Frank reached the vessel far in advance of the others; as he came over the side, panting and excited, the captain, who was still on deck, inquired: "What's the matter, Mr.Nelson ?" "We ran foul of some guerrillas out there in the woods, sir," replied Frank.
"How many of them did you see ?" "They didn't give us much of a chance to judge of their numbers, sir; but I should say that there were at least a dozen of them, and they were coming this way.

I shouldn't wonder if they intended to pick off some of the men who are carrying in wood." "Mr.Hurd," said the captain, turning to the executive officer, "take thirty men, who are good shots, and go out there and keep those fellows off.

Mr.Nelson will go with you." Frank accordingly ran below, and armed himself with a revolver and musket, and buckled on a cartridge-box.

When the men were ready, he led the way, along the levee, so that, if the guerrillas were advancing, they would be certain to meet them.

But they saw no signs of them until they came within sight of a barn which stood in the woods, about a mile from the river.