After making all their observations, they retreated to the bank of the river, and held a consultation.  Should they abandon their canoe, and strike off through the woods again?  There were many objections to this plan.  The country, for miles around, was, doubtless, filled with encampments, and guarded by pickets, and their progress would involve both danger and difficulty.  Besides, they were almost worn out with travel and constant watching, and, even had there been no obstacles in their way, it would have been impossible for them to sustain a long journey across the country.  It was finally decided to follow the river.  They resolved to run the bridge, and hoped, aided by darkness, to escape discovery.  It was necessary that some one should guide the canoe, and, as Frank perfectly understood its management, he was selected for the purpose.

As soon as the moon had gone down, Frank seated himself in the stern of the canoe, and his companions stretched themselves out under the thwarts, as much out of sight as possible.  As soon as all was ready, he moved their frail craft from the shore, with one silent sweep of the paddle, turning it toward the bridge.

It was a dangerous undertaking; but Frank although perfectly aware of this, and knowing what his fate would be if he was recaptured, had never been more cool and self-possessed in his life.  He remained at his station until they were within a hundred yards of the bridge.  He then drew in his paddle, and laid on the bottom of the canoe, with the others, awaiting the issue.

Propelled by the force of the current, the canoe rapidly approached the bridge, and, presently, they could distinctly hear the sentinels talking with each other.  They had not been expecting an enemy in that quarter; but, in a few moments, that danger was passed.  For miles below Alexandria, the river was lined with picket fires, and the slightest noise would have betrayed them.  But they were not discovered; and, after a week’s journey—­during which the papers Frank had taken from the rebel lieutenant procured them food—­they reached the Mississippi River.

To their disappointment they learned that Vicksburg was still in possession of the rebels, and that they had two hundred miles further to go before they would be among friends again.  After having come so far, they could not be discouraged, but, taking a few moments’ repose, they again set out.

The current in the river was very strong, and it was a month before they reached Vicksburg.  One dark night, they ran by the city in safety, and the next morning, to their joy, they found themselves in sight of a gun-boat, for which they immediately shaped their course.  As they approached her, Frank thought there was something about the vessel that looked familiar; and when they came alongside, he found that it was the Ticonderoga.  She had been repainted, and some of her rigging altered, which was the reason he had not recognized her before.