? " inquired Frank, in sur- 
 
102 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 prise, half inclined to think that the negro waa 
 crazy. 
 
 " I suppose you do n't know that my master and 
 mistress, and all the white folks on the plantation, 
 are rebels, do you?" 
 
 " No ; and I do n't believe they are." 
 
 " Yes, they are. My master is a Major in the 
 rebel army ; and that Miss Annie you come to see 
 every day has got a sweetheart in the army, and 
 she tells him every thing you say. Besides, they 
 send a mail across the river, here, twice every 
 month. I took one across myself, night before 
 last." 
 
 " I believe you 're lying to me, you old rascal," 
 exclaimed Frank. 
 
 "No, young master," answered the negro; 
 "every word I have told you is gospel truth. 
 You see, my daughter waits on Miss Annie, and 
 I find out every thing." 
 
 " You say Miss Phillips has a sweetheart in the 
 army ? " 
 
 " Yes ; and he was here to see her not long ago. 
 He is a lieutenant, and has gone up to Conway's 
 Point, with two cannons, to fire into steamers. 
 His name is Miller ; and you would know him from 
 
A UNION FAMILY. 103 
 
 a lon<j scar on his left check. Was n't Miss An* 
 nie on board your boat two days ago?" 
 
 " Yes, I believe so." 
 
 "Well, she stole a book.' 
 
 "A book!" repeated Frank. "What kind of 
 a book?" 
 
 " I do n't know the name of it. It was a small 
 book, and had lead fastened to the covers." 
 
 " By gracious ! " exclaimed Frank, " that was the 
 captain's signal-book." 
 
 " Yes ; she told my daughter that she took it out 
 of the captain's room." 
 
 Frank did not stop to buy any marketing, but 
 hastily catching up his basket, he hurried back to 
 the vessel. 
 
 " Orderly," he exclaimed, as he approached the 
 marine who always stood at the cabin door, "ask 
 the captain if I may see him." 
 
 " He has n't got up yet, sir." 
 
 " That makes no difference. Tell him that I 
 have something particular to say to him." 
 
 The orderly went into the cabin, and, in a few 
 moments, returned, and said : 
 
 " The captain says walk in, sir." 
 
 " Captain," said Frank, after he had closed the 
 
104 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 door carefully behind him, "have you lost your 
 signal-book ? " 
 
 "No, I guess not;" answered the captain, in a 
 tone of surprise. "What makes you ask?" 
 
 " I heard, a few moments ago, that it had been 
 stolen from you." 
 
 "I have not had occasion to use it for two or 
 three weeks," answered the captain, getting out of 
 bed; "but I know exactly where I put it;" and 
 he opened a drawer in the sideboard, and com- 
 menced to overhaul the contents. 
 
 " Set me down for a landlubber," he exclaimed, 
 at length, " if it has n't been stolen. It is n't here, 
 at any rate." 
 
 Frank then related the conversation which had 
 taken place between himself and the negro, and 
 the captain continued: 
 
 "Well, I always thought those folks had some 
 object in view, or they would not have been so 
 friendly. I can't reproach myself for neglecting 
 my duty, for I watched them pretty closely." 
 
 "I wonder how that girl knew that the signal- 
 book was in that drawer," said Frank. 
 
 " I suppose she must have seen me put it in 
 there," said the captain. " Now, the question is, 
 
A UNION FAMILY. 105 
 
 how to go to TTork to recover it. It will do no 
 good to search the house." 
 
 "If you will leave the matter in my hands, sir," 
 said Frank, " I will agree to recover the signal- 
 book, and capture that mail-bag which they intend 
 to send across the river in a few days." 
 
 " Well," said the captain, " it was you who first 
 knew that the signal-book was gone, and I believe 
 you ought to have the honor of sifting the matter 
 to the bottom. Find out all you can, and call on 
 me for any assistance you may need." 
 
 Frank immediately returned to the plantation, 
 and started toward the quarters, in quest of the 
 negro who had given him the information, whom 
 he found chopping wood in front of one of the 
 cabins. 
 
 " See here, uncle," he exclaimed, " I want you 
 to keep me posted on all that goes on here on the 
 plantation ; and tell your daughter to find out when 
 that rebel lieutenant is coming here again, and 
 when they intend to send that mail across the 
 river." 
 
 " I will do my best, young master," answered 
 the negro. " But you won't tell any one what I 
 have said to you ? I shall be killed, sure, if you do." 
 
106 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 " No, uncle, I shan't betray you ; so do n't be 
 afraid," said Frank; and, after purchasing some 
 articles which they needed in the mess, he returned 
 on board the boat. 
 
 A week passed on, but nothing further was de- 
 veloped. The officers of the vessel still continued 
 to visit the plantation, and Mr. Phillips and his 
 family always seemed glad to see them, and evi- 
 dently did all in their power to make their visits 
 agreeable. 
 
 As soon as Frank had time to think the matter 
 over, he wondered why he had not known that 
 something suspicious was going on. He remem- 
 bered now that Mr. Phillips had often questioned 
 him closely concerning the manner in which the 
 gun-boats were stationed along the river, and the 
 distance they were apart. And he thought of 
 other questions which had been asked him by the 
 family, which, although they did not seem strange 
 at the time, now seemed suspicious. At first he 
 had been inclined to doubt the negro's story; but 
 his doubts were soon removed by the appearance 
 of a transport, which was completely riddled with 
 shot ; and her captain reported that they had been 
 fired into by a battery of two guns, at Conway's 
 
A UNION FAMILY. 107 
 
 Point. Frank know that it was the work of the 
 rebel lieutenant, and he hoped that it would soon 
 be his fortune to meet him face to face. 
 
 One evening, just after supper, the negro ap- 
 peared on the bank, with some chickens in hk hand, 
 which was a signal to Frank that he had something 
 to communicate. He immediately set off alone, in 
 a skiff. When he reached the shore, the negro in- 
 formed him that the rebel lieutenant was expected 
 at the plantation that evening, and that he would 
 bring with him the mail, which was to be carried 
 across the river at midnight. 
 
 After paying the negro for his chickens, in order 
 to deceive any one who might be watching them, 
 Frank returned to the vessel, and informed the 
 captain that, if he would give him twenty men, he 
 would fulfill his promise. He did not acquaint him 
 with what he had learned, however, for fear that 
 the captain would send an officer with him, and 
 thus rob him of the laurels now almost within his 
 grasp. 
 
 As soon as it was dark, Frank picked out the 
 men he wished to accompany him, and started off. 
 His first care was to quietly surround the house. 
 After he had placed his men to his satisfaction, he 
 
108 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 removed liis sword, thinist a brace of revolvers 
 into his pocket, and walked up and knocked at 
 the door. It was opened by the youngest of the 
 girls, who started back and turned pale when she 
 saw the young officer ; but instantly recovering her 
 presence of mind, she exclaimed : 
 
 "Good evening, Mr. Nelson; walk in. Allow 
 me to introduce to you my cousin, Mr. Williams," 
 she continued, as they entered the parlor. 
 
 As she spoke, a tall, handsome young man rose 
 from his seat, and made a low bow. It was none 
 other than Lieutenant Miller; for there was the 
 scar on his cheek, which had been described to him 
 by the negro. 
 
 After returning the rebel's salutation, Frank 
 seated himself on the sofa, and said: 
 
 " I shall trouble you only a moment. I merely 
 came here on a little matter of business. I under- 
 stand that there is a rebel mail to be carried across 
 the river, from this house, to-night." 
 
 The suddenness with which this announcement 
 was made was astounding. Mrs. Phillips appeared 
 ready to faint; Annie turned very pale; and the 
 lieutenant raised his hand to his breast, as if about 
 to draw a weapon. 
 
A UNION FAMILY. 109 
 
 "What do jou mean, sir?" inquired Mr. Phil- 
 lips, with well-feigned surprise. 
 
 "I mean," answered Frank, "that, since we an- 
 chored opposite this house, we have been associa- 
 ting with the worst kind of rebels. Put down your 
 hand, Lieutenant Miller ! If I see you make that 
 move again, I shall be obliged to shoot you. You 
 have professed to be Union people," continued 
 Frank, settling himself back in his seat, and coolly 
 crossing his legs, ''and have been treated as such; 
 you have, however, attempted to betray us, by com- 
 municating such of our plans and movements as you 
 could learn to the rebels. But you have been 
 discovered at last. You, gentlemen, will please 
 consider yourselves my prisoners. Miss PhiDips, 
 have the kindness to produce that mail-bag, and 
 the signal-book you took from the captain. If vou 
 refuse, I shall be obliged to take you on board the 
 ship, as a prisoner." 
 
 The girl saw that there was no alternative, and 
 she pulled from under the sofa, where Frank sat, 
 the mail-bag, which appeared to be well filled with 
 letters, and dispatched a servant to her room after 
 the signal-book, which was to have been sent across 
 ^he river with the mail. 
 
110 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 After Frank had relieved the lieutenant of his 
 weapons, he called two of his men into the house, 
 and, after delivering the prisoners into their charge, 
 returned to the vessel. 
 
 That evening the captain examined the mail, and 
 found several letters which showed, heyond a doubt, 
 that their prisoners were connected with the rebel 
 army; and they were, accordingly, sent to the 
 Admiral, on the first steamer that went up the 
 river. 
 
 About two weeks afterward, the captain of the 
 Ticonderoga received orders to proceed with his 
 vessel to Helena, and take command of an expedi- 
 tion which was preparing to start down the Yazoo 
 Pass. They found the fleet, consisting of the Man- 
 hattan, six "tin-clads," and several transports, 
 loaded with troops, assembled in Moon Lake, which 
 was about six miles from the Mississippi River; 
 and, on the 23d day of February, they entered the 
 pass, the Ticonderoga leading the way. 
 
 The west shore of Moon Lake was bounded by 
 a swamp, through which ,ran the pass, which was 
 just wide enough to admit one good-sized vessel. 
 It was filled with trees, which stood so close to- 
 gether that it seemed impossible to work a passage 
 
A UNION FAMILY. Ill 
 
 through them; and the men on deck were con- 
 stantly in danger of being killed by falling limbs. 
 They advanced slowly, sometimes making not 
 more than four miles in a day ; and it was almost 
 two weeks before they reached Coldwater River. 
 
112 
 
 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 CHAPTER X 
 
 [jimhIj M$hd. 
 
 N the afternoon of the day of their 
 S^ arrival, the Ticonderoga tied up in 
 front of a large plantation-house. As 
 soon as the vessel was made fast to the 
 bank, the captain turned to the execu- 
 tive officer, and exclaimed: 
 
 "Mr. Smith, please call away one 
 company of small-armed men. Mr. Nelson," he 
 continued, turning to Frank, " I wish you to take 
 command of the company, and go ashore and 
 search that house for fire-arms, and bring on 
 board all you find." 
 
 "Very good, sir," answered Frank; and he 
 hurried down to his room to buckle on his sword 
 and revolver. 
 
 In a few minutes the company was formed on 
 deck, and Frank marched them out on the bank 
 
A SPUNKY REBEL. 113 
 
 and then up to the house. His first care was to 
 surround the building, so that, in case there were 
 any men in it, their escape would be entirely cut 
 off. He then, in company with the boatswain's 
 mate and two men, walked up and knocked at the 
 door. After some delay, the summons was an- 
 swered by a negro woman, who scowled upon 
 him, and waited for him to make known his wants. 
 
 "Is your master or mistress in?" inquired 
 Frank. 
 
 *'Yes, missus is h'ar," answered the woman, 
 gruffly. 
 
 "Well, I should like to see her." 
 
 "Den you stay h'ar, an' I'll ax her if she 
 wants to see you." 
 
 "No, aunty, that won't do. I must see her, 
 whether she wants to see me or not ;" and Frank 
 unceremoniously entered the house, followed by 
 his men. 
 
 "Now, where is your mistress, aunty?" he in- 
 quired. 
 
 " She 's up stairs," answered the woman. 
 
 "Well, then," said Frank, turning to the boat- 
 swain's mate, "you come with me, and let the 
 others remain here until we return." 
 8 
 
114 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 Frank then ascended the stairs, and very easily 
 found his way to the room where the lady was; 
 and, as he Entered, he politely removed his 
 cap. 
 
 "Well, sir," said the lady, in no very pleasant 
 tone, "what do you wish?" 
 
 "I have been ordered to come here and search 
 your house for fire-arms," replied Frank. 
 
 "I suppose I shall be obliged to submit to it, 
 for I have not the power to prevent you ; if I had, 
 I should certainly use it. But, P hope you will 
 be gentleman enough not to steal every thing wo 
 have in the house." 
 
 Frank's face reddened to the very roots of his 
 hair at this insult, and he replied, in a voice choked 
 with indignation: 
 
 "No, madam, we shall disturb nothing. I hope 
 you do not take us for thieves;" and he turned 
 and tried a door, (several of which opened off the 
 room in which the lady was sittiag), but it was 
 fastened on the other side 
 
 "That's a bed-room," exclaimed the lady, an- 
 grily. "I hope you are not going in there!" 
 
 "Certainly I am, madam. I am going into 
 every nook and corner of your house. My orders 
 
A SPUNKY REBEL. 115 
 
 were to search your building, and I intend to obey 
 them. Is there any one in here?" 
 
 "Yes, sir; my daughters are in there." 
 
 "Then, why don't they open this door?" and 
 Frank, who was getting out of patience, pounded 
 loudly upon the door with the butt of his revolver. 
 
 "Is that you, mother?" inquired a voice from 
 the room. 
 
 "No," answered Frank, "it isn't mother; buc 
 open this door." 
 
 " Yes, in a minute." 
 
 "Open this door immediately," repeated Frank, 
 who began to suspect that he had been purposely 
 delayed. 
 
 But the persons in the room made no reply; 
 when the boatswain's mate, at a sign from Frank, 
 raised his foot, and, with one kick of his heavy 
 boot, sent the door from its hinges. Loud screams 
 issued from the room, which, as Frank entered, 
 he found to be occupied by two young ladies, who, 
 judging from the overturned work-basket, and the 
 half-finished articles of apparel which were scat- 
 tered about over the floor, had' been engaged in 
 sewing. 
 
 "Don't be alarmed, ladies," said Frank, "you 
 
116 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 shall not be harmed. Jack,'' he continued, turn- 
 ing to the boatswain's mate, "just examhie that 
 bed." 
 
 *'0h, do n't," exclaimed one of the joung ladies, 
 "don't, for mercy's sake. Do go away from 
 here." 
 
 " Ellen," exclaimed her mother, who had fol- 
 lowed Frank into the room, " do n't make a child 
 of yourself. I am surprised at you." 
 
 "We shall leave every thing just as we find it," 
 said Frank, who was a good deal surprised at the 
 conduct of the girl. "All we want is the fire- 
 arms, if you have any in the house." 
 
 "Yes, we have got some here," said Ellen, 
 "and I will get them for you;" and she drew out 
 from the bed-clothes two beautifully-finished rifles, 
 a quantity of ammunition, a cavalry sword, and a 
 double-barreled shot-gun. " There," she exclaimed, 
 as she handed them to Frank; "there are no 
 more in this room. Now, do go away." 
 
 "Ellen," said her mother, who was evidently 
 very anxious about the girl's conduct, "will you 
 keep quiet?" 
 
 "Don't say any thing to him, Ellen," said her 
 sister, whose name was Mary; "don't ask any 
 
A SPUNKY REBEL. 117 
 
 favors of a Yankee. Let him stay here till dooms- 
 day if "— 
 
 She was interrupted by a loud scream from 
 Ellen; and the mate, who had been ''reconnoiter- 
 ing" under the bed, exclaimed: 
 
 "Here you are! Come out o' that, you son of 
 ^ r^ea-cook ;" and he seized something which strug- 
 ,orled and fought furiously, but all to no purpose, 
 for the mate soon pulled into sight a tall man, 
 di*essed in the uniform of a rebel officer. 
 
 Ellen screamed and cried louder than ever, and 
 even her mother could not refrain from sheddino- 
 tears; but Mary, although pale as death, retained 
 her haughty look, and was evidently too proud to 
 manifest any feeling in the presence of a Federal 
 officer. 
 
 "I knowed there was something of this kind 
 goin' on, sir," said Jack, turning to his officer, and 
 giving his pants a hitch; "I knowed, by the way 
 the young lady handed over them we'pons, that 
 there was something about that bed she did n't 
 want us to see." 
 
 " Yes, Ellen," said the rebel, " I have to thank 
 you for my capture. If it had n't been for your 
 crying and whimpering, I might have" — 
 
118 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 " Escaped," exclaimed Jack. " No, sir ; not so 
 easy. Do n't go to jawin' her, now, 'cause yer 
 ketched. Come, now," he continued, " let 's have 
 yer we'pons." 
 
 The rebel coolly handed out two silver-mounted 
 revolvers, which the mate thrust into his belt. 
 
 " Now, I hope you 're satisfied," said Mary, im- 
 patiently; "and are ready to go and leave us in 
 peace." 
 
 "Not quite," answered Frank. "I have not 
 yet obeyed my orders. As I said before, I must 
 see the inside of every room in your house. 'Jack, 
 send two men on board the ship with that prisoner." 
 
 "Ay, ay, sir," answered the mate, touching his 
 cap. " Come, you corn-fed, march." 
 
 The mother and sisters of the rebel crowded 
 around him, to say good-by; and, in spite of the 
 unladylike, and even insulting manner with which 
 they had treated him, Frank could not help pity . 
 ing them. 
 
 When the mate had seen the prisoner safe or 
 the boat, he went back, and Frank continued his 
 search. But no more weapons or prisoners being 
 found, he and his men returned on board, well sat- 
 isfied with their success. 
 
A SPUNKY REBEL. 119 
 
 After supper, as Frank was walking up and 
 down the deck, arm in arm with one of his brother 
 officers, the orderly approached, and, touching his 
 cap, informed him that the captain wished to see 
 him. 
 
 " Mr. Nelson," said the captain, as Frank en- 
 tered the cabin, *' come here." 
 
 Frank followed the captain to one of the after 
 windows, and the latter inquired: 
 
 "Do you see that?'' 
 
 Fraik looked in the direction indicated by the 
 captain, and was surprised to see a rebel flag float- 
 ing from one of the windows of the house. 
 
 " Yes, sir ; I see it," said Frank. 
 
 ** Well, sir, go over there, and tell those women 
 to have that flag taken in and sent on board this 
 ship. Don't touch it yourself: they put it out 
 there, and they must take it in. That 's a pretty 
 piece of impudence, indeed — a rebel flag floating 
 in the breeze in the face of a Federal vessel of 
 wai !" and the eccentric captain paced up and 
 doATn his cabin, in a state of considerable excite- 
 ment. 
 
 Frank started ofl", and in a few moments agam 
 stood before the mistress of the house. 
 
J 20 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 " You 're here again, sir, are you ? " she asked, 
 petulantly. 
 
 " Yes, ma'am," replied Frank, not the least an- 
 noyed by the tone in which he was addressed, or 
 the sharp glances which the ladies threw at him, 
 " I 'm here ; and I came to tell you that the captain 
 wishes you to have that rebel flag removed from 
 your window, and sent on board the ship." 
 
 " Is there any thing else your captain wants ? " 
 inquired Mary, with a sneer. 
 
 " No, ma'am, not at present ; but he wishes that 
 flag taken down immediately." 
 
 The ladies made no reply. After a moment's 
 pause, Frank inquired: 
 
 "Do you intend to comply with his orders?" 
 
 "I did not put the flag up there," said the 
 mother. 
 
 "It makes no difi*erence who put it up there, 
 madam," said Frank, warmly, " it must come down ; 
 and I would advise you not to hesitate long, for 
 the captain is not one who can be trifled with." 
 
 As Frank ceased speaking, Mary touched a sig- 
 nal-bell, which stood on the table near her. A 
 servant appeared almost instantly, and the young 
 lady said: 
 
A SPUNKY REBEL. 121 
 
 " Show this man out." 
 
 Frank, who saw that it woirid do no good to 
 lemain, put on his cap and followed the servant 
 down stairs. 
 
 "Well, what did they say?'' inquired the cap- 
 tain, when Frank again entered the cabin. 
 
 " They did n't say any thing, sir," replied Frank. 
 " They neither said they would, nor they would not, 
 take it down." 
 
 Frank was careful not to say a word about the 
 manner in which they had treated him, for he knew 
 it would only irritate the captain, and make mat- 
 ters worse. 
 
 " They did n't say whether they would take it 
 down or not, eh ! " exclaimed the captain. " Please 
 help yourself to a chair, Mr. Nelson, and, in a few 
 moments, I will give you your orders." 
 
 Frank accordingly took a seat, and the captain 
 stationed himself at the window, with his watch 
 in his hand. Frank knew by this that the captain 
 had granted the rebels a few moments' grace ; and 
 he also knew that, unless the flag came down soon, 
 and was sent on board the vessel, something un- 
 pleasant would happen. At length the allotted 
 time expired, and the captain said: 
 
122 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 " Mr. Nelson, take a dozen men, and go ashore 
 Give those women just ten minutes to remove their 
 furniture, and then fire the house. No building 
 shall float a secesh flag, and stand, while I have the 
 power to burn it." 
 
