Frank on the Lower Mississippi

for the

isposition to know that he would not surrender without a fight; but what could he do when opposed by a regiment of veteran rebels? Frank thought not of his own peril, for that was something he had fully expected to encounter before he started. This was not the first time he had voluntarily placed himself in danger; but with Archie the case was different; and Frank was several times on the point of returning to h

y ten do

'em up o

nally began moving cautiously around the cabin, to find some opening through which he could look and see what was going on inside. He presently discovered a hole between the logs, and, upon looking in, saw a man seated on the floor before a fi

llow, who knowing the importance of his trust, and the certainty of receiving prompt and effective assistance from his comrades, would, no doubt, fight most desperately, unless he could be taken at disadvantage and secured before he had time to think of resistance. Besides, the cabin was scarcely fifty feet distant from the house, which Frank knew was filled with men, for he could hea

osed that the men would find sleeping-rooms in the negro quarters, which were nearly a half mile back, while the house would be reserved for the officers. But the rebels surely would not remain up all night, and when they had all gone to bed would be the time to

d the cabin, the door of wh

r to-night

covery he was both astonished and alarmed-astonished, for it seemed to him that he could scarcely make a move in any direction without being confronted by the redoubtable Wild-cats. This was the second time he ha

as again drawn to t

n's question, "I'm going over to-night-allers ma

the man, thrusting several letters i

ountry mail, an' I get the kernel's letter

usting his hand into his pocket, as if to prot

now you've got some. Me an' y

though he produced his "plug" very reluctantl

on that, now, if you please, becaus

m the cabin, when a door, which he had not before noticed, suddenly opened, and Stiles came out, and turning the corner, stood face to face with Frank, and scarcely an arm's length from him. With the latter, retreat without discovery was, of course, impossible. There was but one course he could pursue, and that presented but a small chance for success. He was, however, allowed no time for

grasp that held him, until Frank pulled one of his revolvers

asked, releasing his ho

iles, faintly. "D

d if you behave yoursel

re all in t

ockets and satisfying himself of the

have the least desire to live, you'll not make any noise; althoug

air of ears?" a

ay," returned Frank. "Now go this way

hand, ready cocked, obeyed, without the slightest hesitation, and they rea

w questions. Where do you keep the boat in

ve where that ar' gunbo

of you w

n' anothe

on't find you when he wan

l must go, an' it makes no odds who tak

aid Frank. Then, going to the

come u

made his appearanc

s, you're a

eplied, "so long as I get

the tree where he had left Archie, the latter was not to be seen. This, however, did not give him any uneasiness, for Archie, he thought, had doubtless gone back to the cutter. Fra

! de mail all

ad no time to lose. Stiles had told him that some one else would be sent with the mail, and as it was all ready, a man would soon be found to take his place. If he went back after Arc

to drift out into the river, thus depriving the rebels of the means of carrying their mail. But failing in this, he ran up the bank, and awaited the coming of the rebels. It was a hazardous undertaking to at

hing. One carried the mail-bags, and the other a pair of oars, the same, no doubt, which Stiles had but a short time before completed. Frank waite

ners. Don't make

was aware of his intention, drew a pistol and fired. Frank felt a sharp pain in his left shoulder, and the revolver which he held in that hand fell from his grasp. He had received his first wound, but although thoroughly frightened, he did not lose his presence of mind. If he had, he would soon have been r

nly chance for escape with his prisoner and the mail was to reach the cutter as soon as possible, and pull off to the vesse

overing this, slackened his pace considerably, although he appeared to be doing his utmost. Frank, however, was not deceived. Thrusting his revolver into his pocket, he seized the rebel by the nape of the neck, and helped him over the ground in a manner more rapid than agreeable. Had the man been aware of the fact that his captor had but one arm that he could use, he might not have submitt

aited impatiently for the appearance of their officer, wer

f-lively

hore, and the oars got out and handled by

le over his good luck in securing the mail. "The rebs will give us a volley," he continued, "unless we get o

on the muffled oars, which made no sound as they bent beneath the sturdy strokes, and the cutter flew noiselessly through the water, The rebels reached the bank but a few moments after the cutter h

t's crew saw it, and could scarcely refrain hurrahing; but knowing that they were not yet out of range of

oxswain, "may I be allowed to

e, as he gazed in surprise at the burning house, and tho

for if his cousin had been in the boat

sir. He went away with you, sir, and I haven'

s; the mischief had been done, and could not be undone. He had one hope, however, to which he still clung-that Archie might be on board the vessel. P

ter giving the officer of the deck, who met him at the gangway, instructions in regard to the prisoners, he ran up the stairs

u, sir; it was well done, sir!

I didn't do that, sir. I

not unless he

short distance of that house. If he is not on board, s

Frank's pale face and useless hand, from which the blood was dripping,