"Then you're a dead man." "O Lor'! don't shoot, massa," exclaimed the now terrified negro.

"What shall I 'fess." "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 questions 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.
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.