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Frank on the Lower Mississippi by [pseud.] Harry Castlemon
page 67 of 153 (43%)
was under special orders from the admiral, and must not be detained."

"There," said he, after he had finished the pass and handed it to Frank.
"That will take you through all right. You have my best wishes for your
success."

Frank thanked him, and putting the pass carefully away in his pocket,
walked out of the hotel fully satisfied on one point, and that was, if
his success depended upon the good wishes of his friends, failure was
impossible. He walked slowly down the street toward the place where the
soldiers were encamped; for as it lacked fully an hour and a half of the
appointed time, he did not wish to be seen loitering about the house, as
it might excite the suspicions of its inmates, who would not fail to
send word to Mr. Abbott that the house was being watched. Time moved
altogether too slowly for the impatient young officer, but at length he
heard the flag-ship's bell strike half-past seven, and as it had begun
to grow dark, he walked toward the house, and took his station in the
shadow of some trees on the opposite side of the street. At the end of
an hour his patience was rewarded, for he heard the sound of approaching
footsteps, and a man passed by the house. Frank knew, from the
suspicious manner in which he gazed about, that if it was not the man
for whom he was waiting, it was some other guilty fellow who ought to be
secured. Presently he returned, and after again looking cautiously about
him, ascended the steps and knocked lightly at the door, which was
almost instantly opened, and a voice exclaimed:

"Massa Abbott, I'se glad to"--

The rest of the sentence Frank did not hear, for the moment the man
entered the hall, the door was closed again. Now was the time for Frank,
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