We next find Hogan assigned to spy duty at Blufftown, by Gen. Hunter. Scouting about the country he learned from a negro that a chest containing watches, jewels, and money was hidden under the cellar of a house which had been deserted. This information was enough to put Ben to work in short order, digging for the treasure. While thus engaged he heard the sound of horses’ hoofs approaching. Making his way out of the house, he found that the dreaded Black Cavalry was upon him. He dashed through the swamps and underbrush, closely pursued by the horsemen, who discharged their revolvers at him in quick succession. None of the bullets took effect, however, and the cavalrymen could not follow through the stubble and underbrush. Ben reached the troops who had been sent out with him, gave the alarm, and all got back to the steamer in safety.
Not satisfied with this experience, Ben returned to the deserted house next day, only to find that the treasure had been removed, and to behold the negro who had given him the information hanging dead to a tree.
Ben’s return North from Port Royal was attended by an interesting adventure. His reputation had spread abroad as a dangerous man. Many crimes were laid to his door which he had never committed. The mere mention of his name caused people to shudder. As a result of all this, he found himself shut off from the privilege of sailing on the “Burnside,” as he had anticipated doing. He was on board the steamer just as she was about to sail, when it became known that he was Ben Hogan.
The captain at once told him that he could not make the passage on that boat.
“This man?” the crew shouted. “Sail with him? Why, he’s a pirate, a cut-throat, a murderer! He’ll kill us all! He’s Ben Hogan!”
This last assertion climaxed it all; and in spite of threats and entreaties, Ben was forced to disembark. But he was not discouraged—not at all—and going to Gen. Fuller, he secured a passport.
The “Burnside” had no more than fairly got under way when those on board saw a man swinging his arms wildly and heard him shout:
“Mail! mail! I’ve got the mail!”
As the captain was expecting the mail, he could do nothing but wait until the man on the bank had launched out for the steamer, which he accordingly did. The stranger, who was supposed to bring with him the mail, was drawn up over the side of the “Burnside,” when, to his consternation, the captain discovered that he was none other than Ben Hogan!
“What do you mean?” he cried angrily. “Haven’t I told you that you can’t sail on this vessel?”