 This time the ladies made no remark when Frank 
 entered the room where thej were sitting, for they 
 knew by his looks that they were about to receive 
 the punishment their folly merited. 
 
 "Madam," said Frank, speaking in a tone which 
 showed how much he dreaded to break the intelli- 
 gence, " I am ordered to burn your house." 
 
 "Yes," answered the mother, bitterly; "I ex- 
 pected that to be your next errand. I suppose 
 your brutal captain will feel perfectly satisfied 
 when he sees us deprived of a home." 
 
 " I thought the Yankees were too gallant to 
 make war on women and children," chimed in Mary. 
 "That has always been their boast," continued she, 
 very spitefully. 
 
 " So they are," replied Frank. " But the cap- 
 tain is one who will not tolerate an exhibition of 
 treason in any one, be it man, woman, or child. 
 You have no one to blame but yourselves. But 
 we have no time to waste in argument. I will give 
 
A SPUNKY REBEL. 123 
 
 you ten minutes in which to remove your furniture, 
 and will assist you, if you wish it." 
 
 " We can take care of ourselves," said the 
 mother. "No one asked you for assistance." 
 
 Frank made no reply; and the ladies, assisted 
 by their servants, immediately commenced the re- 
 moval of the most valuable articles, and when the 
 time had expired, a straw-bed was pulled into the 
 middle of the floor, a match was applied to it, and 
 the house was soon enveloped in flames. 
 
 Frank could not help pitying the women, who 
 were thus obliged to stand by and witness the 
 destruction of their home. But he knew that they 
 had brought it on themselves, and that they de- 
 served it ; and, besides, he had only done his duty, 
 for he was acting under orders. 
 
 The women, however, did not seem to be in the 
 least concerned; for when the roof fell in with a 
 crash, Mary commenced the rebel air, "Bonnie 
 Blue Flag," and sang it through to the end. 
 Frank admired her "spunk," even though her 
 sympathies were enlisted in a bad cause. 
 
 He remained until the house was entirely con- 
 sumed, and then returned on board his vessel. 
 
124 
 
 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 ^N the afternoon of the following 
 day, while it was Frank's watch on 
 deck, as the Ticonderoga came suddenly 
 around an abrupt bend in the river, a 
 puif of smoke rose from behind an em- 
 bankment, about half a mile in advance, 
 while a shell whistled over the vessel, 
 and dropped into the water without exploding. 
 
 Frank immediately requested the pilot to blow 
 four whistles, which was a signal to the other boats 
 that they were attacked; and, after sending the 
 messenger-boy below to report to the captain, he 
 raised his glass to his eye, and found that they 
 were directly in front of a good-sized fort, built 
 of cotton bales and embankments, and mounting 
 at least five heavy guns. A flag-staff rose from 
 the center of the fort, and supported the ^' stars 
 
FRAXK A PRISONER. 125 
 
 and bars," which flaunted defiantly in the breeze. 
 This was Fort Pemberton, the onlj formida])le 
 fortification the rebels had between the Mississippi 
 and Yazoo Rivers. 
 
 The captain came on deck immediately, and or- 
 dered the vessel to be stopped; and, when the 
 other boats came up, they were ordered to take 
 their stations along the bank, on each side of the 
 river, out of range of the guns of the fort. When 
 the entire fleet had assembled, the Ticonderoga, 
 in company with the Manhattan, steamed down, 
 and opened fire on the fort, with a view to ascer- 
 tain its strength. The fort replied vigorously, and, 
 after an hour's firing, the vessels withdrew. 
 
 The next morning, at an early hour, the troops 
 were landed, but, for some reason, it was afternoon 
 before they were ready to march. At three 
 o'clock they were drawn up in line in the woods, 
 about two miles from the fort, where the men 
 stacked arms, and stretched themselves out in the 
 shade of the trees. 
 
 In the mean time the iron-clads had been pre- 
 paring for the fight. The magazines were opened 
 and lighted ; the casemates covered with a coat of 
 grease, to glance the shot which might strike them • 
 
. 26 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 the men were at their stations, and when all was 
 ready, they steamed down toward the fort, the 
 Ticonderoga leading the way. 
 
 Frank, by attention to his duties, had rapidly 
 learned the gun-drill, and had been promoted to 
 the command of one of the guns in the turret. 
 He thought he had become quite accustomed to 
 the noise of bullets, but he could not endure the 
 silence that then reigned in the ship. The men, 
 stripped to the waist, stood at their guns as 
 motionless as so many statues ; and, although Frank 
 tried hard to exhibit the same indifference that they 
 did, his mind was exceedingly busy, and it seemed 
 to hun that he thought of every thing he had 
 done during his life. Oh, how he longed to hear 
 the order passed to commence firing ! Any thing 
 was preferable to that awful stillness. 
 
 At length, the captain came into the turret, where 
 he always took his station in action, and glanced 
 hastily at the countenance of each of the ofiicera 
 and men. He seemed satisfied with his examina- 
 tion, for he immediately took his stand where he 
 could see all that was going on, and gave orders 
 to the pilot to head the vessel dii-ectly toward the 
 fort; and then every thing relapsed into that horii- 
 
FRANK A PRISONER. 127 
 
 ble silence again. But this did not continue long ; 
 for, the moment they came within range, the fort 
 opened on them, and a solid shot struck the case- 
 mate directly over Frank's gun, with a force tha;t 
 seemed to shake the entire vessel. Frank glanced 
 at the captain, and saw him standing with his elbow 
 on the starboard gun, and his head resting on his 
 hand, watching the fort as coolly as though they 
 had been engaged only in target practice. 
 
 The shells from the fort continued to fall around 
 them, but the captain neither changed his position 
 nor gave the order to fire. The port-holes in the 
 turret were all closed, with the exception of the 
 one at which the captain stood, and, of course, no 
 one could see what was going on. Frank began 
 to grow impatient. He did not like the idea of 
 being shot at in that manner without returning 
 the fire. At length the captain inquired : 
 
 " What have you in your gun, Mr. Nelson ? " 
 
 "A five-second shell, sir," answered Frank, 
 promptly. 
 
 "Very well. Run out your gun and give them 
 a shot." 
 
 The men sprang to their stations in an instant; 
 the ports flew open with a crash, and the hea'vy 
 
128 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 gun was run out as easily as though it had been a 
 twelve-pounder. The first captain seized the lock- 
 string; there was a deafening report, and an eleven- 
 inch shell went boominir into the fort. The force 
 of the discharge ran the gun back into the turret 
 again, and the ports closed as if by magic. They 
 did not close entirely, however, for there was a 
 space of about four inches left between them, to 
 allow for the action of the rammer in loading. 
 The gun was sponged, the cartridge driven home, 
 and the gunner's mate stood at the muzzle of the 
 gun, removing the cap from a shell, when a percus- 
 sion shell from the fort struck in the space between 
 the shutters and exploded. The discharge set fire 
 to the shell which the gunner's mate was holding 
 in his hand, and the unfortunate man was blown 
 almost to atoms. 
 
 In naval actions there is nothing which will 
 carry such terror and dismay among a ship's com- 
 pany as the bursting of one of their own shells ; 
 and the scene which followed the explosion in the 
 turret of the Ticonderoga beggars all description. 
 Old seamen, who had been in many a hard-fought 
 battle, and had stood at their guns under the most 
 deadly fire the enemy could pour upon them, with- 
 
FRANK A PRISONER. 129 
 
 out flinching, now deserted their stations, and ran 
 about through the blinding and suifocating smoke 
 that filled the turret, with blanched cheeks, tram- 
 pling each other under their feet, and utterly dis- 
 regarding the commands of their officers, who ran 
 among them with drawn swords, and endeavored 
 to force them back to their guns. It was some 
 time before quiet was restored, and then Frank 
 found, to his horror, that, out of twenty-five men 
 which had composed his gun's crew, only ten were 
 left. Four had been instantly killed, and eleven 
 badly wounded. The deck was slippery with blood, 
 and the turret was completely covered with it. 
 The shrieks and groans of the wounded and dying 
 were awful. Frank had never before witnessed 
 such a scene, and, for a moment, he was so sick he 
 could scarcely stand. But he had no time to waste 
 in giving away to his feelings. After seeing the 
 dead and wounded carried below, he returned to his 
 station, and, with what was left of his gun's crew, 
 fought bravely during the remainder of the action. 
 The fight continued until after dark, when the 
 captain, knowing that it would be impossible to 
 capture the fort without the assistance of the 
 troops, ordered a retreat. 
 9 
 
130 FRANK ON A GUX-BOAT. 
 
 That same night a consultation of the naval and 
 military commanders was held, and it was decided 
 to renew the attack on the followinf^ morninf'. A 
 battery of two thirty-pounder Parrotts was taken 
 off one of the " tin-clads " and mounted on the 
 bank, about half a mile back in the woods, and a 
 mile from the fort. Captain Wilson, who com- 
 manded one of the musquito boats, was ordered to 
 take command of it, and Frank, at his own request, 
 was permitted to accompany him as his aid. He 
 started early the next morning with fifty men, who 
 had been detailed from the gun-boats, and at sun- 
 rise was at his station. 
 
 The battery was masked, and the rebels knew 
 nothing of its existence. The captain's orders 
 were, not to fire until they heard the action opened 
 by the iron-clads. Twenty-eight men were re- 
 quired to man the guns, and the others, armed with 
 Spencer rifles, were to act as sharp-shooters. 
 Frank, to his surprise, soon learned that this was 
 all the support they were to have, the troops hav- 
 ing been ordered to take the same station they had 
 occupied the day before, and to hold themselves 
 in readiness to charge upon the fort, as soon as 
 the iron-clads had silenced the guns. 
 
FRANK A PRISONER. 131 
 
 About ten o'clock the fort commenced firing, and 
 Frank knew that the gun-boats were again under 
 way. At length a loud report, which he could 
 have recognized among a thousand, blended with 
 the others, and, in obedience to the order of the 
 captain, the men tore away the bushes which had 
 masked the battery, and the fight became general. 
 
 Frank directed liis fire upon a pile of cotton-bales, 
 which protected one of the largest guns of the fort; 
 but, as fast as he knocked them down, the rebels 
 would recklessly spring out of the fort and put 
 them up again. At length Captain Wilson ordered 
 the sharp-shooters to advance five hundred yards 
 nearer the fort. The rebels soon discovered this, 
 and the cotton-bales were allowed to remain where 
 they had fallen. 
 
 In half an hour that part of the fort was com- 
 pletely demohshed ; and the rebels, being without 
 protection against the sharp-shooters, were obliged 
 to abandon the gun. 
 
 "VATiile Frank was concrratulatinf]^ himself on the 
 fine shooting he had done, and wondering why the 
 troops were not ordered to charge, he was startled 
 by the rapid report of muskets behind him. Three 
 of his men fell dead where they had stood; and 
 
132 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 Frank turned just in time to see a party of rebels 
 issuing from the woods. They came on with loud 
 yells; and one of them, who appeared to be the 
 leader, called out : 
 
 " Surrender, now, you infernal Yankees. Shoot 
 down the first one who resists or attempts to es- 
 cape," he added, turning to his men. 
 
 " Stand to your guns, my lads ! " shouted Cap- 
 tain Wilson. " Do n't give ground an inch." 
 
 The sailors, always accustomed to obedience, 
 gathered around their officers, and poured a mur- 
 derous fire upon the advancing enemy, from their 
 revolvers. The rebels, who were greatly superior 
 in numbers, returned the fire, and the captain fell, 
 mortally wounded. But the sailors stubbornly 
 stood their ground, until the rebels closed up 
 about them, and Frank saw that escape was im- 
 possible. But he fought like a young tiger, and 
 determined that he would die before he would sur- 
 render ; for even death was preferable to a long 
 confinement in a Southern prison. 
 
 " Drop that pistol ! " exclaimed a rebel, point- 
 ing his rifle dii'ectly at Frank's head, "or I'll 
 blow your brains out.'* 
 
 "Blow away!" exclaimed Frank, seizing the 
 
FRANK A PRISONER. 133 
 
 rebel's rifle, with a quick movement, and firing his 
 revolver full in his face ; " I '11 never surrender 
 as long as I have strength left to stand on mj feet. 
 Give it to 'em, lads ! " 
 
 The next moment Frank was prostrated hj a 
 severe blow on the head from the butt of a mus- 
 ket, and the sailors, finding that both their oflficers 
 were gone, lost all heart, and threw down their 
 weapons. 
 
 The rebels had scarcely time to collect their 
 prisoners and retreat, when the troops, who had 
 heard the noise of the conflict, and started to the 
 rescue, arrived. But they were too late; for in 
 less than half an hour Frank and his men were 
 safe in the fort, and confined under guard. 
 
134 
 
 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 ■mvqit. 
 
 RANK, as may be supposed, waa 
 ^ not at all pleased with the pros- 
 pect before him. He had often heard 
 escaped prisoners relate sad stories of 
 the treatment they had received Tvhile 
 in the hands of the rebels; and, as he 
 knew that they cherished an especial 
 hatred toward gun-boatmen, he could not hope to 
 fare very welL 
 
 The place where he was confined was in the 
 lower part of the fort, directly in range of the 
 shells from the u'on-clads, and Frank expected to 
 be struck by them every moment, for the pieces 
 flew about him in all directions. Oh, how he 
 prayed that the fort might be taken! He could 
 see that one of their heaviest guns was dismounted, 
 
THE ESCAPE. 135 
 
 and a large detail of men was constantly occupied 
 in carrying off the dead and wounded. 
 
 The firing continued until four o'clock in the 
 afternoon, and then the gun-boats suddenly with- 
 drew. The rebels cheered loudly as they disap- 
 peared around a bend in the river, and Frank gave 
 up all hope : nothing now remained for him but a 
 long captivity. 
 
 That evening, as soon as it was dark, he, w^ith 
 the other prisoners, was marched on board the 
 General Quitman, a large steamer, lying just be- 
 low the fort, and carried to Haines' Bluff, and from 
 thence they went by rail to Yicksburg. Here 
 Frank was separated from his men, and confined, 
 for two days, with several army officers, in a small 
 room in the jail. Early on the third morning he 
 was again taken out, and sent across the river, into 
 Louisiana, with about three hundred others. Their 
 destmation, he soon learned, was Tyler, a small 
 town in Texas, where most of the Union prisoners 
 captured in Mississippi were confined. 
 
 They were guarded by a battalion of cavalry, 
 under command of the notorious Colonel Harrison, 
 who called themselves the "Louisiana Wild-cats." 
 Frank had never before seen this noted regiment, 
 
136 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 and he found that they were very appropriately 
 named; for a more ferocious looking set of men 
 he had never met. They all wore long hair and 
 whiskers; and their faces looked as though they 
 had never been acquainted with soap and water. 
 They were armed with rifles, Bowie-knives, and 
 revolvers, and seemed to take pleasure in boasting 
 of the number of women and children and unarmed 
 men they had slain. 
 
 They had not made more than a day's march, 
 when Frank found that his troubles were just com- 
 mencing. He was not accustomed to marching, 
 and his feet soon became so swollen that he could 
 scarcely stand on them. The heat was almost in- 
 tolerable; the roads were very dusty, and the 
 places where they were allowed to obtain water 
 were many miles apart. Besides, as if to add to 
 their sufferings, the rebels were continually steal- 
 ing from the prisoners, and, finally, some of them 
 were left with scarcely any clothing ; and if the 
 poor fellows ventured to remonstrate against such 
 treatment, they were shot or bayoneted on the spot. 
 
 On the fourth day of the march, Frank noticed 
 a soldier, just in advance of him, who was so weak 
 that he could scarcely keep his feet. He had been 
 
THE ESCAPE. 137 
 
 wounded in the arm, at the late battle before 
 Vicksburg, but not the least notice had been taken 
 of it by the rebels, and he was suffering the most 
 intense agony. Frank, although scarcely able to 
 sustain himself, owing to the swollen condition of 
 his feet, offered his assistance, -which the poor fel- 
 low Tvas glad enough to accept. But he continued 
 to grow weaker every moment, and, finally, in spite 
 of Frank's exertions, fell prostrate in the ro."\d. 
 
 " What 's the matter here ? '' inquired the colo- 
 nel, who happened to be riding by. 
 
 " This man is n't able to go any further," re- 
 plied Frank. 
 
 " Then he does n't need any of your help, you 
 young Abolitionist ; get back to your place ! Here, 
 Stiles," he continued, beckoning to one of his men, 
 and bending upon him a glance of peculiar mean- 
 ing, " you stay here until this man dies." 
 
 The colonel rode up to the head of the column 
 agaij, and Frank was obliged to move on with the 
 others. But he could not relieve his mind of a 
 feeling that something more dreadful than any 
 thing he had yet seen was about to take place. 
 He frequently turned and looked back, and saw 
 the man lying where he had fallen, and the rebel, 
 
138 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 who had dismounted from his horse, standing over 
 him, leaning on his rifle. At length a bend in the 
 road hid them from sight. In a few moments, 
 Frank heard the report of a gun, and pres- 
 ently the rebel rode up, with the coat, pants, and 
 boots which had once belonged to the soldier, 
 hanging on his arm. Such scenes as this were 
 enacted every day; but, for some unaccountable 
 reason, Frank was not molested, beyond having his 
 boots stolen one night while he was asleep. He 
 had made up his mind that he would escape at the 
 first opportunity; but he was in no condition to 
 travel, and, besides, the sight of several ferocious 
 blood-hounds, which accompanied the rebels, was 
 enough to deter him from making the attempt. 
 
 After a march of two weeks, during which he 
 suffered more than he had thought it possible for 
 him to endure, they arrived at Shreveport. Here 
 they encamped for the night, with the understand- 
 ing that they were to start for Tyler — which was 
 one hundred and ten miles further on — early the 
 next mofning. Frank concluded that he had 
 walked about far enough. " If I intend to escape," 
 he sohloquized, ^' I might as well start from here 
 as from Tyler. I '11 play off sick, and see if I 
 
THE ESCAPE. 139 
 
 can't get them to leave me here ; and then, as soon 
 as I become strong enough to travel, I '11 be missed 
 some fine day." 
 
 Accordingly, the next morning, -when the pris- 
 oners were ordered to "fall in," Frank did not 
 stir; and, "svhen the sergeant came to arouse him, 
 he appeared to be in the greatest agony. So well 
 did he play his part, that the doctor declared that 
 it was impossible for him to go on ; and he was ac- 
 cordingly left behind. As soon as the prisoners 
 had gone, he was carried to the hospital, which was 
 a large brick building, standing on the outskirts of 
 the town. The lower floor was used as a barrack 
 for the soldiers who guarded the building, and the 
 upper rooms as a hospital and guard-house. Frank 
 found about fifteen Federal soldiers, and as many 
 rebels, who were confined for various ofi*enses, prin- 
 cipally desertion. 
 
 Frank soon became acquainted with his fellow- 
 prisoners, and the stories they told of their treat- 
 ment made the cold sweat start out all over him ; 
 but when he spoke of escape, he was surprised to 
 find that there was not one among them who dared 
 to make the attempt. But this did not alter his 
 determination. He resolved that, rather than re- 
 
no FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 main in prison, he would go alone. He grew 
 stronger every day, and succeeded in securing a 
 pair of shoes, and a compass, for which he gave 
 the last shirt he had. His determination was to 
 take to the woods, until he had escaped pursuit, and 
 then strike for Red River. He knew that this 
 route would bring him out a good distance below 
 Vicksburg, but still it would be easier and safer 
 than traveling across the country; and he hoped 
 that the rebel stronghold would be taken by the 
 time he reached the Mississippi River. 
 
 Finally, one dark night — after he had well ma- 
 tured his plans — he concluded to make the trial. 
 So, waiting until every one in the room appeared to 
 be asleep — for he had been told that there were some 
 who must know nothing of his intention — he care- 
 fully raised one of the windows, and looked out. 
 He had made all his observations beforehand, and' 
 knew that the window was about twenty feet above 
 the ground. He had tried in vain to obtain a 
 rope strong enough to assist him in his descent; 
 and his only alternative was, to hang by his hands 
 and " di'op " to the ground, where, he hoped, aided 
 by the darkness, to escape the fire of the guards. 
 
 He was crawling noiselessly out of the window, 
 
THE ESCAPE. 141 
 
 when he was startled by the creaking of the stairs, 
 as if some one was descending them; and, at the 
 same time, hasty footsteps sounded under the win- 
 dow. Frank saw that he had been discovered, and, 
 hastily chmbing back into the room, he closed the 
 window and threw himself on the floor, and ap- 
 peared to be fast asleep. 
 
 " Very well done ! " exclaimed an officer, who 
 suddenly appeared at the top of the stairs. " Very 
 well done, indeed. Now, you young Yankee, I 
 do n't want to see you try that move again. If you 
 do, I shall be obliged to shoot you. Do you under- 
 stand?" 
 
 Frank replied in the affirmative ; and the officer, 
 after satisfying himself that the prisoners were all 
 in the room, went below again, leaving a guard at 
 the head of the stairs, who kept a close watch upon 
 Frank until morning. 
 
