CHAPTER XVIII.
Almost Betrayed.
Whither he was leading them no one knew, or cared to ask; for, if theyhad entertained any suspicions in regard to George, the scene at thehouse had dispelled them; and knowing that he had as much, if notmore, cause to dread recapture than themselves, they relied implicitlyon him to get them out of their present difficulty.
The woods were pitch-dark, but George seemed to understand what he wasabout, and, for two hours, not a word was spoken, except, perhaps,now and then a growl of anger, as some one stumbled over a log or bushthat lay in his way. Finally, the softness of the ground under theirfeet indicated that they were approaching a swamp. George now paused,and said:
"Major, with your permission, we will stop here until daylight. It isimpossible to go further in this darkness, for it is an ugly road totravel."
"What makes you take to the swamp?" inquired Frank.
"It is a short cut across the country," answered George, "and if weare pursued by blood-hounds we can more easily elude them."
Between sleeping and listening for the noise of pursuit, the fugitivespassed the night. As soon as day began to dawn, they made a hastybreakfast on the provisions which they had obtained at the plantation,and resumed their journey. George led the way into the swamp, and,as he seemed to choose the most difficult path, their progress wasnecessarily slow and laborious. About the middle of the afternoon theswamp became almost impassable, and the major was about to suggest thepropriety of picking out an easier path, when George suddenly haltedon the banks of a narrow, but deep and sluggish, stream, and, wipinghis forehead with his coat-sleeve, said, with something like a sigh ofrelief:
"Here we are, at last."
"I see we are," said the major, gazing impatiently about on thelabyrinth of trees and bushes with which they were surrounded, "butI had rather be almost anywhere else. You might as well get us out ofthis swamp by the shortest and easiest path you can find."
"I will, if you order me to do so," answered George; "but we are nowat as good a harboring place as can be found in a country filled withenemies, bent upon our capture, and thirsting for our blood. I knowmy father's disposition too well to think that he will allow us to getoff easily. The country is fairly overrun with cavalry by this time,and the best thing we can do is to remain here until the excitementhas abated a little, and then push for Red River again. That high bankyou see over there," he continued, pointing across the stream, "is anisland, and all the blood-hounds and negro-hunters in Louisiana wouldnot think of looking for us there. However, I will lead you out of theswamp, if you say so."
After a short consultation, it was decided that it would be best toaccept George's plan, as their pursuers would never think of lookingfor them so near the plantation; and, after divesting themselves oftheir clothes, they entered the water and struck out for the oppositeshore. Frank, who brought up the rear, had scarcely made half adozen strokes, when he was startled by a loud splashing in the water,followed by a noise resembling the bellowing of a bull, and looked upjust in time to see the huge, shining body of an alligator disappearin the muddy water. The utmost horror was depicted on Frank'scountenance, as he turned and hastily regained the shore. The others,who were too far out to return, were no less terrified, but theyhad the presence of mind to retain their hold of their clothing andweapons, and a few hasty strokes brought them to the shore. Georgeand the lieutenant were the only ones who did not seem aware of thedanger; for, when the former reached the shore, he proceeded to pullon his clothes, and, seeing Frank standing where he had left him,coolly inquired:
"Why don't you come on? Can't you swim?"
"Yes," answered Frank; "but didn't you see that alligator? I almostran over him before I saw him."
"O, that's nothing," answered George, carelessly. "If alligators wereall we had to fear, we would all be safe at the North in less than twomonths. They are death on darkeys, but they will not touch a white manin the water, if he keeps moving. There's not the slightest danger.Come on."
Frank was very much inclined to doubt this statement; but, screwing uphis courage to the highest pitch, he stepped into the water again, andstruck out. When he reached the middle of the stream, he saw a large,black object rise in the water but a short distance from him, and,after regarding him a moment with a pair of small, sharp-looking eyes,it disappeared, with another of those roars which had so startledhim but a moment before. He kept on, however, and, in a few moments,reached the shore in safety.
"Now," said George, "there is, or was about five years ago, a cabinon this island, where our negroes used to put up when they came herefishing. Let us see if we can find it."
He commenced leading the way, through the thick bushes and trees,toward the center of the island, and, after a few moments' walk, theysuddenly entered a small, clear spot, where stood the cabin of whichGeorge had spoken. But a far different scene was presented than theyhad expected; for a fire was burning near the cabin, and a man stoodover it, superintending the cooking of his supper, and conversing ina low tone with a companion who lay stretched out on his blanket closeby. Both were dressed in the rebel uniform, and their muskets and acavalry saber were hung up under the eaves of the cabin. Georgeat once hastily drew back into the bushes, while the captain threwforward his musket, and whispered:
"Major, I pelieve it's petter we shoots them rebels."
