Frank then walked down the street, and, as soon as he was out of sight
of the house, opened the letter and read as follows:

HEYWARD'S PLANTATION, _March_ 20, 1864.

"Will be at home at eight o'clock this evening. Have my baggage ready to
start for Shreveport early in the morning."

No name was signed to the note, but Frank was certain that he now had
the matter in his own hands, and that any preparations Mrs. Abbott might
make for her husband's journey to Shreveport would only be thrown away.
He at once directed his steps toward the landing, hailed his vessel for
a boat, and when he had arrived on board and reported to the captain,
showed that gentleman the note, at the same time requesting permission
to remain on shore after dark, in order to capture the rebel.

"I should be only too happy to allow you to do so, Mr. Nelson," said the
captain, "for you seem to be particularly fortunate in every thing of
this description you undertake. But, as it is the admiral's order that
all officers repair on board their vessels at sundown, he must be
consulted in regard to the matter. Orderly, tell the officer of the deck
to have the gig called away. We will go up to the flag-ship," he
continued, "and talk to the admiral."

The gig was soon manned, and after Frank had buckled on his sword (for
all officers visiting the flag-ship were required to wear their
side-arms), he stepped into the boat with the captain, and in a short
time they were in the presence of the admiral. The captain, in a few
words, explained the nature of the visit, showed him the note Frank had
intercepted, and ended by repeating the young officer's request that he