 He was a good deal annoyed and perplexed at 
 the unsuccessful termination of his adventure ; but 
 he could not make up his mind what it was that had 
 led to his discovery. Still, he was not discouraged ; 
 but, in spite of the officer's warning, determined to 
 renew his attempt at escape, as soon as an oppor- 
 tunity was offered. 
 
142 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 The next day, while he was eating his scanty din- 
 ner, the lieutenant in charge of the prisoners came 
 in, and, as was his custom, began to argue with 
 them as to the probable termination of the "var. 
 Frank had always hoped that he would let him 
 alone, for the lieutenant invariably became enraged 
 if the prisoners endeavored to uphold their Govern- 
 ment. 
 
 "Well, young man," he exclaimed, w^alking up 
 to Frank, "how do you get along?" 
 
 "As well as can be expected, I suppose," an- 
 swered Frank. 
 
 "How do you relish being a prisoner? Are 
 you not sorry that you ever took up arms against 
 us?" 
 
 " No, I am not," answered Frank, indignantly. 
 "You'll have to fight me again, as soon as I get 
 out of tliis scrape." 
 
 " What made you come down here to fight us ? " 
 
 " Because I thought you needed a good drub- 
 bing." 
 
 " Well, we have n't had it yet ; " said the lieu- 
 tenant, stroking his moustache. " Why did n't you 
 take Fort Pemberton ? You got the worst of it 
 there We sunk the Ticonderoga.'' 
 
THE ESCAPE. 143 
 
 " Oh, yes," answered Frank, with a sneer, " no 
 doubt of it. But, on the whole, I think you had 
 better tell that to the marines." 
 
 " You do n't believe it, then ! "Well, how do you 
 think this war is going to end ?'" 
 
 " Now, see here," said Frank, "I wish you would 
 travel on, and let me alone. I am a prisoner, and 
 in your power; and I do n't want to be abused for 
 speaking my mind ; for, if I answer your ques- 
 tions at all, I shall say just what I think." 
 
 " That is what I hke," said the lieutenant. 
 "You need not be afraid to speak your mind 
 freely. Now, tell me, how do you think this 
 strufijde will end?" 
 
 "There is only one way for it to end, and that 
 is in your subjugation." 
 
 "But what is your object in fighting us?" 
 
 " To preserve the Union ! " 
 
 " You 're a liar ! " shouted the lieutenant. 
 "You're fighting to free the niggers." 
 
 "\Yell, have it your own way," answered Frank. 
 **But, if I'm a liar, you're a gentleman, so take it 
 and go on. You need not ask me any more ques- 
 tions, for I shan't answer them." 
 
 The lieutenant muttered something about hang- 
 
144 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 ing every Yankee he could catch if he could have 
 his own way, and moved away; and Frank was 
 left to finish his dinner in peace. 
 
 That afternoon, a soldier, whose name was Cabot, 
 came and sat down beside Frank, and inquired : 
 
 "Didn't you try to escape last night?" 
 
 "Yes, but I was discovered." 
 
 "You would not have been, if one of our own 
 men hadn't split on you." 
 
 "What!" exclaimed Frank, "you don't pretend 
 to say that a Federal soldier was mean enough to 
 inform against me?" 
 
 "Yes, I do ; and there he stands now." And, as 
 Cabot spoke, he pointed to a tall, hard-featured 
 man standing by the window, looking out into the 
 street. "I slept at the head of the stairs last 
 night, and distinctly heard him tell the guards that 
 you were intending to leave. His name is Bishop, 
 and he belongs to the Thirtieth Maine Regiment. 
 He has for some time past been trying to be al- 
 lowed to take the oath of allegiance to the South."* 
 
 " What will he do then ? " inquired Frank ; " go 
 into the rebel army?" 
 
 * A fact 
 
THE ESCAPE. 145 
 
 "No, but he could be employed here in the ar- 
 senal, making bullets to kill our own men with." 
 
 " The scoundrel ! " exclaimed Frank, indignantly; 
 "I didn't suppose there was a man from my own 
 State who could be guilty of such meanness." 
 
 "He is mean enough for any thing. Haven't 
 you noticed that every night he comes around 
 through our quarters with a candle?" 
 
 "Yes; but I don't know what he does it 
 for." 
 
 "Well, he counts us every night before he goes 
 to sleep, and, in fact, comes through our room two 
 or three times in the night, to see that none of us 
 have escaped. He hopes in that manner to gain 
 favor with the rebels. I have told you this, in or- 
 der that you may look out for him the next time 
 you try to escape." 
 
 Frank was astounded at this intelligence, and, at 
 first, he did not beheve it. But that evening, 
 about nine o'clock. Bishop came in, as usual, with 
 his candle, and Frank inquired: 
 
 "What made you tell the guard that I was going 
 to escape last night?" 
 
 The question was asked so suddenly — and in a 
 manner which showed Bishop that Frank was well 
 10 
 
146 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 acquainted with his treachery — that he dared not 
 deny the charge, and he answered : 
 
 "Because, when any of our boys escape, the 
 guards are awful hard on those of us that are left." 
 
 "That's no excuse at all," answered Frank. 
 "If you were a man, you would have endeavored 
 to escape long ago, instead of staying here and 
 trying to make friends with the enemies of your 
 country. You're a black-hearted scoundrel and 
 traitor! and I tell you, once for all, that if you 
 ever come into my quarters again after dark, 
 you'll never go out alive. "We all know about 
 your operations here." 
 
 Bishop made no reply, but turned to walk on, 
 when Frank rose to his feet, and exclaimed: 
 
 "Hold on, here! you are not going through 
 this room with that candle. Go back instantly 
 where you belong, and don't show your face in 
 here again." 
 
 Bishop saw that Frank was in earnest, and, with- 
 out saying a word, he turned and walked into his 
 quarters. 
 
 Frank had a twofold object in talking to him 
 as he did. He wanted to let him know that his 
 fellow-prisoners all knew what he had done, and 
 
THE ESCAPE. 147 
 
 he wished, also, to deter him from coming into 
 that room again, as he had dei^rmined to make 
 another attempt at escape that very night. The 
 traitor had no sooner disappeared than Frank de- 
 scended the stairs that led down into the hall, 
 at the foot of which there were two guards 
 posted. 
 
 "Hallo, Yank!" said one of them, as Frank 
 came down, "I reckon as how you had better 
 travel right back up sta'rs agin, 'cause it's agin 
 orders to 'low you fellers to come down here a'ter 
 dark." 
 
 *'I know it is," answered Frank; "but it is so 
 awful hot up stairs that I can't stand it. You '11 
 let me stay down here long enough to cool off a 
 little, won't you?" 
 
 "Wal," answered the guard, who really seemed 
 to be a kind-hearted fellow, " I reckon as how you 
 mought stay here a minit ; but you must n't stay 
 no longer." 
 
 "All right," answered Frank; and he seated 
 himself on the lower step, and talked with the 
 guards until he was informed that it was high time 
 he was "travehn' back up sta'rs." 
 
 " Very well," answered Frank, rising to his feet, 
 
148 FRANK OX A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 and stretching himself, " I '11 go, if you want me 
 to." 
 
 And he did go. AVith one bound he dashed by 
 the astonished guards, and, before they could fire 
 a shot, he had disappeared in the darkness. 
 
 His escape had been accomplished much easier 
 than he had anticipated. He had expected at 
 least a shot from the guards, and, perhaps, a 
 struggle with them ; for, when he left his quarters, 
 he had determined to escape, or die in the attempt. 
 In a few moments he reached the bushes th.it 
 lined the road on both sides, and threw himself 
 flat among them, and determined to wait until his 
 pursuers had passed on, so that he would be on 
 their trail, instead of having them on his. It was 
 well that he had adopted this precaution, for he 
 had scarcely concealed himself before the roll of a 
 drum announced that the guards were being 
 aroused, and that the pursuit was about to com- 
 mence; and presently a squad of cavalry dashed 
 rapidly by, and a crashing in the bushes told him 
 that a party of men were searching the woods for 
 him. As soon as his pursuers were out of hear- 
 ing, Frank rose to his feet, and ran along the road, 
 close to the bushes, so that, if he heard any one 
 
THE ESCAPE. 149 
 
 approaching, he would have a place of concealment 
 close at hand. He had made, perhaps, half a mile 
 in this way, when he discovered a man pacing up 
 and down the road, with a musket on his shoulder. 
 He was evidently a picket; and Frank, knowing 
 that his comrades were not far off, drew back into 
 the bushes, out of sight. Which way should he 
 go now? This was a question which he could not 
 answer satisfactorily. There was, doubtless, another 
 picket-post not far off^ and if, in going through 
 the woods, he should stumble upon it, he would be 
 shot down before he had a chance for flight. 
 Should he attempt to pass the sentinel by strategy? 
 This seemed to be the most feasible plan, for he 
 would have a much better chance to escape in 
 running by one man, than risking the shots of half 
 a dozen. Besides, he had no weapon whatever, 
 and he resolved to secure the picket's .gun, if pos- 
 sible; so, waiting until his back was turned, he 
 came out of his place of concealment, and ap- 
 proached him. 
 
 "AVho comes there?" shouted the picket. 
 
 "A friend," answered Frank. 
 
 "Advance, friend, and give the countersign." 
 
 "Never mind the countersign," answered Frink; 
 
150 FRANK ON A GtN-BOAT. 
 
 " I have n't got it. Have you seen any tiling of an 
 escaped Yankee prisoner out here?" 
 
 "No," answered the rebel, lowering his gun, 
 which he had held at a charge bayonet. "He 
 did n't come around here. But a company of 
 cavalry went by just now, and my relief went with 
 them." 
 
 " And left you here alone ? " said Frank, who 
 had continued to approach the picket, until he was 
 now within arm's length of him. 
 
 " Yes," answered the rebel ; " and I think it is 
 a pretty way to do business, for it is time I was " — 
 
 He never finished the sentence ; for Frank 
 sprang upon him like a tiger, and seizing his throat, 
 with a powerful gripe, threw him to the ground; 
 and, hastily catching up the musket which had 
 fallen from his enemy's hand, dealt him a severe 
 blow on the. head. The muscles of the rebel in- 
 stantly relaxed; and Frank — after unbuckling his 
 cartridge-box, and fastening it to his own waist — 
 shouldered his musket, and ran boldly along the 
 road. He traveled until almost daylight, without 
 seeing any one, and then turned off into the woods. 
 
 About noon, he came to a road, and, as he was 
 crossing it, a bullet whistled past him, and, the 
 
THE ESCAPE. 151 
 
 next moment, a party of rebels, whom lie had not 
 noticed, dashed down the road in pursuit. Frank 
 returned the shot, and then started for the woods, 
 loading liis musket as he went. He soon had the 
 satisfaction of seeing that he was gaining on his 
 pursuers, and, although the bullets whizzed by his 
 head in unpleasant proximity, he escaped unhurt. 
 The rebels, however, were not so fortunate ; for 
 Frank fired as fast as he could load his gun, and 
 at every shot a rebel measured his length on the 
 ground. 
 
 For almost two hours his pursuers remained 
 ■within gun-shot ; but finding it impossible to cap- 
 ture him, or, perhaps, struck with terror at his skill 
 as a marksman, they abandoned the pursuit. This 
 was a lucky circumstance for Frank, for, to his 
 astonishment and terror, he discovered that his last 
 cartridge had been expended. But still, he was 
 rejoicing over his escape, when a man rose out of 
 the bushes, close at his side, and seized him by the 
 collar. 
 
152 
 
 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 'J^ Mdi^&I mQx^. 
 
 "iJh^^AL, now, I'll be dog-gone, but you 
 j'l Yjj^ are lively on your legs, for a little 
 ^Vi^l»7fe one," exclaimed the rebel, with a 
 X^^hkaC^ laugh. " But you 're a safe Yank 
 now." 
 
 "Not yet, I ain't," answered 
 Frank. " I want you to understand 
 that it 's my principle never to surrender without a 
 fight ;" and, suddenly exerting all his strength, he 
 tore himself away from his captor, leaving part of 
 his collar in his grasp. 
 
 The rebel was taken completely by surprise, for 
 he had supposed that Frank would surrender with- 
 out a struggle ; but the latter brought his musket 
 to a charge bayonet, in a way that showed he was 
 in earnest. The rebel was the better armed, car- 
 rying a neat sporting rifle, to which was attached 
 
THE FAITHFUL NEGRO. 153 
 
 a long, sharp saber-bajonet. Frank noticed this 
 difference, but resolutely stood his ground, and, as 
 he was very expert in the bayonet exercise, and 
 as his enemy appeared to be but very little his 
 superior in strength and agility, he had no fear as 
 to the result of the conflict. 
 
 At length the rebel, after eyeing his youthful an 
 tagonist for a moment, commenced maneuvering 
 slowly, intending, if possible, to draw him out. 
 But Frank stood entirely on the defensive; fail- 
 ing in this mode of attack, the rebel began to grow 
 excited, and became quicker in his movements. 
 But his efforts were useless, for Frank — although 
 a little pale, which showed that he knew the struggle 
 must end in the death of one or the other of them — 
 did not retreat an inch, but coolly parried every 
 thrust made by his infuriated enemy, with the skill 
 of a veteran. The rebel was again obliged to 
 change his plan of attack, and commenced by 
 rushing furiously upon Frank, endeavoring to 
 feeat down his guard by mere strength. But this 
 proved his ruin; for Frank met him promptly at 
 all points, and, watching the moment when the rebel 
 carelessly opened his guard, he sprang forward and 
 buried his bayonet to the hilt in his breast. The 
 
154 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 thrust -was mortal, and the rebel threw his arms 
 above his head, and' sank to the ground without a 
 groan. 
 
 " I believe he 's done for," said Frank to him- 
 self; and he stepped up to take a nearer look at his 
 enemy. There he lay, his pale face upturned, and 
 the blood running from an ugly wound in the region 
 of his heart. " I do believe he is dead," repeated 
 Frank, with a shudder, as he gazed sorrowfully at 
 the work he had done. "But there was no al- 
 ternative between his death and a long confinement 
 in prison. It was done in self-defense ; " and he 
 turned to walk away. 
 
 Just then the thought struck him that he would 
 take the rebel's gun ; his own was worse than use- 
 less, for his cartridges had all been expended. So, 
 throwing down his heavy musket,, he picked up the 
 rifle his enemy had carried, and, slinging the 
 powder-horn and bullet-pouch over his shoulder, 
 he started off through the woods. 
 
 But where should he go ? His escape, and the 
 manner in which it was accomplished, had doubt- 
 less aroused the entire country. The woods around 
 him were filled with rebels, and the question was, 
 in which direction should he turn to avoid them? 
 
THE FAITHFUL NEGRO. 155 
 
 After some hesitation, he determined to go as di- 
 rectly through the woods, toward the river, as 
 possible, and, if discovered, trust to his woodcraft 
 and swiftness of foot to save him. With this de- 
 termination, he shouldered his rifle and walked 
 rapidly on, taking care, however, to keep a good 
 look-out on all sides, and to make as little noise 
 as possible. All sounds of the pursuit had died 
 away, and the woods were as silent as midnight. 
 But even this was a source of fear to Frank; for 
 he knew not what tree or thicket concealed an en- 
 emy, nor how soon the stillness would be broken 
 by the .crack of a rifle and the whistle of a hostile 
 bullet. 
 
 At length the sun went down, and it began to 
 grow dark ; but still Frank walked on, wishing to 
 get as far away from the scene of the fight as pos- 
 sible. Presently he heard a sound that startled 
 him : it was the clatter of horses' hoofs, on a hard, 
 well-beaten road. Nearer and nearer came the 
 sound, and, in a few moments, a company of cav- 
 alry passed by, and Frank could distinctly hear 
 them lauffhin^ and talkino; with each other. 
 
 When they were out of hearing, he paused to 
 deliberate. It was evident that he could not travel 
 
156 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 thi'ough those deep woods at niglit ; should he Tvait 
 until it became dark, and then boldly follow the 
 road, or should he remain where he was until morn- 
 ing? There was one great objection to the first 
 proposition, and that was his uniform, and the 
 danger he would run of being captured by the 
 night patrol, which he knew were stationed at in- 
 tervals along the road. It did not seem possible 
 for him to remain where he was ; for now, that he 
 had partly got over his excitement, he began to 
 feel the cravings of hunger ; in fact, it almost ren- 
 dered him desperate, and he began to wish that he 
 had surrendered without a struggle, or that Jie had 
 not attempted to escape at all, for, if he were a 
 prisoner, he could probably obtain sufficient food to 
 keep him from starving. But he knew that his 
 time was too precious to be wasted with such fool- 
 ish thoughts ; besides, when he thought of home 
 and his mother, who had evidently heard of his 
 capture, all ideas of surrendering himself vanished, 
 and he felt that he could endure any thing, even 
 starvation, if he only had the assurance that he 
 would see home once more. But he knew that 
 wishing would not bring him out of his present 
 difficulty: he must work for his liberty; do every 
 
THE FAITHFUL NEGRO. 157 
 
 thing in his power, and leave the rest to Provi- 
 dence. 
 
 lie started out again, and determined that his 
 first step should be to reconnoiter the road. No 
 one was in sight; but, about a quarter of a mile 
 down the road, on the other side, was a large plant- 
 ation-house, with its neat negro quarters cluster- 
 ing around it, and looking altogether like a little 
 village. He knew that some of the cabins were 
 inhabited, for he saw the smoke wreathing out of 
 the chimneys ; could he not go to one of them, and 
 obtain food ? He had often heard of escaped pris- 
 oners being fed and sheltered by the negroes ; why 
 could not he throw himself under their protection? 
 He must have something to satisfy his hunger; 
 and if he could but gain the woods on the oppo- 
 site side of the road, it would requii-e but a few 
 moments to reach the house. He determined to 
 try it. Glancing hastily up and down the road, 
 he clutched his rifle desperately, and started. A 
 few rapid steps carried him across the road; he 
 chared the fence at a bound, and was out of sisht, 
 in the bushes, in a moment. He immediately 
 started for the nearest cabin, and, in a few mo- 
 ments, came to a stand-still in a thicket of bushes 
 
158 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 just beliind it. There was some one in the cabin, 
 for he could see a light shining through the cracks 
 between the logs ; and he distinctly heard the mu- 
 sic of a violin, and a voice singing : 
 
 "The sun shines bright in my ole Kentucky home" — 
 
 But still he hesitated to advance ; his courage had 
 failed him. What, if the negro — for he was cer- 
 tain it was a negro in the cabin — should betray 
 him ? What if — BBs reverie was suddenly inter- 
 rupted by the approach of a horseman on the road. 
 Presently a rebel officer rode leisurely by. ^Hien 
 he arrived opposite the house, a man, who was sit- 
 ting' on the portico, and whom Frank had not 
 noticed, hailed the horseman, who di^ew in his rein, 
 and stopped. 
 
 ^' Have you caught them all yet ? " inquired the 
 man on the portico. 
 
 "No," answered the officer; "not yet. One 
 of them gave us the slip ; a little fellow ; belongs 
 to the gun-boats. He 's around here somewhere ; 
 but we '11 have him to-morrow, for he can't escape. 
 If he comes around here, and you think there is 
 any chance to take him alive, just send down to 
 the Forks for us. If not, you had better shoot 
 
THE FAITHFUL NEGRO. 159 
 
 him. I would n't advise you to meddle with him 
 much, however, for he 's a dead shot, and fights 
 like a cuss." 
 
 " Did he kill any of the boys ? " asked the man 
 on the portico. 
 
 "Yes; he killed Bill Kichards, who was on 
 guard at the time he escaped, and stole his musket 
 and cartridge-box. I suppose you heard of that. 
 And then, when we got after him, he ran through 
 the woods like a deer, loading his gun as he went, 
 and every time he turned around, somebody had 
 to drop. Finally, old Squire Davis's son overtook 
 him, and they had a regular hand-to-hand fight; 
 but the little one, as usual, came out at the top of 
 the heap." 
 
 " Did he kill young Davis ? " 
 
 " Yes, as dead as a smelt ; stuck a bayonet clean 
 through his heart. But I must be going. Keep 
 an eye out for him ! " 
 
 "All right," answered the man on the portico; 
 and the horseman rode ofi". 
 
 What Frank's feelings were, as he lay there in 
 the bushes, and listened to this conversation — every 
 word of which he overheard — we will not attempt 
 to say. But it showed him that his enemies feared 
 
160 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 hinij and dreaded to meet him single-handed ; and 
 that, if he were retaken, his hfe would not be worth 
 a moment's purchase. He had all along been per- 
 fectly aware that his case was desperate, and that 
 he had undertaken something at which many a per- 
 son, with twice his years and experience, would 
 have hesitated. His condition seemed utterly 
 hopeless. He had never before realized his danger, 
 or what would be his fate if he were captured ; hut 
 now all the difficulties before him seemed to stand 
 out in bold relief. Yet this knowledge did not act 
 upon him as with some persons ; it only nerved him 
 for yet greater exertions, and with a determination 
 to brave every danger before him. 
 