Before the major had time to reply, a large dog, which the fugitiveshad not before noticed, arose from the blanket where he had lainbeside his master, and uttered a low growl, whereat the rebels seizedtheir weapons, and were beating a precipitate retreat, when a loud"halt!" from the major brought them to a stand-still.
"We takes you all two brisoners," said the captain, as he advancedfrom the bushes, followed by the remainder of the fugitives, who allheld their weapons in readiness. "Drop them guns."
The rebels did as they were ordered, and the major said:
"Now we will talk to you. Who and what are you?"
The men hesitated for a moment, and at length one of them, turning tohis companion with a meaning look, said:
"We're caught, any way we can fix it, Jim, and we may as well make aclean breast of it. We are deserters."
"What are you doing here?"
"We came here to get out of the way of you fellows who were sent afterus. It is as good a place of refuge as we could find, and, to tell thetruth, we did not think you would discover it. You must have followedus with blood-hounds."
"No, sir; we did not," exclaimed the major, indignantly. "What do youtake us for--savages?"
"Well, you found us in some way," replied the rebel, "and I supposewe're done for."
"No, not necessarily. We shall not trouble you as long as you behaveyourselves, for we are in a bad fix also."
"Are you deserters, too?" inquired the rebel, joyfully. "If you are,we are all right, for, with the force we have, we can defend thisisland against as many men as they can pile into Louisiana. But, shootme if I didn't think you were looking after us. I see you have gobbleda Yankee," he continued, pointing to the lieutenant. "But, come, sitdown and have some supper."
The major was perfectly willing that the rebels should considerthemselves in the presence of their own men; and, besides, if theywere really deserters, their being on the island proved whatGeorge had told them, that it was considered to be a safe place forconcealment. The only cause he had for uneasiness was the presenceof the rebel lieutenant; if he should find opportunity to talk to themen, he would soon make known the true state of affairs.
"Captain," he whispered, turning to that individual, "keep an eye onthat prisoner of ours, and do not, under any circumstances, leave himalone with these deserters."
The fugitives then threw themselves on the ground, under the shade ofthe trees, and, while the majority readily entered into conversationwith the rebels, Frank, who had grown suspicious of every thing thatlooked like friendship, in spite of the cordial manner with whichthe deserters had welcomed them, could not, for a long
time, satisfyhimself that every thing was right. However, as he could detectnothing in the actions of the men to confirm his suspicions, and, asthe fact that their food was supplied to them by a negro, who visitedthe island every night, gave him good grounds for believing that there_might_, after all, be some truth in their statement, he dismissed thesubject for the present, but determined that the men should be closelywatched.
During the two following days, which the fugitives spent on theisland, nothing suspicious was discovered. Wherever the lieutenantwent he was closely followed by his keeper, and he was never allowedto be alone with the other rebels. In fact, he did not seem at alldesirous of having any conversation with them, for, with the exceptionof taking a short walk about the island after every meal, he passedboth day and night in dozing in the cabin. The rebels, on the otherhand, appeared to believe him a "Yankee," and as such, considered himbeneath their notice. Frank was beginning to think that his fears hadbeen utterly groundless, when, on the third night, he was fortunateenough to detect a plot, which, if carried into execution, would haveput an end to all his hopes of seeing home again, perhaps forever.
It was his duty to stand sentry from dark until midnight. As he walkedhis beat, listening for the signal of the negro, whom he every momentexpected with another supply of provisions, and thinking over thescenes through which he had passed since he had entered the service,he heard a slight rustling in the bushes back of the cabin, and sawone of the deserters disappear among the trees. What could the manmean by moving about the island at that time of night? There must besomething wrong, for his stealthy movements proved that he did notwish to be observed. While Frank was pondering upon the subject,and debating the propriety of informing the major of the fact, thelieutenant sauntered leisurely up to the place where he was standing,and, stretching his arms, languidly inquired:
"Don't you think it is very sultry this evening? It is impossible forme to sleep."
This was something unusual for the lieutenant, who, although he hadoften conversed very freely with the major, had never before spoken toFrank since the night of his capture. The latter knew that the rebelhad some object in view, and at once determined to act as though hesuspected nothing, and to await the issue of affairs.
"Yes, it is very warm," he replied, fanning himself with his cap. "Ishall be glad when I get North again."
"No doubt of it," answered the rebel, carelessly. "I believe I'll godown to the spring and get a cup of water, if you have no objections."
As soon as he had disappeared, Frank threw himself on his hands andknees, and crawling to the edge of the bank, looked over, and saw thelieutenant and the deserter, whom he had seen stealing from the cabin,engaged in conversation.
"They will be here to-morrow night, then, without fail?" he heard thelieutenant ask.
"Yes, so the negro says," replied the deserter.
"Twelve of them, did you say? That will make sixteen, including thenegro. There will be none too many of us, for these Yankees will fightlike perfect demons. If we fail, our lives will not be worth fiveminutes' purchase."
