Part 18 (1/2)

”Yes, I'm here, captain; come along.”

The Dutchman soon made his appearance, followed 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 circ.u.mstances 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 b.u.t.ternut clothes; besides this, the papers which had been taken from the lieutenant would greatly a.s.sist 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 might be led to believe that it was their intention to keep as 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, eating 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.

CHAPTER XVI.

A Friend in Need.

In the evening, at dark, they resumed their journey. They boldly followed the road, and met with no opposition 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 frightened 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 sign.”

The Major accordingly advanced to the place where the sentry was standing, and the captain cautiously c.o.c.king his musket, placed its cold muzzle against the prisoner's head, whispering, between his clenched teeth:

”I guess you hear what the major did said, ain't it? Well, then, don'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, although 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 the very prisoners you have just mentioned. I have already caught one of them,” he added, pointing to their prisoner, who, let it be remembered, 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 hosses?”

”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'll be dog-gone if I don't think I've seen your face somewhere before;” and as he said this he raised the lantern, and allowed the light to s.h.i.+ne 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 triumph light up the rebel's face. But the major was equal to the emergency. Meeting the lieutenant's gaze without flinching, he replied, carelessly:

”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 report you at head-quarters? Remember, I can say that you do not keep a very good watch, seeing I have already pa.s.sed you once.”

This threat seemed to decide the lieutenant, who replied, ”I guess it's all right-you'uns can pa.s.s.”

When Frank heard this, it seemed as though 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 fort.i.tude, he marched with his companions 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 didn't like the way that lieutenant eyed me. I am certain we shall be pursued as soon as he can send for a.s.sistance; and the best thing we can do is to get away from here. So, forward, double-quick. Don'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 pa.s.sed 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 followed Frank from Shreveport, but which had given up the chase and returned-had again started in pursuit. The guards were astounded when 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 pursuit; but, as they kept on down the road, Frank and his companions again escaped. They had heard their pursuers pa.s.s by, and knowing that the country would be thoroughly alarmed, and that it would be useless to attempt to reach Red River at present, they directed their course toward Was.h.i.+ta River, which lay about thirty-five miles distant, hoping to deceive the rebels as to their real intentions, and thus, by drawing their pursuers into the country, leave their avenue of escape un.o.bstructed.