 When the horseman had disappeard, and the 
 man on the portico had returned to his seat, Frank 
 asrain turned his attention to the cabin. After 
 putting a new cap on his rifle, he threw it into the 
 hollow of his arm, and crawled noiselessly out of 
 his place of concealment. "When he reached the 
 cabin, he raised to his feet, boldly ascended the 
 steps, and knocked at the door, intending, if his 
 demand for food was not instantly complied with, 
 to take it by force. 
 
 "Who dar?" inquired a voice from the inside. 
 
TUE FAITHFUL NEGRO. 161 
 
 Frank made no reply, but was about to repeat 
 the summons, when the door was thrown open, and 
 an old, gray-headed negrp woman appeared before 
 him. Frank was about to make known his wants, 
 when the woman, who had thrown the door wide 
 open, to allow the light to fall upon him, ex- 
 claimed : 
 
 " Why, de Lor' A'mighty bress us ! Come in, 
 chile. What is you standin' out dar for? Come 
 in, I tor you." And Frank was seized by the arm 
 and pulled into the cabin, and the door was closed 
 carefully behind him. 
 
 "Stop dat 'ar fiddlin', ole man," continued the 
 woman, addressing herself- to an aged negro, who 
 was seated in an easy chair in the chimney corner; 
 "stop dat 'ar fiddhn', an' git up an' give young 
 massa dat cheer." 
 
 "I don't wish to give you any trouble," said 
 Frank. "I 'm not the least bit tired; but I would 
 like something to eat." 
 
 "No trouble 't all, chile," said the old woman. 
 "Now, don't you go talkin' 'bout trouble. I 
 knows who you is. Set down dar." And the 
 old woman pointed to the chair which the man 
 had vacated. "I'll give you somethin' to eat, 
 11 
 
162 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 right away. Pomp, ole man, git up an' cut some 
 o' rlat ham;" and the woman bustled about in a 
 state of considerable excitement. 
 
 Frank hid his rifle behind a coat which hung in 
 one corner of the cabin, and was about to take 
 possession of the chair, when hasty steps were 
 heard on the walk leading to the cabin. 
 
 "Gorry mighty!" exclaimed the old negro, in 
 alarm, "dar come de oberseer. Git under the 
 bed — quick, young massa. You'll be safe dar — 
 quick." 
 
 Frank had hardly time to act upon this sugges- 
 tion, when the door suddenly opened, and a shaggy 
 head appeared. 
 
 "Haven't you had your supper yet, Pomp, 
 you black rascal?" inquired the overseer, wit- 
 nessing the preparations for cooking that were 
 going on. 
 
 "I's only been home a few minutes, massa,' 
 answered Pomp. 
 
 " Well, hurry up, then. I came here," continued 
 the overseer, "to tell you that there is a Yankee 
 prowling around here somewhere; if he comes 
 here, I want you to send for me. Do you under- 
 stand?" 
 
THE FAITUFUL NEGRO. 163 
 
 "Yes, massa," answered Pomp. 
 
 " Do n't you feed him, or do any thing else for 
 him," continued the overseer. "If you do, I'll 
 whip you to death. Now, mind what I tell you." 
 And the overseer closed the door, and departed, 
 to carry the same information and warning to the 
 other cabins. 
 
 As soon as the sound of his footsteps had died 
 away, Pomp whispered : 
 
 "All right now, young massa. You can come 
 out now — no danger. ♦ The oberseer won't come 
 to dis house g'in dis night." 
 
 Frank, accordingly, crawled out from under the 
 bed, and seated himself in the easy chair, while 
 the old woman went on with her cooking. In a few 
 minutes, which seemed an age to Frank, however, 
 the meal, which consisted of coffee, made of 
 parched corn, ham, honey, and corn-bread, was 
 ready. Frank thought he had never eaten so 
 good a meal before. He forgot the danger of his 
 situation, and listened to the conversation of the 
 old negro and his wife, as though there was not a 
 rebel within a hundred miles of him. 
 
 "There," he exclaimed, after he had finished 
 the last piece of corn-bread, and pushed his chair 
 
164 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 back from the table, "I believe I've eaten supper 
 enough to satisfy any two men living." 
 
 "Has yer had enough, chile?" asked the old 
 woman. "I's glad to see yer eat. I wants to 
 do all I can for you Yankee sogers." 
 
 " Oh, I 've had a great plenty, aunty," answered 
 Frank, as he rose from the table. "Now, I must 
 bid you good-by," he continued, as he pulled his 
 rifle out from its hiding-place. "I shall never be 
 able to repay you; but" — 
 
 "Lor' A'mighty, chile!*' interrupted the old 
 woman, "whar's you gwine? You mustn't say 
 one word 'bout gwine out o' dis house dis night. 
 I's got a bed ail fixed for you, an' Pomp will 
 wake you up early in de mornin', an' show you de 
 way fru de swamp." 
 
 "Put away dat gun, young massa," chimed in 
 Pomp ; " dere 's no danger." 
 
 Frank could not resist this appeal, for the bed, 
 which the old woman had made for him in one 
 corner of the cabin, rough as it was, was a pleas- 
 ant sight to his eyes. So, after hiding his rifle 
 under one of the quilts, where he could get hia 
 hand upon it at a moment's warning, he threw 
 himself upon the bed without removing his clothes, 
 
THE FAITHFUL NEGRO. 165 
 
 and was fast asleep in a moment. It seemed to 
 him that he had hardly closed his eyes, when a 
 hand Avas laid on his shoulder, and Pomp's voice 
 whispered in his ear: 
 
 "Wake up, young massa; 'most daylight." 
 "You sleep mighty sound, chile," said the old 
 woman, as Frank rose from the bed. "I's sorry 
 to be 'bliged to 'sturb you, but you must be gwine 
 now. Here's a httle bite for you to eat." As 
 she spoke, she handed Frank a haversack, such as 
 he had often seen used by the soldiers of the rebel 
 army, filled with corn-bread and cold ham. Frank 
 elung it over his shoulder, and, after pulling his 
 rifle out from under the bed, said : 
 
 "Aunty, I thank you for your kindness to" — 
 "Lor' A'mighty, chile!" interrupted the woman, 
 " do n't say one word 'bout dat, I tol' you. I 's 
 sorry we can't do more for you ; but you must go 
 away now. May de good Lor' bress you." 
 
 The tears rolled down the old woman's cheeks 
 as she said this, and Frank silently shook her 
 hand, and followed Pomp out into the darkness. 
 
166 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 tr^j ^^r n HE moon had gone down, the stars 
 4riS:i -^ r^/^ ,xj were hidden by thick, heavy clouda, 
 ^^1^|©2^ and it was so dark that it was im- 
 
 r'S'^^n P*^ss^^^^® ^0 distinguish the nearest ob- 
 f\-;:^^r jects. Every thing was as silent as 
 J^ x ';i death ; but this did not affect the vioji- 
 lance of Pomp, who led the way with 
 noiseless steps, pausing, now and then, to listen. 
 They met with no difficulty, however, and, in a few 
 moments, the plantation was left behind, and they 
 entered the swamp. It was a chilly, gloomy place, 
 and the darkness was impenetrable ; but Frank re- 
 lied implicitly on his guide, who seemed to under- 
 stand what he was about, "and kept as close behind 
 him as possible. 
 
 For an hour they traveled without speaking; 
 
CHASED BY BLOOD-HOUNDS. 1G7 
 
 at length Pomp stopped on the bank of a narrow 
 but deep stream. 
 
 " Can you swim, young massa ? " he inquired, 
 turning to Frank. 
 
 "Yes, like a duck," was the reply. 
 
 "I's mighty glad to h'ar it," said Pomp; 
 " 'cause den you 're safe. But I 's been mighty 
 oneasy 'bout it, 'cause, if you can't swim, you 're 
 kotched, shore. Now," he continued, " I must leave 
 you here, 'cause I do n't want to let any one know 
 dat I 's been away from de plantation. You must 
 cross dis creek, and foller dat road," pointing to a 
 narrow, well-beaten bridle-path on the opposite 
 bank, "an' dat will lead you straight to de Red 
 Ribber. You must keep a good w^atch, now, 'cause 
 you '11 h'ar something 'fore long dat '11 make you 
 wish you had nebber been born. I's heered it 
 often, an' I knows what it is. Good-by; an' de 
 Lor' bress an' protect you;" and, before Frank 
 could speak. Pomp had disappeared. 
 
 Alone ! The young hero had never before com- 
 prehended the full meaning of that single word, as 
 he did now. Alone, in an almost unbroken forest, 
 which was filled with enemies, who were thirsting 
 for his blood; with no one to whom he could go 
 
168 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 for advice or assistance. Is it to be wondered that 
 he felt lonely and discouraged ? 
 
 He looked back to the scenes through "which he 
 had passed: the fight; his capture; the long, weary 
 march, under a burning sun; his treatment in the 
 prison, the escape, and the pursuit; the hand-to- 
 hand struggle in the woods ; all came up vividly 
 before him, and he wondered how he had escaped 
 unhurt ; and, then, what had the future in store for 
 him ? The warning of the faithful Pomp was still 
 ringing in his ears, and a dread of impending e^aI, 
 which he could not shake off, continually pressed 
 upon him. For the first time since his escape, 
 Frank was completely unnerved. Seating himself 
 on the ground, he covered his face with his hands, 
 and cried like a child. 
 
 But this burst of weakness did not continue long, 
 for he did not forget that he was still in danger. 
 Hastily dashing the tears from his eyes, he rose 
 to his feet, and prepared to cross the stream. 
 Holdinor his rifle and ammunition above his head 
 
 o 
 
 with one hand, he swam with the other, reached 
 the opposite bank in safety, and followed the path 
 into the swamp. A mile further on, he came to 
 another stream, and was making preparations to 
 
CHASED BY BLOOD-HOUNDS. 169 
 
 cross it, when he was startled by a voice, which 
 sounded from the opposite bank : 
 
 " Who goesh dere ? " 
 
 Instead of replying to the challenge, Frank 
 sprang behind a tree, and, looking across the stream, 
 discovered a tall, powerfully-built man, dressed in 
 "butternut" clothes, holding his rifle in the hollow 
 of his arm. In an instant Frank's gun was at his 
 shoulder, and his finger was already pressing the 
 trigger, when the man exclaimed : 
 
 " What for you shoot ? I be a friend." 
 
 Frank, although fearful of treachery, lowered his 
 gun, and the Dutchman, moving out of the bushes, 
 leaned on his rifle, and inquired: 
 
 " Where you go ? I guess you been a gun-boat 
 feller; ain't it?" 
 
 "Yes," answered Frank, "I once belonged to 
 a gun-boat. But who are you ? " 
 
 " Me ? Oh, I was a captain in the army. Sher- 
 man gets licked at Wicksburg, an' I gets took 
 brisoner; an' purty quick me an' anoder feller 
 runs away. Here he is;" and, as the Dutchman 
 spoke, a man wearing a shabby Confederate uni- 
 form appeared. 
 
 Frank's mind was made up in an instant. Be* 
 
170 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 yond a doubt this was but a stratagem to capture 
 him. But he resolved that he would never sur- 
 render, as long as he had sufficient strength to 
 handle his rifle. 
 
 "Well, my young friend," exclaimed the man 
 in the rebel uniform, " this is a nice dress for a 
 Federal officer to be wearing, isn't it?" 
 
 " I do n't believe that either of you are officers 
 in the Federal army," answered Frank. ^' It 's my 
 opinion that you are both rebels. If it is your in- 
 tention to attempt to capture me, I may as well tell 
 you that your expectations will never be reahzed, 
 for I shall never be taken alive;" and Frank 
 handled the lock of liis gun in a very significant 
 manner. 
 
 "I admire your grit," said the man, "and I ac- 
 knowledge that you have strong grounds for sus- 
 picion. But we are really escaped prisoners." 
 
 " Yah," chimed in the Dutchman, "I shwear dat 
 is so." 
 
 " It is no fault of ours," continued the man, 
 *'that we are wearing rebel uniforms; for we were 
 compelled to exchange with our captors, and were 
 obhged to accept these, or go without any." 
 
 "What regiment do you belong to?" 
 
CHASED BY BLOOD-hOUNDS. 171 
 
 "The One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Illinois 
 Infantry, Company 'K.' I formerly belonged to 
 the Forty-sixth Maine." 
 
 "Do you know any of the boys belonging to 
 Company 'B/ of the Forty-sixth Maine Regi- 
 ment?" 
 
 " Oh, yes," replied the man, " I know Harry 
 and George Butler, Ben Lake, and, in fact, all the 
 boys; for I once belonged to that very company. 
 My home is only twenty miles from Lawrence, 
 the place where the company was raised." 
 
 Frank did not stop to ask any more questions, 
 for he was satisfied that he had fallen in with 
 friends. How his heart bounded at meeting one 
 who had lived so near his own home ! He hastily 
 crossed the stream, and, seizing the man's hand, 
 shook it heartily. 
 
 "I am overjoyed at meeting with you, sir," he 
 said, in a voice choked with emotion. "Perhaps 
 I owe you an apology; but you will acknowledge 
 that it is best to be on the safe side." 
 
 "Certainly it is," answered the man. "I 
 should have done exactly as you did, if I had 
 been in your place. But where are you travelling 
 to?" 
 
172 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 " I want to reach Red River, as soon as possible.' 
 
 "So do we! But we have lost our reckoning, 
 and do n't know which way to go." 
 
 "I do," said Frank. "Tliis path leads directly 
 to it." 
 
 They did not linger long to converse — time was 
 too precious for that — but immediately struck 
 into the path, Frank leading the way. He soon 
 learned that the names of his newly-found friends 
 were Major Williams and Captain Schmidt. They 
 had been captured, with two hundred others, at 
 the battle of Vicksburg, and had escaped while 
 being taken into Texas. They had accomphshed, 
 perhaps, half a dozen miles from the place where 
 they met, when the breeze bore to their ears a 
 sound that made Frank turn as pale as death, and 
 tremble as though suddenly seized with a fit of the 
 ague. They all heard it; but he was the only one 
 who knew what it was. 
 
 "What ish dat, ony how?" coolly inquired the 
 captain. 
 
 Before Frank could reply, the fearful sound was 
 repeated, faint and far off, but still nearer than 
 before. 
 
 "Merciful heavens!" ejaculated the major, who 
 
CHASED BY BLOOD-HOUNDS. 173 
 
 now understood their situation; "is it possible you 
 don't know what that sound is? It is the cry of 
 a hlood-lwund l''^ 
 
 "Oh, yah!" exclaimed the captain, as though 
 the idea had suddenly come into his head, "I did 
 think it vas a dorg." 
 
 "Push ahead now, boys, for Heaven's sake!" 
 exclaimed the major. "Push ahead as fast as 
 possible." 
 
 The captain evidently did not comprehend the 
 danger of their situation; but Frank and the 
 major knew that their lives depended upon the 
 next few moments. Oh, how thankful was Frank 
 that he was not alone ! He now knew the mean- 
 ing of Pomp's warning; and the dreadful sound 
 had so unnerved him, that it was with great diffi- 
 culty h^ could keep on his way. But this lasted 
 only for a moment. His fear changed to indig- 
 nation, and a desire to execute vengeance on 
 men who could be guilty of such barbarity. It 
 seemed as though the strength of a dozen men 
 was suddenly infused into him; so, shouldering 
 his rifle, he ran along the path with a speed that 
 made it difficult for the Dutchman to keep pace 
 with him. But, fast as they went, the fearful 
 
174 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 Bound grew louder and louder; and, finally, they 
 distinctly heard the clatter of horses' hoofs, and 
 voices cheering on the dogs. 
 
 '"Hurry on, for mercy's sake," said the major. 
 
 "Mine Gott in Himmel!" ejaculated the cap- 
 tain, who was puffing and blowing like a porpoise ; 
 "I can't run no faster. I guess it's petter we 
 stops and fights 'em, ain't it? I been not a good 
 feller to run ! " 
 
 "You must run a little further," said Frank. 
 " We will certainly be captured, if we stop to fight 
 them here." 
 
 The captain made no reply, but kept along as 
 close behind the major as possible. Frank's swift- 
 ness of foot was standing him well in hand now, 
 for he frequently found himself obliged to slacken 
 his pace, in order to allow his friends to c^me up 
 with him. But his usual confidence was gone. 
 He knew he could not stand that rapid pace much 
 longer. Soon they must stop and fight; and what 
 if the dogs, which would, undoubtedly, be some 
 distance in advance of the horsemen, should over- 
 power them? Frank had often read of the feroc- 
 ity of these blood-hounds, and the thought of being 
 pulled down and torn to pieces by them in those 
 
JHASED BY BLOOD-HOUNDS. 175 
 
 dark wooda. and the knowledge that his mother 
 and sister "would forever remain isjnorant of his 
 fate, was terrible. Suddenly, an abrupt bend in 
 the path brough them to the banks of another 
 of those narrow streams with which the country- 
 was intersected like a net-work. What a cheerincj 
 sight it was to Frank's eyes! He now saw some 
 chance for escape; and, without hesitating a mo- 
 ment, he plunged into the water. The others 
 were close at his heels, and a few bold strokes 
 brought them to the opposite shore. 
 
 "Here we are," said the major. "Our chance 
 for escape is rather slim, but we will make a stand 
 here." 
 
 They had scarcely concealed themselves in the 
 bushes, when one of the hounds appeared on the 
 bank. He was followed by another, and still an- 
 other, until eight of the terrible animals were in 
 sight. They followed the trail of the fugitives 
 down to the edge of the water, where, finding 
 themselves at fault, they separated, and commenced 
 beating up and down the bank, now and then look- 
 ing toward the opposite shore, and uttering their 
 bays, which sounded in Frank's ears like the kneD 
 of death. 
 
176 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 "I pelieve I shoots one of them dorgs, ain't it?" 
 said the captain; and he thrust his rifle cautiously 
 through the bushes. 
 
 "No, no," commanded the major, "save your 
 ammunition. The men will be here in a minute. 
 Here they come now." And, as he spoke, there 
 was a loud crashing in the bushes, and four horse- 
 men came in si<z)it. 
 
 "Thunder!" exclaimed one of them, who wore 
 the uniform of a colonel, "I was in hopes we 
 should catch the rascal before he reached this 
 place. Here, Tige," he continued, addressing a 
 powerful white hound, "hunt 'em up, hunt 'em 
 up!" 
 
 The hound ran down to the edge of the stream, 
 and barked and whined furiously, but*still hesitated 
 to enter; for hounds are always averse to going 
 into water. 
 
 "Hunt 'em up, su'!" shouted the colonel, an- 
 grily. 
 
 The dog, evidently, feared his master more than 
 the water, for he plunged in, and commenced 
 swimming toward the place where Frank and his 
 companions were concealed ; and the others, after 
 a little hesitation, followed him. 
 

 DEATH OF THE WHITE HOUND. 
 
CHASED BY BLOOD-HOUNDS. 171 
 
 "Ready, now, boys," whispered the major. 
 "Captain, you shoot that white hound. Frank, 
 you take the colonel, and I'll attend to the man 
 just behind him. Do n't waste your lead now." 
 
 The three rifles cracked in rapid succession, and 
 the colonel and one of his men fell heavily from 
 their saddles. The white hound gave one short 
 howl of pain, and sank out of sight. Every shot 
 had reached its mark. 
 
 The remaininoj rebels stood ao-hast at this sudden 
 repulse; and the smoke of the rifles had scarcely 
 cleared away, when they wheeled their horses, and 
 disappeared in the woods. 
 
 The death of the white hound produced no less 
 consternation among his canine assistants, for they 
 each gave a short yelp, and turned and made for 
 the snore. 
 
 U 
 
178 
 
 FRANK ON A GUN -BOAT. 
 
 CHAPTER XV, 
 
 
 ^^^../^OW 'S our time, boys," exclaimed the 
 ^.^V^V rrs/,l\^ major; "come on, and load your 
 guns as you run;" and he started rap- 
 idly down the path. 
 
 All sounds of the rebels were soon 
 left behind ; but our party kept on 
 their way, until they emerged from 
 the woods, and found themselves in full view of a 
 plantation. 
 
 "I pelieve somebody lives in that house," ex- 
 claimed the captain, drawing back in the bushes. 
 "No doubt of it," answered the major. 
 " Let's move back into the woods a little further, 
 and eat some dinner," said Frank ; and he turned 
 to walk away, and felt for the haversack the negro 
 woman had given him. But it seemed that he waa 
 
THE RESCUE. 179 
 
 destined to disappointment, for the haversack was 
 gone. 
 
 During all the perils he had encountered that 
 day, he had been buoyed up by the thought that 
 he had food sufficient to last him for a day or two, 
 and that he was in no danger of suffering the pangs 
 of hunger. But now his spirits fell again to zero. 
 
 " How unfortunate ! " he exclaimed. " But it 's 
 just my luck." 
 
 " Yes, it is too bad," said the major ; " for now 
 we shall be obliged to run the risk of being cap- 
 tured, in order to procure food. But let us move 
 on, and get as far away from this place as possible." 
 
 Frank silently shouldered his rifle, and followed 
 the major, who threaded his way along in the edge 
 of the woods, taking care to keep out of sight of 
 any one who might be in the house. They kept 
 on until dark, and then halted in the rear of an- 
 other plantation, to hold a consultation relative to 
 the manner in which they should obtain food. 
 
