the crew of the Boxer. The guerrillas would appear when least expected,
and the levee afforded them a secure hiding-place from which they could
not be driven, either with big guns or small arms. They were fatal
marksmen, too; and during the week following, the Boxer's crew lost ten
men. One rebel in particular attracted their attention, and his reckless
courage excited their admiration. He rode a large white horse, and
although rendered a prominent mark for the rifles of the sailors, he
always escaped unhurt. He would ride boldly out in full view of the
vessel, patiently wait for someone to expose himself, when the sharp
crack of his rifle would be followed by the report made to the captain,
"A man shot, sir."

Frank had selected this man as a worthy foe-man; and every time he
appeared the young officer was on the watch for him. He was very expert
with the rifle, and after a few shots, he succeeded in convincing the
rebel that the safest place for him was behind the levee. One morning
the foe appeared in stronger force than usual, and conspicuous among
them was the white horse and his daring rider. The fight that ensued had
continued for perhaps half an hour, when the quartermaster reported the
dispatch-boat approaching. As soon as she came within range, the
guerrillas directed their fire against her, to which the latter replied
briskly from two guns mounted on her forecastle. The leader of the
rebels was constantly in view, cheering on his men, and discharging his
rifle as fast as he could reload. Frank fired several shots at him, and
finding that, as usual, they were without effect, he asked the captain's
permission to try a howitzer on him, which was granted. He ran below,
trained the gun to his satisfaction, and waited for an opportunity to
fire, during which the dispatch-boat came alongside and commenced
putting off a supply of stores.