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Frank on the Lower Mississippi by [pseud.] Harry Castlemon
page 58 of 153 (37%)
which the boats were supplied with fuel. By some means the names of
these persons became known to the admiral, who issued a general order,
calling on all the officers of the squadron to kill or capture them
wherever found.

The same day the order was issued Frank obtained shore liberty, and
while roaming about the town, espied a name on a sign that immediately
attracted his attention. It was one of the names borne in the general
order.

"There's one of the rascals, now," soliloquized Frank, "or, rather,
where he has been. I wonder where he is. I'll see if I can't find out
something about him. If he could be caught, he would be put in a place
where he wouldn't lay any more plans to blow up Union gun-boats."

The sign which had attracted his attention bore the name and occupation
of the individual in question--"S. W. ABBOTT, Chemist."

The store had been closed on the approach of the Union forces, and was
now in the possession of several army surgeons and their assistants, who
were overhauling its contents, and appropriating whatever they thought
might be of service to them. A negro was leaning against the counter,
and of him Frank inquired--

"Boy, do you belong here?"

"No, sar," he answered, indignantly; "I 'longs nowhar. I'se a free man,
I is. I'se a soger."

"Never been in this town before?"
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