 "Well," said the major, "we must have some- 
 thing to eat, that 's certain ; and the only way I 
 can think of, is to draw lots to see who shall go up 
 to the house after it. It is a dangerous undertak- 
 ing, but that is the fairest way to see who shall rui 
 
180 FRANK ON A aUN-BOAT. 
 
 the risk ;" and the major selected three sticks of 
 different lengths, and continued, as he held them 
 out to Frank, in his closed hand, *'Now. the one 
 that draws the shortest stick must go to the house 
 and procure us some food." 
 
 Frank drew first, then the captain, and the major 
 took the one that was left. The lot fell upon 
 Frank. 
 
 "Now," said the major, as he shook Frank's 
 hand, " be careful of yourself, my friend. We will 
 remain here until you return. 'WTien you get into 
 the woods give two low whistles, that we may know 
 that it is you. Good-by." 
 
 Frank silently returned the pressure of the ma- 
 jor's hand, and moved away. He climbed over the 
 fence that ran between the woods and the plant- 
 ation, and walked fearlessly toward the house. 
 He was not at ail pleased with the part he had to 
 perform, for he remembered the danger he had run 
 the night before; but his determination was to do 
 his duty, and trust to his skill to carry him safely 
 tnrough. 
 
 He shaped his course toward the negro quarters, 
 which were in the rear of the house ; but he soon 
 discovered that these were entirely deserted. Ha 
 
THE RESCUE. 181 
 
 carefully examined all tlie cabins, in lupes of find- 
 ing a hen-roost, but in vain. His only alterna- 
 tive was to try the house. There was a light 
 shining in the window, and Frank determined to 
 reconnoiter the premises, and, if possible, learn who 
 were in the house, before asking admittance. "With 
 this intention he shouldered his rifle, and was about 
 to move forward, when he was startled by the 
 sound of horses' hoofs behind him, and a voice ex- 
 claimed : 
 
 *• Hullo, my friend ! Have you an extra bed in 
 the house, for a soldier?" 
 
 Frank turned, and found that the horseman was 
 so close to him that flight was impossible. His first 
 impulse was to shoot him where he sat ; but he was 
 still ignorant of the number of persons there might 
 be in the house. Perhaps it was filled with sol- 
 diers. The report of his gun would certainly alarm 
 them, and might lead to his capture. Besides, the 
 man had addressed him as though he were the 
 proprietor of the plantation ; perhaps he might be 
 able to obtain some information. So he answered, 
 with some hesitation : 
 
 "Yes, I suppose there is an extra bed in the 
 house; but I should really like to know who and 
 
182 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 what you are, before I agree to accommodate 
 you." 
 
 " I am Lieutenant Somers," answered the rebel ; 
 "and I belong to the Seventeenth Georgia In- 
 fantry. You belong to the army too, do you not?" 
 he continued, noticing the brass buttons on Frank's 
 coat. 
 
 It was a lucky circumstance for the young hero 
 that the night was so dark, or he would certainly 
 have been discovered. 
 
 " Yes," he answered, in reply to the rebel's ques- 
 tion, "I am in the service. But what are you do- 
 ing around here this time of night?" 
 
 " I have been hunting after an escaped Yankee 
 prisoner — a gun-boat officer." 
 
 " Did you catch him ? " inquired Frank. 
 
 " No ; but I caught two others. I chased this 
 gun-boat fellow with blood-hounds; but when I 
 overtook him, I found that he had been reinforced 
 by half a dozen others, and I was obliged to re- 
 treat. The scoundrels killed Colonel Acklen and 
 one of his men, and the best blood-hound in Loui- 
 siana." 
 
 "Where are the prisoners you captured?" in- 
 quired Frank, hardly able to suppress his exulta- 
 
THE RESCUE 
 
 183 
 
 tion at finding himself face to face with one of the 
 men who had hunted him with blood-hounds. 
 
 "Oh, I left them at the back of the plantation; 
 one of my men is keeping guard over them ; but 
 there is scarcely any need of that, for the Yankees 
 are securely bound." 
 
 " They are, eh ! " exclaimed Frank, who could 
 restrain himself no longer. "Well, here is a 
 Yaikee who is not bound, and never intends to 
 be;" and he raised his rifle to his shoulder, and 
 glanced along the clean, brown barrel. " I am the 
 gun-hoat fellow you were pursuing with blood- 
 hounds. So, if you Wish to live five minutes 
 longer, do n't attempt to make any resistance." 
 
 The rebel was taken so completely by surprise 
 that he could not utter a word, but sat on his horse 
 as motionless and dumb as though he had been 
 suddenly turned into a statue. 
 
 " Come down off that horse ! " commanded his 
 captor. 
 
 The rebel obeyed, without hesitation. 
 
 "Now, have you got any dangerous weapons 
 about you?" inquired Frank. "Tell the truth, 
 now, for your Hfe is n't worth a picayune." 
 
 "Yes," answered the rebel, "I have a revolver 
 
184 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 and a Bowie-knife ;" and he raised his hand to his 
 breast pocket. 
 
 *' Hands down ! hands down ! " ex'^laimed Frank \ 
 " I want to examine your pockets myself;" and 
 he stepped forward and relieved the rebel of a 
 Bowie-knife, a revolver, several cartridges, a flint 
 and steel, and some papers. These, with the ex- 
 ception of the revolver, he laid carefully on the 
 ground, and placed his rifle beside them. "Now," 
 continued Frank, " it would be a great accommo- 
 dation if you would trade uniforms with me. The 
 people in this part of the country do n't seem to 
 like Uncle Sam's clothes very well. Come out of 
 that coat." 
 
 The rebel hesitated to obey. 
 
 "Come out of that coat, Lieutenant Somers," 
 repeated Frank, slowly; and he raised his revolver 
 until it was on a line with his captive's head. 
 
 The sight of his own weapon, whose qualities 
 he probably knew full well, brought the rebel to 
 his senses, and he quickly divested himself of his 
 coat. 
 
 "Now, pull ofi" those pants," commanded his 
 captor. 
 
 The rebel obeyed; and Frank continued, as he 
 
THE RESCUE. 185 
 
 divested himself of his own clothes : " Now, if you 
 wish, you can put on these." 
 
 The rebel had no other alternative, and he slowly 
 donned the naval uniform, while Frank quickly 
 converted himself into a fine-looking rebel lieu- 
 tenant. He then carefully pocketed the articles 
 which he had taken from the rebel, with the ex- 
 ception of the papers. 
 
 "What are these?" he inquired. 
 
 " The one in the brown envelope is my appoint- 
 ment, and the others are orders to take my com- 
 pany and act as scouts." 
 
 The latter were just what Frank wanted. 
 
 "Now," said Frank, going up to the horse, 
 which had stood patiently by, "I have one more 
 favor to ask of you, you mean, sneaking rebel, and 
 then I am done with you. I want you to show 
 me where you left your prisoners. But, in the first 
 place, I am going into that house to get something 
 to eat." 
 
 "I hope to thunder that you will be gobbled 
 up," said the lieutenant, angrily. 
 
 " Easy, easy ! " exclaimed Frank ; " you are 
 talking treason when you wish evil to befall one 
 of Uncle Sam's boys ; and I am not one to stand 
 
186 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 Toy and listen to it ; so keep a civil tongue in your 
 head, or I shall be obliged to put a stopper on 
 your jaw. As I said before," he continued, " I 
 am going into that house to get some supper; and, 
 as I wish you to remain here until I come back, I 
 shall take the liberty to tie your hands and feet. 
 That 's the way you serve your prisoners, I be- 
 lieve." 
 
 As Frank spoke, he cut the bridle from the 
 horse with his Bowie-knife, and securely bound the 
 rebel — who submitted to the operation with a very 
 oad grace — and laid him aAvay, as he would a log 
 of wood, behind one of the cabins 
 
 "Now, you barbarian," he continued, as he 
 shouldered his rifle, and thrust the revolver and 
 Bowie-knife into his belt, "you are in the power 
 of one who has very little love for a man who is 
 guilty of the cruelty of hunting a fellow-being with 
 blood-hounds; so, if you expect to live to see day- 
 light, do n't make any noise." With this piece of 
 advice, Frank left his captive, and started for the 
 house. 
 
 He walked up the steps that led to the portico, 
 which ran entirely around the house, and boldly 
 knocked at the door. The summons was answered 
 
THE RESCUE. 187 
 
 by a fine-looking, elderly lady, who, as soon as she 
 saw the C:>nfederate uniform, exclaimed: 
 
 *'Good evening, sir; walk in." 
 
 Frank followed the lady through the hall, into 
 a large room, whose only inmates where three 
 young ladies, who rose and bowed as he came in 
 He was very much reheved to find that there were 
 no men in the house. 
 
 " Take a chair, sir," said the elderly lady. " Is 
 there any thing we can do for you?" 
 
 ^' Yes, ma'am," answered Frank. " I am out on 
 a scout with some of my men, and my provisions 
 have given out. I have taken the liberty to come 
 here and see if I could not purchase some from 
 you." 
 
 "We are glad to see you," said one of the 
 young ladies. " I will have some food put up for 
 you immediately; and you shall have a nice, warm 
 supper before you go." 
 
 " I am under obligations to you, madam," an- 
 swered Frank ; '' but, really, I can not wait, for I 
 am on the trail of some escaped Yankee prisoners; 
 and, besides, I always make it a point never to fare 
 better than the men I command." 
 
 " I should like to have you stay," said the elderly 
 
188 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 lady, whom Fradk set down as the mother of the 
 girls ; " but you know your duty better than we 
 do. I wish all of our officers were as careful of 
 their men, and as devoted to the cause, as you are. 
 But what regiment do you belong to ? " 
 
 " The Seventeenth Georgia," answered Frank. 
 
 "Did you catch any of the Yankees you are 
 after?" 
 
 " No, ma'am, not yet. But we shall have them 
 before to-morrow night." 
 
 "Ob, I hope so! I suppose you will hang them 
 to the nearest tree, as fast as you catch them ? " 
 
 "No, ma'am, I can't do that. They will be 
 prisoners, you know, and must be treated as such." 
 
 " Then bring them here, and I will hang them 
 for you," exclaimed the lady, excitedly. "I think 
 our government is entirely too lenient with the 
 rascals." 
 
 During the conversation that followed, Frank 
 gained some very valuable information concerning 
 the plans the rebels had on foot for the capture 
 of the runaways. He also learned that the lady's 
 husband was an officer of high rank in the rebel 
 army, and that she was expecting him home every 
 moment. Frank, as may be supposed, was not 
 
TUE RESCUE. 189 
 
 ver^ well pleased with this information, and he 
 cast uneasy glances toward the door, expecting to 
 see the officer enter. But his fears were soon set 
 at rest by the return of the young lady from the 
 kitchen, with a large traveling bag, filled with pro- 
 visions. 
 
 When Frank inquired what was to pay, he was 
 informed that any one who would think of charging 
 a soldier for provisions ought to be tarred and 
 feathered and sent into the Yankee lines. This 
 was good news to Frank, for, if there had been any 
 thing to pay, he would not have known how to act, 
 as moLey was a thing he had not seen for many 
 a day. So, after thanking the ladies for their 
 kindness, and bidding them good-night, he picked 
 up his provisions and started out. 
 
 " Now, you man that hunts Union soldiers with 
 blood-hounds," he exclaimed, as he walked up to 
 his captive, and untied the strap with which his 
 feet were bound, " get up, and lead me to the place 
 where you left your prisoners ;" and Frank seized 
 the rebel by the collar, and helped him rather 
 roughly to his feet. 
 
 The rebel made no reply, but led the way down 
 the road which ran through the plantation. Frank 
 
190 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 followed close behind him, carrying his rifle and 
 provisions in one hand, and his revolver in the 
 other. At length they came to the fence at the 
 end of the field, and, as he vras helping his pris- 
 oner over, a voice from the woods called out : 
 
 "Who goes there?" 
 
 "Is that your man?" inquired Frank, in a 
 whisper, turning to his prisoner. 
 
 "Yes," answered the rebel, gruflfly. 
 
 " Then keep your mouth shut, and let me talk to 
 him," comiHanded Frank. Raising his voice, he 
 answered to the hail, " Friend ! " 
 
 "Is that you, Lieutenant Somers?" inquired 
 the voice. 
 
 "Yes," answered Frank. "Come here; I've 
 got a supply of provisions, and another prisoner." 
 
 "Another Yank, eh ! " said the man ; and Frank 
 heard him coming through the woods toward him. 
 
 " Well, we 've one less to catch, then. Where is 
 he? Let's have a squint at him." 
 
 "Never mind the prisoner," exclaimed Frank, 
 " but come and take these provisions ; they 're 
 heavy." 
 
 The rebel, who could not discover that any thing 
 was wrong, reached out his hand, and took tho 
 
THE RESCUE. 191 
 
 traveling-bag from Frank, when the latter sud- 
 denly seized him by the collar, and exclaimed, as 
 he pressed the muzzle of his revolver against his 
 head: 
 
 " You 're my prisoner ! " 
 
 For an instant the rebel appeared utterly dum- 
 founded; then, suddenly recovering himself, he 
 struck up Frank's arm, and, with a quick move- 
 ment, tore himself away from his grasp, and drew 
 his Bowie-knife. 
 
 " KiU him, Jake ! kill him ! " shouted the lieu- 
 tenant, who, of course, was unable to assist his 
 man, as his hands were securely bound behind his 
 back. 
 
 But Frank was too quick for him, for, before 
 the rebel could make a thrust with his knife, the 
 sharp report of the revolver echoed through the 
 woods, and the man sank to the ground like a 
 log. 
 
 "Now," exclaimed Frank, turning to his pris- 
 oner, "I've a good notion to shoot you, also. 
 But I will try you once more ; and I tell you now, 
 once for all, do n't open your head again to-night, 
 unless you are spoken to. Now, show me where 
 you left your prisoners.'* 
 
192 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 "Here we are!" exclaimed a voice from the 
 bushes. 
 
 Frcnk soon found them, and, when he had cut 
 the ropes with which they were bound, and set 
 them at liberty, they each seized his hands, and 
 wrung them in silent gratitude. 
 
 "Thank heaven, we're free men once more!" 
 exclaimed one of the poor fellows. "But where 
 is that lieutenant that captured us?" 
 
 "He's my prisoner," answered Frank. 
 
 "Heie you are, you thunderin', low-lived se- 
 cesh ! " exclaimed the man, who had not yet spoken, 
 as he walked up to the rebel, and laid his hand 
 on his shoulder. " I 've a mind to stop your wind 
 for you, you mean" — 
 
 "Eas^^ easy, boys," exclaimed Frank; "he 's a 
 prisoner, you know, and we 've no right to put 
 him in misery simply because he s in our power." 
 
 "Why, the varmint hunted us yesterday with 
 blood-hounds," exclaimed one of the soldiers. 
 
 " He served me the same way to-day," answered 
 Frank; "but, still, we have no right to abuse him. 
 But I have two more friends around here some- 
 where ;" and Frank put his hand to his mouth, and 
 gave two low whistles. It was answered imme- 
 
THE RESCUE. 193 
 
 diately, and a voice, which Frank recognized as the 
 captain's, inquired : 
 
 "Ish dat you, you gun-boat feller?" 
 " Yes, I 'm here, captain ; come along." 
 The Dutchman soon made his appearance, fol- 
 lowed by the major. They had remained in their 
 hiding-place, and heard all that was going on ; but, 
 so fearful were they of treachery, that they dared 
 not come out. Frank briefly related to them the 
 circumstances connected with the capture of the 
 lieutenant, and the release of the two soldiers ; after 
 this a consultation was held, and it was decided 
 that it would not be prudent to attempt to reach 
 Red River for a day or two, at least. The major 
 thought it best to remain concealed during the day, 
 and at night boldly follow the road. 
 
 This plan was adopted, for the entire party — 
 including the soldiers Frank had just released — 
 were dressed in butternut clothes ; besides this, 
 the papers which had been taken from the lieu- 
 tenant would greatly assist them, if their plan was 
 carried out with skill and determination. And, in 
 regard to the prisoner — who, of course, had not 
 heard a word of the consultation — it was decided 
 to detain him for a day or two, in order that he 
 13 
 
194 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 might be led to believe that it was their intention 
 to keep us far away from Red River as possible, 
 and then release him. 
 
 After their plans had all been determined upon, 
 Frank opened his sack of provisions, when, eat- 
 ing a scanty meal, they again started forward. 
 They kept along on the edge of the plantations 
 until the day began to dawn, and then turned into 
 the woods and encamped. 
 
A FRIEND IN NEED. 
 
 195 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 N the evening, at dark, they re- 
 sumed their journey. They boldly fol- 
 lowed the road, and met with no oppo- 
 sition until just before daylight, when a 
 voice directly in front of them shouted, 
 "Halt!" 
 
 "Now, boys," whispered the major, 
 "our safety depends upon our nerve. It is so 
 dark they can't see our faces, so don't be fright- 
 ened at any thing that may happen. Captain, 
 take care of that prisoner, and remember and 
 blow his brains out the moment he makes the least 
 attempt at escape." 
 
 "Who goes there?" shouted the voice again. 
 "Scouts!" answered the major, promptly. 
 "Advance, one scout, and give the counter 
 Bign." 
 
196 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 The Major accordingly advanced to the place 
 where the sentry was standing, and the captain 
 cautiously cocking his musket, placed its cold 
 muzzle against the prisoner's head, whisperin/^, 
 between his clenched teeth : 
 
 "I guess you hear what the major did said, 
 ain't it ? Well, then, do n't say somethings." 
 
 The laconic captain probably thought this 
 warning sufficient, for he brought his musket to 
 an "order arms," and did not afterward even 
 deign to cast a single glance at the prisoner. 
 
 In the mean time, the major was endeavoring 
 to convince the lieutenant of the guard that, al- 
 though they did not have the countersign, they 
 were in reality Confederate soldiers. 
 
 " It may be that you'uns is all right," said the 
 lieutenant, after reading, by the aid of a dark 
 lantern, the papers which Frank had captured. 
 " But, you see, thar 's so many of these yere 
 Yanks running away, that we'uns has got to be 
 mighty careful how we let folks go past." 
 
 "I tell you," said the major, speaking as though 
 he considered himself highly insulted, "I tell you, 
 that I am on special service by order of General 
 Taylor. I have been out on a scout to recapture 
 
A FRIEND IN NEED. 197 
 
 the very prisoners you have just mentioned. I 
 have already caught one of them," he added, 
 pointing to their prisoner, who, let it be remem- 
 bered, was dressed in Frank's uniform. 
 
 " If you'uns is out on a scout," said a soldier, 
 who had been aroused from his blanket, and 
 pressed up to obtain a glance at the major, 
 " whar 's your bosses?" 
 
 " I left them about a mile down the river. I 
 have already been through your lines once to- 
 night, and I might have gone through this time 
 without your knowledge, if I had seen fit to do 
 so." 
 
 " Maybe it 's all right," said the lieutenant, 
 shaking his head dubiously ; '' but I '11 be dog- 
 gone if I do n't think I 've seen your face some- 
 where before;" and as he said this he raised the 
 lantern, and allowed the light to shine full upon 
 him. Frank, who had been waiting impatiently 
 for the interview to be brought to a close, gave 
 himself up for lost when he saw a smile of tri- 
 umph light up the rebel's face. But the major 
 was equal to the emergency. Meeting the lieu- 
 tenant's gaze without flinching, he replied, care- 
 lessly : 
 
Jy8 FRAXK ON A GUN-BOAT 
 
 "Very likely you have. I have been in the 
 service ever since the war broke out. But do you 
 intend to allow us to proceed, or shall I be obliged 
 to rej3ort you at head-quarters? Remember, I 
 can say that you do not keep a very good watch, 
 seeing I have already passed you once." 
 
 This threat seemed to decide the lieutenant, 
 who replied, " I guess it 's all right — you'uns can 
 pass." 
 
 When Frank heard this, it seemed as thouirh a 
 heavy load had been removed from his breast. 
 But the hardest part of the trial, with him, had 
 yet to come. What if he should be recognized? 
 But he had that risk to run ; so, summoning up 
 all his fortitude, he marched with his companioned 
 by the guards, apparently as unconcerned as 
 though he was entering a friendly camp. 
 
 The moment they got out of hearing of the 
 tread of the sentinel, the major turned from the 
 road and led the way into the woods. After 
 walking a short distance, at a rapid pace, he 
 whispered : 
 
 "Perhaps we fooled the rascals, but I think 
 not. I did n't like the way that lieutenant eyed 
 Jie. I am certain we shall be pursued as soon as 
 
A FRIEND IN NEED. 199 
 
 be can send for assistance ; and the best thing 
 we can do is to get away from here. So, for- 
 ward, double-quick. Do n't make too much noise 
 now. Captain, look out for that prisoner." 
 
