Part 23 (1/2)

It was a dangerous undertaking; but Frank although perfectly aware of this, and knowing what his fate would be if he was recaptured, had never 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 danger was pa.s.sed. 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 Vicksburg was still in possession of the rebels, and that they had two hundred miles further to go before 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.

The current in the river was very strong, and it was a month before they reached Vicksburg. One dark night, they ran by the city in safety, and the next morning, to their joy, they found themselves in sight of a gun-boat, for which they immediately shaped their course. As they approached her, Frank thought there was something about the vessel that looked familiar; 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 recognized her before.

Frank almost cried with joy when he found himself once more on his own s.h.i.+p; and all the dangers he had undergone were forgotten in a moment. He saw many new officers on board, and a master's mate met them at the gangway, who, probably, 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.”

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 captain, in a tone of surprise.

”Yes, sir. I haven't been on board since we were down Yazoo Pa.s.s. I did not intend to remain away so long, when I left the s.h.i.+p, but I couldn'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 became known that the rebel lieutenant who was talking with the captain was none other than Frank Nelson, the quarter-deck was filled with officers and men, who gathered around the young hero, congratulating him on his safe return. He was compelled to relate the particulars of his escape over and over again; and, finally, he and his companions were taken down into the wardroom, 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 during the flight from Shreveport. But at length the reaction came, and he, with several of his companions, were seized with the fever. For a month Frank was very ill; but he received the best of care, and, aided by his strong const.i.tution, the progress of the disease was stayed.

One day the captain came into his room, and, seating himself by his bedside, inquired: