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 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 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.