 It was well that the major had adopted the 
 precaution of leaving the road and taking to the 
 woods, for, in less than half an hour after they 
 had passed the guards, a squad of cavalry came 
 up, having a full and correct description of Frank 
 and his companions. By some means, the capture 
 of the rebel lieutenant had become known, and 
 a portion of his own regiment — which had fol- 
 lowed Frank from Shreveport, but which had given 
 up the chase and returned — had again started in 
 pursuit. The guards were astounded w^hen they 
 learned that the young gun-boat officer (with 
 whose flight and subsequent almost miraculous 
 escapes from recapture every scout in the country 
 was acquainted) had been within their very grasp, 
 and a portion of them joined the cavalry in pur- 
 suit; but, as they kept on down the road, Frank 
 and his companions again escaped. They had 
 heard their pursuers pass by, and know^ing that 
 the country would be thoroughly alarmed, and 
 that it would be useless to attempt to reach Red 
 
200 FRxVNK OX A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 River at present, they directed their course to- 
 ward Washita River, which lay about thirty-five 
 miles distant, hoping to deceive the rebels as to 
 their real intentions, and thus, by drawing theur 
 pursuers into the country, leave their avenue of 
 escape unobstructed. 
 
 One clear, moonlight night they halted, as usual, 
 in the rear of a plantation, and were debating 
 upon the best means to be employed in obtaining 
 food, when a man, dressed in a shabby Federal 
 uniform, was discovered coming slowly toward 
 them, on the opposite side of the fence that sep- 
 arated the woods from the plantation. 
 
 Ilis sudden and wholly unexpected appearance 
 took them completely by surprise. Frank imme- 
 diately proposed to challenge him. Perhaps, like 
 themselves, he was a fugitive from a rebel prison, 
 and in need of assistance. But the captain 
 strongly opposed this, and was in favor of shoot- 
 ing the man, who still continued to advance, as 
 if wholly unconscious of the presence of any 
 one — arguing, in his broken English, and with 
 good reason, too, that the appearance of a Fed- 
 eral uniform in that part of the country boded 
 them no good, but was a sui'e sign of treachery ; 
 
A FRIEND IN NEED. 201 
 
 and evidently thinking that he had won the day, 
 he was about to put his phin into execution, when 
 the major struck up his musket, and shouted : 
 
 "Who comes there?" 
 
 The stranger, instead of replying, instantly 
 threw himself on the ground behind the fence, 
 out of sight. 
 
 " Gott in himmel, major," exclaimed the disap- 
 pointed captain, "I pelieve it 's better you shoots 
 that man — purty quick we all gets ketched again ;" 
 and as he said this the captain, who, although a 
 very brave man on the field of battle, was very*' 
 much opposed to fighting an invisible enemy, 
 drew himself behind a tree, as if fully expecting 
 to see a whole army of rebels rush out of their 
 concealments upon them. 
 
 "Be quiet, captain," said the major. "You 
 tiave grown very suspicious lately." Then, rais- 
 ing his voice, he called out : " Whoever you are 
 behind that fence, whether a friend or an enemy 
 to the Union, come out immediately, or you are 
 a dead man." 
 
 A deep silence, which lasted for several sec- 
 onds, followed his words. Then came the om- 
 inous click of half a dozen gun-locks, which, in 
 
202 FRAXK OX A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 the stillness of the night, could be heard a long 
 distance. 
 
 The stranger evidently heard it too, for, with- 
 out further hesitation, he arose from behind the 
 fence, and came forward. 
 
 The major allowed him to approach within a 
 few yards, and then ordered him to halt, and in- 
 quired : 
 
 "Now, sir! who and what are you? Tell the 
 truth, for you have desperate men to deal with." 
 
 "From your language," answered the stranger, 
 in a voice so soft that it was almost feminine, but 
 which, nevertheless, betrayed not the slightest 
 trepidation, "I should judge that you are escaped 
 prisoners ; if so, permit me to make one of your 
 number. If not, you will find me as desperate 
 as yourselves; for I have suffered too much in 
 prison to ever allow myself to be taken back 
 alive;" and, as he spoke, he displayed a brace of 
 pistols, which showed that he meant what he said. 
 
 "Gott in himmel!" exclaimed the captain, 
 springing out from behind his tree, and forget- 
 ting, in a moment, all his suspicions, " vos you 
 captured, too ? "VYe been mighty glad to see you, 
 any how." 
 
A FRIEND IN NEED. 203 
 
 "Yes," answered the man, "I have heen a 
 prisoner for twenty-two months, and it was not 
 until three weeks since that I succeeded in mak- 
 ing my escape." 
 
 " We '11 take your story for what it is worth, at 
 piesent," said the major, "for we can not stop to 
 talk. We must first make some arrangements 
 about obtaining something to eat, and then we 
 must be off." 
 
 "My haversack has just been replenished," 
 said the stranger, " and we have sufficient to last 
 us for a day or two, at least." 
 
 " Well, let us be moving, then." 
 
 The major, as usual, led the way, and Frank 
 walked beside the stranger, who firmly, but re- 
 spectfully, repelled every attempt he made to en- 
 ter into conversation, a circumstance which Frank 
 regarded with suspicion. 
 
 At length day began to dawn, and the fugitives 
 commenced to cast sidelong glances at their new 
 companion. He was a tall, slimly-built youth, 
 apparently but little older than Frank, and his 
 b:yish face wore a look of care and sorrow, which 
 if once seen could never be forgotten, and which 
 snowed that, young as he was, his path through 
 
204 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 life had been any .thing but a smooth one. His 
 clothing was reduced almost to tatters ; but still 
 there was enough of it left to show that it was 
 "Uncle Sam's blue;" and, as Frank surveyed him 
 from head to foot, he discovered something hang- 
 ing to one of the shreds of his coat, which im- 
 mediately interested him in the silent stranger. 
 It was a navy button. This was enough for 
 Frank, who, forgetting the manner in fthich his 
 advances had been received, inquired : 
 
 "Are you a naval officer, sir?" 
 
 "Yes," answered the youth, in a low" voice; 
 "or, rather, I was once." 
 
 " So was I. Give us your hand." 
 
 The sad, gloomy look gave way to a smile of 
 genuine pleasure, as the stranger grasped the 
 proffered hand, and shook it heartily. 
 
 " What vessel were you attached to, and when 
 and how" were you captured?" inquired Frank. 
 
 But his companion had relapsed into his former 
 state of gloominess and silence, and seemed to be 
 pondering upon something at once painful and 
 interesting. 
 
 Frank made no further attempts to draw him 
 into conversation, and, just as the sun was rising, 
 
A FRIEND IN NEED. 205 
 
 the major gave the order to Jialt. He also had 
 noticed the sorrowful look of the young stranger, 
 and, attributing it to a depression of spirits, which 
 any one would feel at finding himself in such 
 circumstances, addressed him, as he came up, 
 with : 
 
 " My friend, you appear to be sorely troubled 
 about something. Cheer up; it does no good to 
 be despondent. I know our case is desperate, 
 but it is not altogether hopeless. AVe do not in- 
 tend to be recaptured, as long as one of us has 
 strength to draw a trigger." 
 
 "I am not troubled about that, sir," answered 
 the youth, throwing himself wearily on the ground. 
 *' The cause of my sorrow dates further back than 
 my capture and confinement in prison. I know 
 that I am not the only one who has sufi*ered dur- 
 ing this rebellion ; but mine is a peculiar case. 
 I have not known a happy day since the war 
 commenced. Every tie that bound me to earth 
 was severed when the first gun was fired on Fort 
 Sumter." 
 
 " Ah ! " exclaimed Frank, guessing the truth at 
 ODce. " Then your relatives are rebels." 
 
 " Yes, they are ; and the most bitter kind of 
 
206 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 rebels, too. I have kept my secret until I can 
 no longer endure it. I have become completely 
 discouraged, and am greatly in need of what I at 
 first shunned — sympathy. If you will bear with 
 me, I will tell you my circumstances. It will 
 serve to relieve me, and may interest you, and 
 prove that I am really what I profess to be, an 
 escaped prisoner." 
 
 " Certainly, let us hear it. Go on," said the 
 major. 
 
 Thus encouraged, the youth proceeded : 
 
 "My name is George Le Dell; and I am the 
 youngest son of General Le Dell, of the Confed- 
 erate army. My home is, or rather was, on the 
 Washita River, about ten miles from this very 
 place. When I was seventeen years of age, I 
 was sent North to complete my education, at 
 Yale College, and was just about commencing my 
 senior year, when I received this letter from my 
 father." 
 
 Here George paused, and drew from his pocket 
 a bundle of papers, carefully tied up, and, pro- 
 ducing a letter, from which the writing was al- 
 most obliterated, he handed it to Frank, who read 
 aloud as follows : 
 
A FRIEND IN NEED. 207 
 
 Catahoola Parish, Februarrj 12, 18G1. 
 My Dear George: 
 
 Your letter of the 2d ult. was duly received. 
 Although your ideas of the civil war, to which you seem 
 to look forward with such anxiety, are rather crude, you are 
 in the main, correct in yo^-r conjectures as to our intentions. 
 Secession is a fixed fact. You know it has often been dis- 
 cussed by our leading men, and the election of Mr. Lincoln 
 has only served to precipitate our action. Had he been de- 
 feated, it might have been put off four years longer; but it 
 would be certain to come then. For years the heaven-sanc- 
 tioned institution of slavery has been subjected to all the 
 attacks that the fiendish imaginations of the Yankee aboli- 
 tionists could suggest, and we are determined to bear with 
 them no longer. We intend to establish a confederacy of 
 our own, whose corner-stone shall be slavery. 
 
 I wish you to come home immediately, as I have secured you 
 a first lieutenant's commission in a cavalry company, which 
 is to be mustered into my regiment. Your brothers have al- 
 ready accepted theirs, and are drilling their companies twice 
 every week. Of course, we do not expect a war, for we have 
 kept the cowardly Yankees under our thumbs so long that 
 they will not dare to oppose us. However, we consider it 
 ^est to be on the safe side. 
 
 Inclosed I send you a check for two hundred dollars, which, 
 / think, will be sufficient to pay all your bills, and to defray 
 /our expenses home. 
 
 Your mother and sisters send their love. 
 Hoping to see you soon, and to join hands with you in 
 tfestroying every vestige of the old Union, I remain. 
 
 Yours, affectionately, Edward Le Dell. 
 
 While Frank was reading this letter, George 
 had sat with his f\ice buried in his hands, not 
 once moving or giving a sign of life ; but, as soon 
 
208 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 as tlie letter was finished, he raised his pale face, 
 and inquii'ed, in a husky voice : 
 
 " What do you think of that ? It does not 
 seem possible that a father, who had the least 
 spark of affection for his son, could advise him 
 to follow such a course, does it ? Turn the letter 
 over, and you will see a copy of my answer writ- 
 ten on the back." 
 
 It ran as follows : 
 
 Yale College, March 20, 1861. 
 My Dear Father: 
 
 You can not imagine with what feelings of astonishment 
 and sorrow I read your letter of the 12th ult., which was 
 received nearly three weeks since. The reason for my delay 
 in replying you can easily divine. Has it, then, come to 
 this? Is it possible that, in order to do my duty to my coun- 
 try, I must be willing to incur the displeasure of my father? 
 What would you have me do? Assist in pulling down the 
 old flag, and in breaking up the best government the world 
 ever saw? Why, father, this is downright madness. I can 
 not "join hands" with you in so unholy a cause. On the 
 contrary, as long as that flag needs defenders, you will find 
 me among them. You are deceiving yourself when you say 
 the " cowardly Yankees " will not fight. They are a people 
 slow to wrath," but they are not cowards, father; and you 
 will find, to your sorrow, that they will resist, to the death, 
 " any and every attempt to alienate any portion of this Union 
 from the rest." 
 
 Living in the South, as I have, I have long seen this war 
 brewing, but was unwilling to confess it, even to mj-self ; 
 and I had hoped, that if it did come, my father would not 
 
A FRIEND IN NEED. 209 
 
 countenance it. Why will you do it ? You never, never can 
 succeed. The V3ry first attempt you make to withdraw from 
 your allegiance to the United States will be the signal for a 
 war, the like of which the world has never witnessed, and 
 the blood of thousands of men, who will be sacrificed to 
 glut your ambition, will be upon your own heads. 
 
 Inclosed, I respectfully return the check, with many 
 tlianks for your kindness. I can not use it for the purpose 
 you wish. 
 
 Hoping and praying that you and my brothers will con 
 sider well before you take the step that will bring you only 
 Buflfering and disgrace, and will use all your influence to 
 prevent the effusion of blood that must necessarily follow the 
 suicidal course you would pursue, I am, as ever. 
 
 Your affectionate son, Geo. Le Dell. 
 
 "That was the best I could do at the time," 
 said George, as Frank finished the letter. "I 
 believe I must have been crazy when I wrote it. 
 If I could only have known as much as I do now, 
 1 think I could have made a much better plea 
 than that." 
 
 "Didn't it have any effect upon your father?" 
 inquired the major. 
 
 "Effect!" repeated George. "Yes, it had the 
 effect of making him disinherit and cast me off. 
 Read that," he continued, handing Frank another 
 soiled paper, which looked as though it had been 
 read and thumbed continually. " I felt like one 
 with his death-warrant when I received that." 
 14 
 
210 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 It ran thus: 
 
 Catahoola Parish, March 31, 1861. 
 Sir: 
 
 In reply to your scandalous and insulting letter, I liav« 
 but a few words to say. 
 
 This, then, is the only return you have to make for all 
 the favors I have showered upon you ! I had expected great 
 things of you, George, for you have the abilities that would 
 have raised you to a high position in the South; and it seems 
 hard that my fond hopes should be dashed to the ground, by 
 one fell blow, given, too, by your own hand. But I know 
 my duty ; and now, sir, I have done with you. I cast you 
 off forever. You will never enter my house again ; and 
 not a cent of my property shall ever be possessed by you — 
 no, not even if you were starving. I have instructed my 
 family to forget that such a person as George Le Dell ever 
 existed. Take part with our oppressors, if you choose, but 
 be assured that the justly-merited consequences of your folly 
 will be visited upon you. 
 
 In conclusion, I have to say, that if any more letters are 
 received from you, they shall be returned unopened. 
 
 Edward Le Dell. 
 
 " Now you can see exactly how I am situated," 
 said George, taking the letter from Frank's hand, 
 and putting it with the others carefully away in 
 his pocket. "Do you wonder, then, that I am 
 sorrowful, cut off as I am from all my relatives, 
 with strict orders never to cross the threshold of 
 my father's house again, not even if I am dying 
 for want of food? You have, doubtless, heard 
 of the malignity displayed by the rebel leader* 
 
A FKIEND IN NEED. 213 
 
 toward any Southerner who dares to differ with 
 them in opinion, and have looked upon them as 
 idle stories, gotten up for effect ; but I know, by 
 the most bitter experience, that it is a reality. 
 Does it seem possible that a person can be so 
 blind, and act with such cruelty toward a son? 
 
 "When the war was fairly begun," he contin- 
 ued, "I kept the vow I had made — that as long 
 as the old flag needed defenders, I should be 
 found among them, by enlisting as fourth master, 
 in what was then called the ^Gun-boat Flotilla,' 
 about to commence operations on the Western 
 waters. I participated in the battle of Island 
 No. 10 ; was at the taking of Memphis, and at 
 St. Charles ; when the ' Mound City ' was blown 
 up, I barely escaped being scalded to death. I 
 was on the 'Essex,' when she ran the batteries 
 at Vicksburg, and during the subsequent fight, 
 which resulted in the defeat of the 'Arkansas' 
 ram. About a month after that I was captured 
 with a party of men, Avhile on shore on a foraging 
 3xpedition. I fought as long as I could, for I 
 knew that death would be preferable to the treat- 
 ment I should receive ; but I was overpowered, 
 and finally surrendered to save the lives of my 
 
212 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 men. The rebels, of course, immediately com- 
 menced crowding about us, and the very first of- 
 ficer I saw was my brother Henry, who had risen 
 to the position of adjutant, in father's regiment. 
 He instantly recognized me, and, after giving 
 strict orders that I should be closely confined, 
 rode ofi". I had many acquaintances in the regi- 
 ment. Some of them had been my classmates at 
 college; and the story of my treason, as they 
 called it, was given a wide circulation. I fared 
 even worse than I had expected. My food was 
 of the rery worst quality, and barely sufficient to 
 sustain life. I was never allowed a shelter of any 
 kind, not even a blanket; and, when my clothing 
 was worn out, I could not obtain another suit. 
 * Stici to your dirty blue,' said the officer under 
 whose charge I had been placed, ' and every time 
 you Icok at it, think of the meanness of which 
 you ha^e been guilty.' 
 
 "At length, to my relief, the order came for 
 me to be transferred to the prison at Tyler. 
 When I arrived at that place, I was thrust into 
 an old slave-pen, where I was confined nearly 
 twenty months before I succeeded in effecting my 
 escape. I was given to understand that it had 
 
A FRIEND IN NEED. 213 
 
 been ordered that I -was not to be exchanged, but 
 might expect to die a traitor's death at no distant 
 day. Whether or not this was intended to ter- 
 rify me, I do not know; but, since my escape, 1 
 have thought that there were some good grounds 
 for fear ; for, during my journey from Tyler to 
 Shreveport, I was not once out of hearing of the 
 blood-hounds that were following my trail. The 
 only support I have had is the consciousness that 
 I have tried to do my duty. If it were not for 
 that, I should be the most miserable person in the 
 world ; and I should not care how soon some rebel 
 bullet put an end to my existence. 
 
 "Although I am now looked upon by my rel- 
 atives as a stranger and an outcast, I have de- 
 termined to visit once more the place which, long 
 ago, I used to call liome. It is only ten miles 
 from here, and not a step out of our way. Will 
 you accompany me?" 
 
 Of course, this strange proposition at first met 
 with strong opposition, especially from the cap- 
 tain. But George assured them that there was 
 not the slightest danger, as all the troops in that 
 part of the country had been ordered to Fort De 
 Russy, and were hourly expecting an attack; 
 
214 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 consequently they would find no one at home ex- 
 cept George's mother, sisters, and a few old ne- 
 groes who were too feeble to work on the forti- 
 fications. Besides, as all the troops were now on 
 Red River, their safest course would be to aban- 
 don, for awhile, at least, the idea of taking it as 
 their guide to the Mississippi. This silenced 
 their objections, and, after the sentinels for the 
 day had been selected, the fugitives, stretching 
 themselves out on the ground, and fell asleep — all 
 except Frank, who leaned back against a tree. 
 While he kept watch over his sleeping com- 
 panions, he pondered upon the history of their 
 new acquaintance, and admired the high sense of 
 duty and patriotism that had animated him to 
 make so great a sacrifice for the sake of the *' old 
 
THE SCENE AT THE PLANTATION. 
 
 215 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 m\t Bum eJ i\t Mhnivdwn. 
 
 ^^^^^-^EXT evenino;, Georcre took the lead, 
 and conducted them through the 
 woods, with a certainty that showed 
 that he was well acquainted with the 
 ground over which they were passing. 
 Not a word did he speak until they 
 emero-ed from the woods, and found 
 before them a large plantation, with the huge, 
 old-fashioned farm-house, surrounded by its negro 
 quarters and out-buildings, looming up in the 
 distance. 
 
 George gazed upon the scene long and earn- 
 estly, until his feelings overcame him, when he 
 leaned his head upon his hand, and gave full vent 
 to his sorrow. He did not weep, but the heaving 
 of his chest, and the quivering of his whole frame, 
 showed how severe was the struggle that was 
 
216 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 going on within him. His companions, who well 
 knew what was passing in his mind, leaned on 
 their weapons, and silently waited until the burst 
 of grief had subsided. At length, George recov- 
 ered his composure, and said, slowly: 
 
 ^' It looks natural, boys ; every thing is just as 
 I left it five years ago. Let us go up to the 
 house. I inust see my mother and sisters once 
 more. We will say that we are rebel soldiers, 
 and want something to eat. My father and 
 brothers are at Fort De Russy with their com- 
 mands, so there will be no danger." 
 
 "But your uniform," said Frank, anxiously, 
 '• that will certainly betray us." 
 
 " No danger of that," answered George ; " a 
 great many soldiers in the rebel army wear the 
 Federal uniform. There 's no danger." 
 
 Frank was far from being satisfied, but he fell 
 in with the rest, and followed George toward the 
 house. A few moments' walk brought them to a 
 barn, where they again halted, and, while George 
 stood feasting his eyes on each familiar object, 
 the captain bound the rebel lieutenant hand and 
 foot, and laid him away under a fence-corner; and 
 left him, with the information that his Ufe de- 
 
THE SCENE AT THE PLANTATION. 217 
 
 pended upon his observing the strictest silence. 
 This course was the wisest that could have been 
 adopted, under the circumstances ; for it would 
 have been very imprudent to have taken the 
 prisoner with them, as he couki easily have 
 found means to make himself known. 
 
 George again took the lead, and, when they 
 had almost reached the house, they heard the 
 sound of a piano, and a female voice singing the 
 never-failing " Bonnie Blue Flag." 
 
 " There you have it," said George, bitterly ; 
 "but don't stop — ^let's go right in. Major, you 
 had better go up to the door, and ask them to 
 give us something to eat. I dare not trust my- 
 self to do it. Be a bitter rebel now, and they 
 will certainly invite us all in, and we will get 
 whatever we ask for. Now, boys," he continued, 
 turning to the others, " do n't watch me too 
 closely when we get in the house, or you will 
 betray me." 
 
