business, you know, and when I command a ship, I don't like to be
detained."

The lieutenant said this, probably, to impress upon Frank's mind the
important fact that he was the captain of the steamer, and must be
respected and obeyed accordingly. Frank, who knew that he was not
subject to the orders of the lieutenant only so far as the safety of the
vessel was concerned, replied that he had come as soon as he could after
he had received his orders, and turning to his men, directed part of
them to make the cutter fast to the stern of the steamer, and the others
to carry their arms to the boiler-deck, where they could be readily
seized in case of emergency. The transport was a small side-wheel boat
belonging to the quarter-master's department. The deck-hands were all
soldiers--perhaps half a dozen of them in all--the only steamboatmen on
board being one pilot, four engineers, and as many firemen. The steamer
was armed with two howitzers, mounted on the boiler-deck, and the
muskets of the soldiers were stacked in the cabin. The boilers were
protected by bales of cotton, which were piled on the guards, and the
pilot-house was defended in the same manner. A few bales were also
placed on the boiler-deck to serve as a breastwork. The whole was under
the command of the lieutenant, who, judging by the orders he issued,
knew nothing whatever of the management of a boat.

Frank had been on board but a few moments, when the engineer's bell
rang, to inform the pilot that all was ready for the start. The boat was
made fast by a single line, which ran from the forecastle to a tree on
the bank, and the gang-plank was out. The lieutenant's first order was,
"Haul in that plank." The soldiers obeyed, and then came the command for
"somebody to run out there and untie that line."