As soon as the young officers had reached the top of the bank, they
paused to take their bearings, and to select some landmark that would
enable them to easily find the boat again. Away off in the darkness they
saw the twinkling of a light, which they knew was in the house which the
guerrillas were using as their head-quarters.

"Now, Archie," said Frank, "take a good look at this big tree here"
(pointing to the object in question) "so that you will know it again.
The boat lies in the river exactly in a line with that tree. Now, if you
should be separated from me and discovered, make straight for the
cutter. But if you are cut off from it, run up the river until you get a
little above where the vessel lies, and then jump in and swim out to
her. Do you understand?"

"Yes," replied Archie.

"Be careful of your weapons," continued his cousin, "and keep them dry
and ready for instant use. Don't be captured--whatever you do, don't be
captured!"

"I'll look out for that," answered Archie "But, Frank," he continued,
"why did you tell the men to pull back to the vessel if we should be cut
off from the river? I should think that would be just the time you would
want them to remain."

"Why," replied Frank, "the very first thing the rebels would think of,
if we were discovered, would be to capture our boat, and while part of
them were after us, the others would run to the river and gobble up
boat, crew, and all. Then they would know that we were still on shore,
and would scour the country to find us. But if the boat goes off to the