"Do not have any fears," replied the other. "I have made 'assurancedoubly sure,' and failure is impossible."
"Well, go back to the cabin now," said the lieutenant, "for you mightbe missed."
On hearing this, Frank hastily retreated, and regained his post.Presently the lieutenant returned, and, after giving Frank a drink ofwater from his cup, sought his blanket.
"A pretty piece of business, indeed," thought Frank, as he commencedwalking his beat again. "It is fortunate I discovered it. I'll keep alookout for the negro, and learn all I can from him."
He was not obliged to wait long, for presently a low whistle, thatsounded from the opposite side of the bayou, told that the negro wasin waiting. Frank answered the signal, when a light canoe shot outfrom the shore and approached the island. In a few moments the negrowalked up the bank, and, depositing a large bag of provisions inthe cabin, turned to go back, followed by Frank, who commencedconversation by observing, "A warm evening, uncle;" but, the momentthey were out of sight of the cabin, he inquired, in a low voice:
"Are those twelve men all ready to come here to-morrow night?"
"Sar! what twelve men?" asked the negro, in well-feigned surprise. "Idunno nuffin 'bout no twelve men."
"O, now, see here, uncle," said Frank, "that story won't do at all,for I know better than that. You see this is the first chance I havehad to talk to you, for these Yanks watch me so closely. Now, at whathour are they to be here?"
"I tol' you, massa," repeated the negro, "dat I dunno nuffin 'bout nomen;" and, thinking he had settled the matter, turned to walk away.
But Frank was not yet done with him, and, seeing that he was toocunning to be "pumped," determined to try what effect the sight of hisweapons would produce. Seizing the negro by the collar, he pressedthe muzzle of his revolver against his head, whispering, between hisclenched teeth:
"See here, you black rascal! you _do_ know all about the matter, foryou have carried orders from these rebels here to their friends. So,confess the whole truth, instantly."
"I dunno nuffin 'bout no men, I tol' you," persisted the negro.
"You won't confess, eh?" said Frank, cocking his revolver. "Thenyou're a dead man."
"O Lor'! don't shoot, massa," exclaimed the now terrified negro. "Whatshall 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 questionsas I shall ask you. In the first place, who are these men who say theyare 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 deyknowed 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, andregained his post without being discovered. At midnight he called hisrelief, and then lay down on the ground and fell asleep.
After breakfast, the next morning, as the major went to the spring tofill 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 aresafe at the North. But what is the matter now--any thing new?"
"Yes," replied Frank, speaking in a whisper, lest he should beoverheard. "Last night I discovered that there is a plot on foot torecapture us, and the attempt is to be made at midnight. These men wefound here are not deserters, as they claim to be, but still belong tothe army."
The major, as if not at all concerned, raised the cup to his lips andslowly drained it, keeping his eyes fastened on Frank, who finallybegan to grow impatient, and inquired:
"What shall we do to defeat them?"
"Keep cool, for one thing," answered the major. "But tell me all theparticulars."
Frank then recounted every thing that had transpired. When he hadfinished, the major carelessly remarked:
"The rascals played their parts pretty well; in fact, very well,indeed. Now, the first thing to be done is to go back to the camp andsecure those two fellows. We'll determine upon our plans afterward."
They accordingly slowly returned to the cabin, and found their menengaged, one in sharpening his Bowie-knife, and the other cleaning hisrifle. The major walked straight up to one of them, and, seizing hismusket, wrested it from him. The other, comprehending the state ofaffairs in an instant, exclaimed "Betrayed!" and turned to run, whenFrank grappled with him and threw him to the ground.
"What ish the matter here, any way?" exclaimed the captain, who wastaken so completely by surprise that he stood riveted to the spot.
"Lend a hand here," answered Frank
, struggling desperately with hisman, "and ask your questions afterward."
The captain at once sprang to Frank's assistance; in a moment, therebel was disarmed, and his hands bound behind his back. The major,in the mean time, having succeeded in securing his man, gave a hastyexplanation of the matter, and ended by saying:
"There is but one way for us to do, and that is to leave this place atonce. Tie those two rebels to some of these trees, and then we'll beoff."
As soon as this was accomplished, and the major had satisfied himselfthat there was not the least chance for their escape, he said:
"Now, we shall leave you here. Your friends will probably be along atmidnight and liberate you."
The rebels made no reply, and the fugitives, after collecting theirweapons, again set out, taking the lieutenant with them. The majorordered George to lead them by the most direct route to Red River.This was a desperate measure, but their case was also desperate. Thecountry on all sides of them had been alarmed, and, if Red River wasclosely guarded, the Washita was equally dangerous.
So anxious were they to put as long a distance as possible betweenthem and the scene of their late narrow escape, that they traveleduntil the next morning--stopping only to eat sparingly of someprovisions which one of the soldiers had secured before leaving theisland--and then camped in the swamp, and slept soundly.