“Here we are!” exclaimed a voice from the bushes.

Frank soon found them, and, when he had cut the ropes with which they were bound, and set them at liberty, they each seized his hands, and wrung them in silent gratitude.

“Thank heaven, we’re free men once more!” exclaimed one of the poor fellows.  “But where is that lieutenant that captured us?”

“He’s my prisoner,” answered Frank.

“Here you are, you thunderin’, low-lived secesh!” exclaimed the man, who had not yet spoken, as he walked up to the rebel, and laid his hand on his shoulder.  “I’ve a mind to stop your wind for you, you mean”—­

“Easy, easy, boys,” exclaimed Frank; “he’s a prisoner, you know, and we’ve no right to put him in misery simply because he’s in our power.”

“Why, the varmint hunted us yesterday with blood-hounds,” exclaimed one of the soldiers.

“He served me the same way to-day,” answered Frank; “but, still, we have no right to abuse him.  But I have two more friends around here somewhere;” and Frank put his hand to his mouth, and gave two low whistles.  It was answered immediately, and a voice, which Frank recognized as the captain’s, inquired: 

“Ish dat you, you gun-boat feller?”

“Yes, I’m here, captain; come along.”

The Dutchman soon made his appearance, followed by the major.  They had remained in their hiding-place, and heard all that was going on; but, so fearful were they of treachery, that they dared not come out.  Frank briefly related to them the circumstances connected with the capture of the lieutenant, and the release of the two soldiers; after this a consultation was held, and it was decided that it would not be prudent to attempt to reach Red River for a day or two, at least.  The major thought it best to remain concealed during the day, and at night boldly follow the road.

This plan was adopted, for the entire party—­including the soldiers Frank had just released—­were dressed in butternut clothes; besides this, the papers which had been taken from the lieutenant would greatly assist them, if their plan was carried out with skill and determination.  And, in regard to the prisoner—­who, of course, had not heard a word of the consultation—­it was decided to detain him for a day or two, in order that he might be led to believe that it was their intention to keep as far away from Red River as possible, and then release him.

After their plans had all been determined upon, Frank opened his sack of provisions, when, eating a scanty meal, they again started forward.  They kept along on the edge of the plantations until the day began to dawn, and then turned into the woods and encamped.

CHAPTER XVI.

A Friend in Need.

In the evening, at dark, they resumed their journey.  They boldly followed the road, and met with no opposition until just before daylight, when a voice directly in front of them shouted, “Halt!”