"Yes, it is very warm," he replied, fanning himself with his cap. "I shall be glad when I get North again."
"No doubt of it," answered the rebel, carelessly. "I believe I'll go down to the spring and get a cup of water, if you have no objections."
As soon as he had disappeared, Frank threw himself on his hands and knees, and crawling to the edge of the bank, looked over, and saw the lieutenant and the deserter, whom he had seen stealing from the cabin, engaged in conversation.
"They will be here to-morrow night, then, without fail?" he heard the lieutenant ask.
"Yes, so the negro says," replied the deserter.
"Twelve of them, did you say? That will make sixteen, including the negro. There will be none too many of us, for these Yankees will fight like perfect demons. If we fail, our lives will not be worth five minutes' purchase."
"Do not have any fears," replied the other. "I have made 'assurance doubly sure,' and failure is impossible."
"Well, go back to the cabin now," said the lieutenant, "for you might be missed."
On hearing this, Frank hastily retreated, and regained his post. Presently the lieutenant returned, and, after giving Frank a drink of water from his cup, sought his blanket.
"A pretty piece of business, indeed," thought Frank, as he commenced walking his beat again. "It is fortunate I discovered it. I'll keep a lookout for the negro, and learn all I can from him."