Of course, they expected to run the risk of a few shots from the Union pickets on the river; but on such a night, and in such a sea, there was very little danger of their hitting the mark.
Up the creek the water was comparatively smooth; but the little schooner was driving furiously down the stream, with the wind on her quarter, and the chances of making a safe and profitable run to the rebel line, those on board, no doubt, believed were all in their favor.
"We have no time to lose," said Hapgood, with energy, as he pushed off the boat, which lay upon the beach.

"Tumble in lively, and be sure your guns are in good order." "Mine is all right," added Tom, as he examined the cap on his musket, and then jumped into the boat.
"So is mine," said Fred; "but I don't much like this business.

Do you know how many men there are in the schooner ?" "Don't know, and don't care," replied Tom.
"Of course they are armed.

They have revolvers, I'll bet my month's pay." "If you don't want to go, stay on shore," answered Hapgood, petulantly.
"But don't make a noise about it." "Of course I'll go, but I think we are getting into a bad scrape." Tom and Hapgood held a hurried consultation, which ended in the former's taking a position in the bow of the boat, while the other two took their places at the oars.

The muskets were laid across the thwarts, and the rowers pulled out to the middle of the creek, just in season to intercept the schooner.