 The major — after making sure that the papers, 
 which had already been of so much service to 
 them, were still in his pocket — ascended the 
 broad stone steps that led up to the portico, and 
 knocked at the door. It was opened by a serv- 
 
218 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 ant, who, after inquiring what he wanted, led the 
 way into a brilliantly-lighted parlor, where he saw 
 before him George's mother and sisters. 
 
 " Good evening, sir," said Mrs. Le Dell, rising 
 from her seat. "Is there any way in which we 
 can serve you?" 
 
 The major made known his wants, and a serv- 
 ant was at once dispatched to order supper, and 
 to invite the remainder of the fugitives into the 
 house. As they filed slowly into the room — 
 George bringing up the rear — the particular or- 
 ders which the major gave about the muskets 
 caused the lady to say : 
 
 *^You need have no fear, sir. The Yankees 
 have never yet favored us with a visit." 
 
 " I know^ it, ma'am," replied the major, accept- 
 ing a chair that one of the sisters offered him, 
 "but I have been a soldier so long, that I never 
 omit to make preparations for a fight." 
 
 As soon as they were fairly seated, Frank 
 turned to look at George. "That boy must be 
 made of iron," said he to himself, " or else he is 
 among his friends, and we are betrayed;" for, in- 
 stead of being embarrassed, or wearing his habit- 
 ual sorrowful look, he sat easily in his chair, and 
 
THE SCENE AT THE PLANTATION. 219 
 
 gazed carelessly about the room, as though he 
 were a perfect stranger there, and not a muscle 
 quivered, to show the emotion he really felt, as 
 his eye rested on the familiar faces of his rela- 
 tives. He calmly met their glances, which Frank 
 thought were directed toward him rather suspi- 
 ciously, but all attempts to draw him into the 
 conversation that followed, about the war, and 
 the certainty of speedily overpowering the Yan- 
 kees, and driving them from the land, were una- 
 vailing. Once Frank thought he heard one of 
 his sisters whisper, ''How much he looks like 
 George!" but he was not recognized, and the 
 supper, which was enlivened by conversation on 
 indiiferent subjects, passed off pleasantly. 
 
 When the meal was finished, a large bag was 
 filled with provisions, suflBcient to last them nearly 
 a week, and given in charge of one of the sol- 
 diers ; and the major, after thanking the ladies 
 for their kindness, was about to bid them good 
 evening, when there was a clatter of horses' hoofs 
 on the walk, then heavy steps sounded in the hall, 
 and the next moment, to the utter astonishment 
 and horror of the fugitives, three rebel oflficers 
 entered the room. 
 
220 FRANK ON A GUN -BOAT. 
 
 They were General Le Dell and his two sons. 
 
 Frank's heart fairly came up into his mouth al 
 this unwelcome intrusion, and his first impulse 
 was to draw his revolver and shoot the rebels 
 where they stood; but, on glancing at the major, 
 who always seemed to have his wits about him, he 
 abandoned the idea. The major, with the rest, 
 had seized his musket, but, as the rebels entered, 
 he returned it to its place in the corner, (motion- 
 ing to the others to do the same,) and, saluting 
 the general, said, with a smile : 
 
 " I beg your pardon, sir. I did not know but 
 that the Yankees were upon us." 
 
 "No danger of that,' said the general, with a 
 laugh ; " you '11 never see them as far up in the 
 country as this. Pray be seated, sir." 
 
 After greeting his wife and daughters, the gen 
 eral again turned to the major, whom, by his sol- 
 dierly bearing, he at once picked out as the leader 
 of the band, and inquired : 
 
 "May I ask what you are doing up here? 
 Has not your command been ordered to Fort De 
 Russy?" 
 
 " Yes, sir. But I am out on a scout, by order 
 of General Taylor." 
 
THE SCENE AT THE PLANTATION. 221 
 
 "You can have no objection to produce those 
 orders?" 
 
 " no, sir ! certainly not. Here they are," 
 answered the major, drawing from his pocket the 
 papers which Frank had captured. The general, 
 after hastily running his eye over them, suddenly 
 exclaimed : 
 
 *' Why, Lieutenant Somers, how do you do, sir ? 
 I am very glad to meet you again. I heard that 
 you had been taken prisoner. I am most happy 
 to see that you have escaped." 
 
 This was rather more than the major had been 
 expecting, and he suddenly found himself placed 
 in a most awkward position. But his presence 
 of mind never forsook him ; and, accepting the 
 rebel's proffered hand, he shook it with apparent 
 cordiality, and replied : 
 
 " Thank you, sir. I, myself, am not sorry to 
 know that I am a free man once more." 
 
 " You probably do not remember me," contin- 
 ued the general, '' but I was well acquainted with 
 your father before he moved to Georgia, and used 
 to trot you on my knee when you were a little 
 fellow; and I do believe you were the ugHest 
 little brat I ever had any thing to do with. You 
 
222 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 did nothing but yell and screech from morning 
 until night. But, by the way, your father met 
 his death in a very singular manner, did he 
 not?" 
 
 " Yes, sir — very singular — very singular, in- 
 deed," rephed the major, promptly, as though he 
 were perfectly familiar with all of the particulars, 
 although in reality he was sorely puzzled to know 
 what to say. What if the rebel should ask him 
 to explain the aflfair? But the general appeared 
 to be well enough acquainted with the matter, for 
 he continued : 
 
 "He died like a brave man, and a soldier. I 
 suppose you intend to take ample revenge upon 
 the Yankees to pay for it." 
 
 "Yes, sir; and I am now on the trail of the 
 very man who shot him." The major said this at 
 a venture; but, fortunately, he was correct in his 
 surmise as to the manner in which Mr. Somers 
 departed this life. 
 
 While this conversation was going on, Frank 
 was a good deal annoyed to see that George's 
 sisters, and one of his brothers, were engaged 
 in mysterious whisperings, now and then darting 
 suspicious glances toward his new companion. 
 
THE SCENE AT THE PLANTATION. 223 
 
 When the general entered, George had risen with 
 the rest and saluted him, after which he had re- 
 sumed his seat, and the deep blush of excitement 
 that arose to his cheek had quickly given place to 
 the same careless look that Frank had before no- 
 ticed. George was also aware that the whisper- 
 ing that was going on related to himself, and it 
 was evident that his relatives had some suspicions 
 of who he was ; but, if it caused him any uneasi- 
 ness, he was very careful to conceal it. 
 
 At length, one of his brothers drew his chair to 
 his side, and said : 
 
 "Excuse me, sir; but I believe I've seen you 
 before." 
 
 " I should n't be surprised if you had, sii'," an- 
 swered George, steadily meeting the rebel's gaze. 
 "I hiotv I 've seen you before." 
 
 His brother started back in his chair, and a 
 gleam of triumph shot across his face as he ex 
 claimed : 
 
 "George, I know you." 
 
 " And you will have cause to know me bettei 
 before this war is over," answered George, forget- 
 ting, in his excitement, all the precautions he had 
 before adopted to escape being recognized. 
 
224 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 Had a thunderbolt fallen into the room, the as- 
 tonishment of the general and his wife could not 
 have been greater. They sat in their chairs as 
 motionless as if they had been suddenly turned 
 into stone, gazing at their son as though they 
 could scarcely believe their eyes, while the fugi- 
 tives sat with their hands on their weapons, won- 
 dering what would be the result of George's im- 
 prudence. At length the general, who was the 
 first to recover from his astonishment, vocif- 
 erated : 
 
 " You here, you rascal — you young traitor ! I 
 thought you were safe in the prison at Tyler 
 again by this time." 
 
 "No djubt you did," answered George, bitterly. 
 "But I'm a free man now, and intend to remain 
 so." 
 
 "You are free!" repeated the general; "that's 
 a capital joke. Lieutenant Somers, I charge you 
 with his safe delivery at Tyler." 
 
 The major, greatly relieved to find that the 
 general still considered him a rebel, was about to 
 promise that George should be well taken care of, 
 when the latter, to the astonishment of all, boldly 
 declared : 
 
THE SCENE AT THE PLANTATION. 225 
 
 '* That is not Lieutenant Somers. These gentle- 
 men are all mj friends — Union to the backbone." 
 
 "Eh! what?" ejaculated the general, in sur- 
 prise, scarcely believing what he heard. " These 
 men all Yankees ?" 
 
 "Yes, sir; every one of them." 
 
 "A nice-looking set, surely — a fine lot of jail- 
 birds you are." 
 
 " So I have been feeding a lot of tyrants instead 
 of loyal Confederate soldiers," said Mrs. Le Dell, 
 while the sisters gazed at the young hero with 
 contempt pictured in their faces. 
 
 "No, mother, you have not fed tyrants," an- 
 swered George, with a good deal of spirit, " but 
 true Union men. It is nothing you need be 
 ashamed of." 
 
 " Well, we are ashamed of it," said the general, 
 who seemed to be fairly beside himself with rage. 
 "Didn't I tell you never to darken my door 
 again? Where are you traveling to, and what do 
 you intend to do?" 
 
 "I am on my way North, and I purpose to 
 join my vessel, if she is still afloat." 
 
 " You '11 do no such thing. Just consider 
 yourselves prisoners — all of you." 
 15 
 
226 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 " no, sheneral, I pelieve not, ' said the cap- 
 tain, quietly, ^' 'cause you see we six been more 
 as you three." 
 
 " No, father, we shall never be taken prisoners 
 again — never." 
 
 "You are very bold, young man," said the' 
 general, who, as he gazed upon the flushed coun- 
 tenance and flashing eyes of his son, could not 
 but admire his courage. "This is big talk for a 
 boy of your age." 
 
 "We have already wasted time enough," said 
 the major, growing impatient. " Captain, relieve 
 those gentlemen of their weapons." 
 
 The order was promptly obeyed, the rebels of- 
 fering no resistance." 
 
 " Now," resumed the major, " we shall take 
 our leave. Good evening." 
 
 " You '11 all be in Fort De Russy in less than 
 forty-eight hours," shouted the general, " or I am 
 very much mistaken." 
 
 " We '11 be dead men, then," answered George. 
 " You will never take us there alive." 
 
 The fugitives did not linger to converse, but 
 made all haste to get into the open air. The 
 horses belonging to the rebels, which were found 
 
THE SCENE AT THE PLANTATION. 227 
 
 fastened in front of the house, were immediately 
 turned loose, and a thrust from the captain's bay- 
 onet sent them galloping up the road. 
 
 George silently led the way to the place where 
 they had left their prisoner, and, as soon as he 
 was set ai liberty, they bent their steps across 
 the plantation, toward the woods at the rear. 
 Although George had borne up bravely while in 
 the presence of his rebel parents, he could con- 
 trol himself no longer, and tears, which he could 
 not repress, coursed down his cheeks, as ever and 
 anon he turned to take a long, hngering look at 
 the place he could no longer call home. Every 
 emotion he experienced found an echo in the 
 generous heart of Frank, who was scarcely less 
 affected than himself. He could not believe that 
 the scene through which they had just passed 
 was a reahty. It did not seem possible that 
 parents could address a son in the language that 
 he had heard used toward George. 
 
 The unexpected denouement at the house had 
 
 rendered the major and captain doubly anxious ; 
 
 for now nothing but the most consummate skill 
 
 and daring could save them from recapture ; and, 
 
 rhile the former kept close watch on the house. 
 
228 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 to catcli the first sign of pursuit that should be 
 made, the hitter gave vent to his feelings bj 
 railing, in his broken English, first at George for 
 proposing such an expedition, and then by depre- 
 cating his o-wn folly for yielding his consent to it. 
 But there was no help now ; regrets could not 
 mend the matter, and nothing but rapid flight 
 could save them. 
 
 When they reached the end of the field, George 
 became suddenly aroused. Brushing away the 
 tears that dimmed his eyes, he placed himself at 
 the head of the party, and started on at a rapid 
 Dace through the woods. 
 
ALMOST BETRaYED. 
 
 229 
 
 CHAPTER XYIII 
 
 immt m^ixu^ti!. 
 
 ^.^4^ HITHER he was leading them no 
 ¥ A ¥lS ^^® knew, or cared to ask; for, if 
 ^W/g|i^/L^ they had entertained any suspicions 
 ^ ^^ ' in regard to George, the scene at 
 the house had dispelled them ; and 
 knowing that he had as much, if not 
 more, cause to dread recapture than 
 themselves, they rehed implicitly on him to get 
 them out of their present difficulty. 
 
 The woods were pitch-dark, but George seemed 
 to understand what he was about, and, for two 
 hours, not a word was spoken, except, perhaps, 
 now and then a growl of anger, as some one 
 stumbled over a log or bush that lay in his way. 
 Finally, the softness of the ground under their 
 feet indicated that they were approaching a 
 swamp. George now paused, and said ; 
 
230 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 "Major, with your permission, we tnIII stop here 
 until daj'light. It is impossible to go further in 
 this darkness, for it is an ugly road to travel." 
 
 "What makes you take to the swamp?" in- 
 quired Frank. 
 
 "It is a short cut across the country," an- 
 swered George, "and if we are pursued by blood 
 hounds we can more easily elude them." 
 
 Between sleeping and listening for the noise 
 of pursuit, the fugitives passed the night. As 
 soon as day began to dawn, they made a hasty 
 breakfast on the provisions which they had ob- 
 tained at the plantation, and resumed their jour- 
 ney. George led the way into the swamp, and, 
 as he seemed to choose the most difficult path, 
 their progress was necessarily slow and laborious. 
 About the middle of the afternoon the swamp bo- 
 came almost impassable, and the major was about 
 to suggest the propriety of picking out an easier 
 path, when George suddenly halted on the banks 
 of a narrow, but deep and sluggish, stream, and, 
 wiping his forehead with his coat-sleeve, said, with 
 something like a sigh of relief: 
 
 "Here we are, at last." 
 
 "I see we are," said the major, gazing impa- 
 
ALMOST BETRAYED. 231 
 
 tiently about on the labyrinth of trees and bushes 
 with which they were surrounded, "but I had 
 rather be almost anywhere else. You might as 
 well get us out of this swamp by the shortest and 
 easiest path you can find." 
 
 *' I will, if you order me to do so," answered 
 George; "but we are now at as good a harbor 
 ing place as can be found in a country filled with 
 enemies, bent upon our capture, and thirsting for 
 our blood. I know my father's disposition too 
 well to think that he will allow us to get off easily. 
 The country is fairly overrun with cavalry by 
 this time, and the best thing we can do is to re- 
 main here until the excitement has abated a little, 
 and then push for Red River again. That high 
 bank you see over there," he continued, point- 
 ing across the stream, "is an island, and all 
 the blood-hounds and negro-hunters in Louisiana 
 would not think of looking for us there. How- 
 ever, I will lead you out of the swamp, if you 
 say so." 
 
 After a short consultation, it was decided that 
 it would be best to accept George's plan, as their 
 pursuers would never think of looking for them 
 80 near the plantation; and, after divesting them- 
 
232 FRANK OX A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 selves of their clothes, they entered the water, 
 and struck out for the opposite shore. Frank, 
 who brought up the rear, had scarcely made half 
 a dozen strokes, when he was startled by a loud 
 splashing in the water, followed by a noise resem- 
 bling the bellowing of a bull, and looked up just 
 in time to see the huge, shining body of an alli- 
 gator disappear in the muddy water. The utmost 
 horror was depicted on Frank's countenance, as 
 he turned and hastily regained the shore. The 
 others, who were too for out to return, were no 
 less terrified, but they had the presence of mind 
 to retain their hold of their clothing and weapons, 
 and a few hasty strokes brought them to the 
 shore. George and the lieutenant were the only 
 ones who did not seem aware of the danger; for, 
 when the former reached the shore, he proceeded 
 to pull on his clothes, and, seeing Frank standing 
 where he had left him, coolly inquired : 
 
 "Why do n't you come on? Can't you swim?" 
 " Yes," answered Frank ; " but did n't you see 
 that alligator? I almost ran over him before 1 
 saw him." 
 
 " 0, that 's nothing," answered George, care- 
 lessly. "If alligators were all we had to fear, 
 
ALMOST BETRAYED. 233 
 
 we would all be safe at the North in less than 
 two months. They are death on darkeys, but th(y 
 will not touch a white man in the water, if be 
 keeps moving. There 's not the slightest danger. 
 Come on.'' 
 
 Frank was very much inclined to doubt this 
 statement ; but, screwing up his courage to the 
 highest pitch, he stepped into the water again, 
 and struck out. When he reached the middle of 
 the stream, he saw a large, black object rise in 
 the water but a short distance from him, and, 
 after regarding him a moment with a pair of small, 
 sharp-looking eyes, it disappeared, with another 
 of those roars which had so startled him but a 
 moment before. He kept on, however, and, in 
 a few moments, reached the shore in safety. 
 
 " Now," said George, " there is, or was about 
 five years ago, a cabin on this island, where our 
 negroes used to put up when they came here 
 fishing. Let us see if we can find it." 
 
 He commenced leading the way, through the 
 thick bushes and trees, toward the center of the 
 island, and, after a few moments' walk, they sud- 
 denly entered a small, clear spot, where stodd the 
 cabin of which George had spoken. But a fax 
 
234 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 different scene was presented than they had ex 
 pected ; for a fire was burning near the cabin, 
 and a man stood over it, superintending the cook- 
 ing of his supper, and conversing in a low tone 
 with a companion who lay stretched out on his 
 blanket close by. Both were dressed in the rebel 
 uniform, and their muskets and a cavalry saber 
 were hung up under the eaves of the cabin. 
 George at once hastily drew back into the bushes, 
 while the captain threw forward his musket, and 
 whispered : 
 
 " Major, I pelieve it 's petter we shoots them 
 rebels." 
 
 Before the major had time to reply, a large 
 dog, which the fugitives had not before noticed, 
 arose from the blanket where he had lain beside 
 his master, and uttered a low growl, whereat the 
 rebels seized their weapons, and were beating a 
 precipitate retreat, when a loud "halt!" from the 
 major brought them to a stand-still, 
 
 "We takes you all two brisoners,'' said the 
 captain, as he advanced from the bushes, fol- 
 lowed by the remainder of the fugitives, who 
 all held their weapons in readiness. "Drop 
 them guns." 
 
ALMOST BETRAYED. 235 
 
 The rebels did as thej were ordered, and the 
 major said : 
 
 " Now we will talk to jou. Who and what are 
 you?" 
 
 The men hesitated for a moment, and at length 
 one of them, turning to his companion with a 
 meaning look, said : 
 
 " "We 're caught, any way we can fix it, Jim, 
 and we may as well make a clean breast of it. 
 AYe are deserters." 
 
 "What are you doing here?" 
 
 "We came here to get out of the way of you 
 fellows who were sent after us. It is as good a 
 place of refuge as we could find, and, to tell the 
 truth, we did not think you would discover it. 
 You must have followed us with blood-hounds." 
 
 "No, sir; we did not," exclaimed the major, 
 indignantly. "What do you take us for — sav- 
 ages ? " 
 
 "Well, you found us in some way," replied the 
 rebel, " and I suppose we 're done for." 
 
 "No, not necessarily. We shall not trouble 
 you as long as you behave yourselves, for we are 
 in a bad fix also." 
 
 "Are you deserters, too?" inquired the rebel, 
 
236 FRANK OX A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 joyfully. " If you are, we are all right, foi, witl 
 the force we have, we can defend this island 
 against as many men as they can pile into Louis- 
 iana. But, shoot me if I did n't think you were 
 looking after us. I see you have gobbled a Yan- 
 kee," he continued, pointing to the heutenant 
 "But, come, sit down and have some supper." 
 
 The major was perfectly willing that the reb- 
 els should consider themselves in the presence 
 of their own men ; and, besides, if they were 
 really deserters, their being on the island proved 
 what George had told them, that it was considered 
 to be a safe place for concealment. The only 
 cause he had for uneasiness was the presence of 
 the rebel heutenant ; if he should find opportunity 
 to talk to the men, he would soon make known 
 the true state of affairs. 
 
 " Captain," he whispered, turning to that indi- 
 vidual, "keep an eye on that prisoner of ours, 
 and do not, under any circumstances, leave him 
 alone with these deserters." 
 
 The fugitives then threw themselves on the 
 ground, under the shade of the trees, and, while 
 the majority readily entered into conversation 
 with the rebels, Frank, who had grown suspicious 
 
ALMOST BETRAYED. 237 
 
 if every thing that looked like friendship, in spite 
 of the cordial manner with which the deserters had 
 ■welcomed them, could not, for a long time, satisfy 
 himself that every thing was right. However, as 
 he could detect nothing in the actions of the men 
 to confirm his suspicions, and, as the fact that 
 their food was supplied to them by a negro, who 
 visited the island every night, gave him good 
 grounds for believing that there might, after all, 
 be some truth in their statement, he dismissed 
 the subject for the present, but determined that 
 the men should be closely watched. 
 
