The rebels discovered them at the same moment, and one of them exclaimed: 

“I’ll be dog-gone if thar ain’t a Yank;” and, not knowing how many there might be of the “Yanks,” they very prudently drew up their horses.  One of them, however, who appeared to be the leader of the band, comprehended their situation at a glance, and exclaimed: 

“Throw down your arms, and you shall be treated like men!”

This brought them to their senses, and they turned and ran for their lives.  They had scarcely made a dozen steps before the bullets and buckshot began to rattle about their ears; but the trees and bushes were so thick that they escaped unhurt.  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.  The rebels were gathered before it, as if in consultation, and greeted the approach of the sailors with a scattering volley of musketry, which whistled harmlessly over their heads, or plowed up the ground before them.

“Give ’em a shot, boys,” said the executive officer, “and then scatter, and let each man take to a tree and fight Indian fashion.”

The sailors wheeled into line with all the promptness and regularity of veteran troops; and before the smoke of their muskets cleared away, they had disappeared, like a flock of young partridges.  The rebels had also treed, and the skirmish was continued for half an hour, without any damage being done to either party.

This style of fighting did not suit Frank, and he began to urge the executive officer to advance, and drive them from their position.  But the officer did not think it safe to attempt it; for, although he had seen but a small number of the rebels, he did not know how many there might be hidden away in the bushes.

“Well, then,” said Frank, after thinking a moment, “I have another proposition to make.  If you will give me ten men, and engage the rebels warmly in front, I’ll go and get that fresh beef.”