He remembered now that Mr.Phillips had often questioned him closely concerning the manner in which the gun-boats were stationed along the river, and the distance they were apart.

And he thought of other questions which had been asked him by the family, which, although they did not seem strange at the time, now seemed suspicious.

At first he had been inclined to doubt the negro's story; but his doubts were soon removed by the appearance of a transport, which was completely riddled with shot; and her captain reported that they had been fired into by a battery of two guns, at Conway's Point.

Frank knew that it was the work of the rebel lieutenant, and he hoped that it would soon be his fortune to meet him face to face.
One evening, just after supper, the negro appeared on the bank, with some chickens in his hand, which was a signal to Frank that he had something to communicate.

He immediately set off alone, in a skiff.