 During the two following days, which the 
 fugitives spent on the island, nothing suspicious 
 was discovered. Wherever the lieutenant went 
 he was closely followed by his keeper, and he was 
 never allowed to be alone with the other rebels. 
 In fact, he did not seem at all desirous of having 
 any conversation with them, for, with the excep- 
 tion of taking a short walk about the island after 
 every meal, he passed both day and night in 
 dozing in the cabin. The rebels, on the other 
 hand, appeared to believe him a " Yankee," and 
 as such, considered him beneath their notice. 
 Frank was beginning to think that his fears had 
 
238 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 been utterly groundless, when, on tlie third night, 
 he was fortunate enough to detect a plot, which, 
 if carried into execution, would have put an end 
 to all his hopes of seeing home again, perhaps 
 forever. 
 
 It was his duty to stand sentry from dark until 
 midnight. As he walked his beat, listening for 
 the signal of the negro, whom he every moment 
 expected with another supply of provisions, and 
 thinking over the scenes through which he had 
 passed since he had entered the service, he heard 
 a slight rustling in the bushes back of the cabin, 
 and saw one of the deserters disappear among the 
 trees. "What could the man mean by moving about 
 the island at that time of night? There must 
 be something wrong, for his stealthy movements 
 proved that he did not wish to be observed. 
 While Frank was pondering upon the subject, 
 and debating the propriety of informing the majoi 
 of the fact, the lieutenant sauntered leisurely uf 
 to the place where he was standing, and, stretch- 
 ing his arms, languidly inquired : 
 
 " Don't you think it is very sultry this evening? 
 It is impossible for me to sleep." 
 
 This was something unusual for the lieutenant, 
 
ALMOST BETRAYED. 239 
 
 who, although he had often conversed very freely 
 with the major, had never before spoken to Frank 
 since the night of his capture. The latter knew 
 . that the rebel had some object in view, and at 
 once determined to act as though he suspected 
 nothing, and to await the issue of affairs. 
 
 "Yes, it is very warm," he replied, fanning 
 himself with his cap. " I shall be glad when I 
 get North again." 
 
 " No doubt of it," answered the rebel, carelessly. 
 " I believe I '11 go down to the spring and get a 
 cup of water, if you have no objections." 
 
 As soon as he had disappeared, Frank threw 
 himself on his hands and knees, and crawling to 
 the edge of the bank, looked over, and saw the 
 lieutenant and the deserter, whom he had seen 
 stealing from the cabin, engaged in conversation. 
 " They will be here to-morrow night, then, with- 
 out fail?" he heard the lieutenant ask. 
 
 " Yes, so the negro says," replied the deserter. 
 " Twelve of them, did you say ? That will make 
 sixteen, including the negro. There will be none 
 too many of us, for these Yankees will fight like 
 perfect demons. If we fail, our lives will not be 
 worth five minutes' purchase." 
 
240 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 "Do not have any fears," replied the other. 
 "I have made 'assurance doubly sure,' and fail- 
 ure is impossible." 
 
 "Well, go back to the cabin now," said the 
 lieutenant, " for you might be missed." 
 
 On hearing this, Frank hastily retreated, and 
 regained his post. Presently the lieutenant re- 
 turned, and, after giving Frank a drink of water 
 from his cup, sought his blanket. 
 
 "A pretty piece of business, indeed," thought 
 Frank, as he commenced walking his be it again. 
 " It is fortunate I discovered it. I '11 keep a look- 
 out for the negro, and learn all I can frcm him." 
 
 He was not obliged to wait long, for |resently 
 a low whistle, that sounded from the .>pposite 
 side of the bayou, told that the negro was in 
 waiting. Frank answered the signal, when % light 
 canoe shot out from the shore and app:*^ ached 
 the island. In a few moments the negro "vi^lked 
 up the bank, and, depositing a large bag of pro- 
 visions in the cabin, turned to go back, foil' wed 
 by Frank, who commenced conversation b^ ob- 
 serving, " A warm evening, uncle ; " but, the 
 moment they were out of sight of the cabiD . he 
 inquired, in a low voice : 
 
ALMOST BETRAYED. 241 
 
 *^Are those twelve men all ready to come here 
 to-morrow night?" 
 
 " Sar ! what twelve men?" asked the negro, in 
 "well-feigned surprise. ^' I dunno nuffin 'bout nc 
 twelve men." 
 
 " G, now, see here, uncle," said Frank, " that 
 stcry won't do at all, for I know better than that. 
 You see this is the first chance I have had to talk 
 to you, for these Yanks watch me so closely. 
 Now, at what hour are they to be here?" 
 
 "I tol' you, massa," repeated the negro, "dat 
 I dunno nuffin 'bout no men;" and, thinking he 
 had settled the matter, turned to walk away. 
 
 But Frank was not yet done with him, and, 
 seeing that he was too cunning to be "pumped," 
 determined to try what effect the sight of his 
 weapons would produce. Seizing the negro by the 
 collar, he pressed the muzzle of his revolver against 
 his head, whispering, between his clenched teeth: 
 
 "See here, you black rascal! you do know all 
 about the matter, for you have carried orders 
 from these rebels here to their friends. So, con- 
 fess the whole truth, instantly." 
 
 " I dunno nuffin 'bout no men, I tol' you," per- 
 sisted the negro. 
 16 
 
242 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 "You won't confess, eh?" said Frank, cocking 
 his revolver. " Then you 're a dead man." 
 
 " Lor' ! do n't shoot, massa," exclaimed tht 
 now terrified negro. "What shall I Tess." 
 
 "Confess the truth," replied Frank, "and you 
 shall not be harmed ; but, if you try to deceive 
 me, you 're a dead darkey. Answer such ques- 
 tions as I shall ask you. In the first place, who 
 are these men who say they are rebel deserters?" 
 
 " One of 'em is my massa, an' de other is a 
 captain in de army." 
 
 " What are they doing on this island ? " 
 
 "Dey come here for to cotch young massa 
 George Le Dell, 'cause dey knowed he would be 
 shore for to come here." 
 
 "Well, how many men are you going to bring 
 over here to-morrow night ? " 
 
 " Twelve, sar, an' I fotch 'em in de big canoe.'' 
 
 "At what hour?" 
 
 " Midnight, when de moon hab gone down, an' 
 my massa is on guard." 
 
 Having got this important information, Frank 
 released the negro, and regained his post without 
 being discovered. At midnight he called his relief, 
 and then lay down on the ground and fell asleep. 
 
ALMOST BETRAYED. 243 
 
 After breakfast, the next morning, as the major 
 went to the spring to fill his cup, Frank, who had 
 followed close behind him, said suddenly : 
 
 " We 're in trouble again." 
 
 "Yes, and always shall be," answered the 
 major, coolly, " until we are safe at the North. 
 But what is the matter now — any thing new ? " 
 
 "Yes," replied Frank, speaking in a whisper, 
 lest he should be overheard. " Last night I dis- 
 covered that there is a plot on foot to recapture 
 us, and the attempt is to be made at midnight. 
 These men we found here are not deserters, as 
 they claim to be, but still belong to the army." 
 
 The major, as if not at all concerned, raised 
 the cup to his hps and slowly drained it, keeping 
 his eyes fastened on Frank, who finally began to 
 grow impatient, and inquired : 
 
 "What shall we do to defeat them?" 
 
 " Keep cool, for one thing," answered the 
 major. "But tell me all the particulars." 
 
 Frank then recounted every thing that had 
 transpired. When he had finished, the major 
 carelessly remarked: 
 
 " The rascals played their parts pretty well ; in 
 fact, very well, indeed. Now, the first thing to 
 
244 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 be done is to go back to the camp and secure 
 those two fellows. We '*11 determine upon oui 
 plans afterward." 
 
 They accordingly slowly returned to the cabin, 
 and found their men engaged, one in sharpening 
 his bowie-knife, and the other cleaning his rifle. 
 The major walked straight up to one of them, 
 and, seizing his musket, wrested it from him. The 
 other, comprehending the state of affairs in an in 
 stant, exclaimed "Betrayed!" and turned to run, 
 when Frank grappled with him and threw him 
 to the ground. 
 
 "What ish the matter here, any way?" ex- 
 claimed the captain, who was taken so completely 
 by surprise that he stood riveted to the spot. 
 
 " Lend a hand here," answered Frank, strug- 
 gling desperately with his man, " and ask your 
 questions afterward." 
 
 The captain at once sprang to Frank's assist- 
 ance ; in a moment, the rebel was disarmed, and 
 his hands bound behind his back. The major, 
 in the mean time, having succeeded in securing 
 his man, gave a hasty explanation of the matter, 
 and ended by saying : 
 
 " There is but one way for us to do, and that 
 
ALMOST BETRAYED. 245 
 
 is to leave this place at once. Tie those two 
 rebels to some of these trees, and then we '11 be 
 off/' 
 
 As soon as this was accomplished, and the 
 major had satisfied himself that there was not 
 the least chance for their escape, he said : 
 
 **!Now, we shall leave you here. Your friends 
 will probably be along at midnight and hberate 
 
 you." 
 
 The rebels made no reply, and the fugitives, 
 after collecting their weapons, again set out, 
 taking the lieutenant with them. The major or- 
 dered George to lead them by the most direct 
 route to Red River. This was a desperate 
 measure, but their Case was also desperate. The 
 country on all sides of them had been alarmed, 
 and, if Red River was closely guarded, the 
 Washita was equally dangerous. 
 
 So anxious were they to put as long a distance 
 IS possible between them and the scene of their 
 late narrow escape, that they traveled until the 
 uext morning — stopping only to eat sparingly of 
 some provisions which one of the soldiers had ie- 
 cured before leaving the island — and then camped 
 in the swamp, and slept soundly. 
 
246 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 lfL=^5^^ HE next evening, as soon as it was 
 !^^ dark, they again started out. For 
 three days they held their course 
 straight through the woods, and, finally, 
 -eleasing their prisoner, they bent their 
 steps toward Red River, where, after 
 many delays, they succeeded in secur- 
 ing a canoe. 
 
 They traveled entirely by night, and, in a short 
 time reached Alexandria, where they landed just 
 above the village, and went ashore to reconnoiter. 
 To their disappointment they found that the place 
 was filled with soldiers, and that a pontoon-bridge 
 had been thrown across the river, and was guarded 
 at both ends. 
 
 After making all their observations, they re- 
 treated to the bank of the river, and held a con- 
 
CONCLUSION. 247 
 
 oaitation. Should they abandon their canoe, and 
 strike off through the woods again? Thers were 
 many objections to this plan. The country, for 
 miles around, was, doubtless, filled with encamp- 
 ments, and guarded by pickets, and their progress 
 would involve both danger and difficulty. Besides, 
 they were almost worn out with travel and con- 
 stant watching, and, even had there been no ob- 
 stacles in their way, it would have been impossible 
 for them to sustain a long journey across the 
 country. It was finally decided to follow the 
 river. They resolved to run the bridge, and hoped, 
 aided by darkness, to escape discovery. It was 
 necessary that some one should guide the canoe, 
 and, as Frank perfectly understood its manage- 
 ment, he was selected for the purpose. 
 
 As soon as the moon had gone down, Frank 
 seated himself in the stern of the canoe, and his 
 companions stretched themselves out under the 
 thwarts, as much out of sight as possible. As soon 
 as all was ready, he moved their frail craft from 
 the shore, with one silent sweep of the paddle, turn- 
 ing it toward the bridge. 
 
 It was a danorerous undertakino; ; but Frank, 
 although perfectly aware of this, and knowing what 
 
248 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 his fate would be if he was recaptured, had nevei 
 been more cool and self-possessed in his life. He 
 remained at his station until they were within a 
 hundred yards of the bridge. He then drew in his 
 paddle, and laid on the bottom of the canoe, with 
 the others, awaiting the issue. 
 
 Propelled by the force of the current, the canoe 
 rapidly approached the bridge, and, presently, they 
 could distinctly hear the sentinels talking with each 
 other. They had not been expecting an enemy in 
 that quarter ; but, in a few moments, that dangei 
 was passed. For miles below Alexandria, the 
 river was lined with picket fires, and the slightest 
 noise would have betrayed them. But they were 
 not discovered ; and, after a week's journey — during 
 which the papers Frank had taken from the rebel 
 lieutenant procured them food — they reached the 
 Mississippi River. 
 
 To their disappointment they learned that Yicks- 
 burg was still in possession of the rebels, and that 
 they had two hundred miles further to go be- 
 fore they would be among friends again. After 
 having come so far, they could not be discouraged, 
 but, taking a few moments' repose, they again set 
 out. 
 
CONCLUSION. 249 
 
 The current in the river was very strong, and 
 it was a month before they reached Yicksburg. 
 One dark night, they ran by the city in safety, and 
 the next morning, to their joy, they found them- 
 selves in sight of a gun-boat, for which they imme- 
 diately shaped their course. As they approached 
 her, Frank thought there was something about the 
 vessel that looked famihar; and when they came 
 alongside, he found that it was the Ticonderoga. 
 She had been repainted, and some of her rigging 
 altered, which was the reason he had not recog- 
 nized her before. 
 
 Frank almost cried with joy when he found 
 himself once more on his own ship; and all the 
 dangers he had undergone were forgotten in a mo- 
 ment. He saw many new officers on board, and a 
 master's mate met them at the gangway, who, prob- 
 ably, held the position he once occupied. 
 
 The captain stood on deck, but did not recognize 
 him ; and even the old mate, with whom Frank had 
 been an especial favorite, gazed at him as though 
 he were a perfect stranger. 
 
 "Walk up on deck, men," said the officer who 
 received them, and who, doubtless, took them for 
 rebel deserters, " the captain wants to see you.'' 
 
250 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 Frank led the way up the ladder, and, as they 
 filed, one after the other, on to the quarter-deck, 
 the captain inquired: 
 
 "Where do you belong, men?" 
 
 "I formerly belonged here, sir,** answered 
 Frank, raising his hat ; " and I have the honor to 
 report myself on board." 
 
 " Report yourself on board ! " repeated the cap- 
 tain, in a tone of surprise. 
 
 " Yes, sir. I have n't been on board since we 
 were down Yazoo Pass. I did not intend to re- 
 main away so long, when I left the ship, but I 
 could n't help it." 
 
 , "Explain yourself," said the captain, growing 
 impatient; "I don't know what you mean." 
 
 "My name is Nelson, sir ; I was captured at" — 
 
 " Why, Mr. Nelson ! " exclaimed the captain, 
 seizing his hand with a grip that almost wrung 
 from him a cry of pain, " is it possible this is 
 you ? I never expected to see you again. But 
 who are these with you?" 
 
 " They are some of our soldiers, whom I met on 
 the way down." 
 
 Their story was very soon told. When it be- 
 came known that the rebel lieutenant who was 
 
CONCLUSION-. 251 
 
 talking with the captain was none other than 
 Frank Nelson, the quarter-deck was filled with 
 ofl5cers and men, who gathered around the young 
 hero, congratulating him on his safe return. He 
 was compelled to relate the particulars of his es- 
 cape over and over again; and, finally, he and 
 his companions were taken down into the ward- 
 room, and supplied with clothing more befitting 
 their stations than that which they wore. 
 
 For two days Frank did nothing but answer 
 questions and relate incidents that occurred dur- 
 ing the flight from Shreveport. But at length the 
 reaction came, and he, with several of his com- 
 panions, were seized with the fever. For a month 
 Frank was very ill; but he received the best of 
 care, and, aided by his strong constitution, the 
 progress of the disease was stayed. 
 
 One day the captain came into his room, and, 
 seating himself by his bedside, inquired: 
 "Well, Mr. Nelson, how do you prosper?" 
 "Oh, I am getting along finely, thank you, sir." 
 "Do you think you will be strong enough to 
 travel, soon ? " 
 
 "Yes, sir," answered Frank, wondering what 
 made the captain ask that question. 
 
252 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 "How would you enjoy a trip home?" 
 
 "Oh, I should enjoy it above all things, sir. I 
 never was away from home so long before, in my 
 life." 
 
 "Well," said the captain, as he rose to go, "you 
 must hurry and get well as fast as you can. The 
 doctor told me that he thought you ought to go 
 North and recruit a little ; so I wrote to the Ad- 
 miral, and obtained you a sick-leave. The dis- 
 patch boat will be along in a day or two, and I will 
 send you up the river on her. I think it is noth- 
 ing more than right that you should go home for 
 a coujDle of months, at least, for you have been 
 thi'ough a good deal for a young man of your age." 
 
 The thought that he was soon to see his home 
 again did Frank more good than all the medicine 
 the doctor had given him ; and, by the time the 
 mail steamer arrived, he was able to walk about. 
 In two weeks they arrived at Cairo. The steamer 
 had scarcely touched the wharf-boat before Archie, 
 who had seen his cousin standing on deck, sprang 
 on board. 
 
 We can not describe the meeting. To Archie it 
 was like finding one risen from the dead; for he had 
 heard of Frank's capture, and had never expected 
 
co^^oLUSION. 253 
 
 to see him again. A multitude of questions were 
 asked and answered on both sides ; and when Frank 
 informed Archie that he was on his way home, 
 the latter abruptly left him, and hurried to the 
 fleet paymaster to ask permission to accompany 
 his cousin. This, as business was dull, and as 
 Archie had always been very faithful, was readily 
 obtained. They made preparations for immediate 
 departure. After Archie had telegraphed to his 
 father that Frank was safe — taking care, however, 
 not to say one word about their coming home — 
 they took their seats in the cars, and soon arrived 
 safely in Portland. Frank remained there only 
 one day, and then set out for Lawrence. 
 
 Only those who have been in similar circum- 
 stances can imagine what Frank's feelings were, 
 as he stood on the deck of the Julia Burton, and 
 found himself once more in sight of his native vil- 
 lage. Familiar objects met his eye on every side. 
 There were the weeds that surrounded the perch- 
 bed, where he, in company with George and Harry 
 Butler, was fishing when he made the acquaintance 
 of Charles Morgan, who was afterward the leader 
 of the Regulators. Above the perch-bed was the 
 bass-ground, and to the left was Reynard's Island, 
 
254 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 where the black fox had been captured. Near the 
 middle of the river lay Strawberry Island, which 
 had been the silent witness of many a sailing match 
 between the yachts of the village ; in short, every 
 thing looked exactly as it did when, just fifteen 
 months before, he had sailed down the river on 
 that same steamer, on his way to Portland. 
 
 As soon as the steamer was made fast to the 
 wharf, Frank gave his trunk in charge of a dray- 
 man, and set out on foot for the cottage ; for, im- 
 patient as he was to get home, he wished to have 
 time to enjoy the sight of each familiar object along 
 the road; besides, he wished to come in upon his 
 folks (w^ho little dreamed that he was so near them) 
 suddenly, and take them by surprise. Every thing 
 in the village, and along the road, looked as natural 
 as ever ; not a tree, bush, or stump seemed to have 
 been removed. At length he reached the bend in 
 the road which brought him in sight of his home. 
 He stopped to gaze upon the scene. Not a thing 
 about the house or orchard had been changed. He 
 noticed that a part of the rose-bush wliich covered 
 his window, and w^hich had been broken off in a 
 storm the night before he left, still swung loose in 
 the wind; and even his fish-pole, which he had 
 
CONCLUSION. 255 
 
 ^dng up under the eaves of his museum, had not 
 been touched. 
 
 WTiile he stood thus, trying in vain to choke 
 back the tears, he was aroused by a well-known 
 bark; the next moment Brave bounded over the 
 fence, and came toward his master at the top of 
 his speed. He had been lying in his accustomed 
 place in front of the house ; he had seen Frank 
 approaching, and had recognized him in an in- 
 stant. Frank wound his arms around the faithful 
 animal's neck, and, after caressing him for a mo- 
 ment, again started toward the house. Brave lead- 
 ing the way, with every demonstration of joy. As 
 soon as Frank succeeded in quieting him, he walked 
 through the gate, noiselessly opened the door lead- 
 ing into the hall, and paused to hsten. 
 
 He heard JuUa's voice singing one of his favor- 
 ite songs, while a loud clatter of dishes told him 
 that Hannah was still in charge of the kitchen. 
 
 Brave ran into the sitting-room, barking and 
 whining furiously, and Frank heard his mothei 
 say: 
 
 "Julia, I guess you did not close the front door 
 when you came in. Be quiet. Brave. What is the 
 matter with you?" and Mrs. Nelson, di^essed in 
 
256 FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. 
 
 deep mourning, came into the hall. The next mo« 
 ment she was clasped in her son's arms. 
 
 Let those who have sons and brothers in the 
 service imagine the joy that prevailed in that 
 house! They had heard of Frank's capture, 
 through Archie and the captain of the Ticonde- 
 roga, and, afterward, that he was killed at Shreve 
 port, while attempting to run by the guards. 
 
 " Mother," said Frank, as soon as the greeting 
 was over, " you told me, when I went away, never 
 to shrink from my duty, but always to do what was 
 required of me, no matter what the danger might 
 be. Have I obeyed your instructions?" 
 
 Reader, will you answer the question for her? 
 and will you follow Frank through his adventures 
 before Vicksburg and on the Lower Mississippi ? 
 
 THE END* 
 
RARE BOOK 
 COLLECTION 
 
 THE LIBRARY OF THE 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF 
 
 NORTH CAROLINA 
 
 AT 
 
 CHAPEL HILL 
 
 Wilmer 
 457