The west shore of Moon Lake was bounded by a swamp, through which ran the pass, which was just wide enough to admit one good-sized vessel.  It was filled with trees, which stood so close together that it seemed impossible to work a passage through them; and the men on deck were constantly in danger of being killed by falling limbs.  They advanced slowly, sometimes making not more than four miles in a day; and it was almost two weeks before they reached Coldwater River.

CHAPTER X.

A Spunky Rebel.

In the afternoon of the day of their arrival, the Ticonderoga tied up in front of a large plantation-house.  As soon as the vessel was made fast to the bank, the captain turned to the executive officer, and exclaimed: 

“Mr. Smith, please call away one company of small-armed men.  Mr. Nelson,” he continued, turning to Frank, “I wish you to take command of the company, and go ashore and search that house for fire-arms, and bring on board all you find.”

“Very good, sir,” answered Frank; and he hurried down to his room to buckle on his sword and revolver.

In a few minutes the company was formed on deck, and Frank marched them out on the bank and then up to the house.  His first care was to surround the building, so that, in case there were any men in it, their escape would be entirely cut off.  He then, in company with the boatswain’s mate and two men, walked up and knocked at the door.  After some delay, the summons was answered by a negro woman, who scowled upon him, and waited for him to make known his wants.

“Is your master or mistress in?” inquired Frank.

“Yes, missus is h’ar,” answered the woman, gruffly.

“Well, I should like to see her.”

“Den you stay h’ar, an’ I’ll ax her if she wants to see you.”

“No, aunty, that won’t do.  I must see her, whether she wants to see me or not;” and Frank unceremoniously entered the house, followed by his men.

“Now, where is your mistress, aunty?” he inquired.

“She’s up stairs,” answered the woman.

“Well, then,” said Frank, turning to the boatswain’s mate, “you come with me, and let the others remain here until we return.”

Frank then ascended the stairs, and very easily found his way to the room where the lady was; and, as he entered, he politely removed his cap.

“Well, sir,” said the lady, in no very pleasant tone, “what do you wish?”

“I have been ordered to come here and search your house for fire-arms,” replied Frank.

“I suppose I shall be obliged to submit to it, for I have not the power to prevent you; if I had, I should certainly use it.  But, I hope you will be gentleman enough not to steal every thing we have in the house.”

Frank’s face reddened to the very roots of his hair at this insult, and he replied, in a voice choked with indignation: