"But how are we going to get the boat?" asked Bart.
"Swim over for it," replied Frank. "I'll attend to that. Give me a dark night and it's all I ask."
"Let's see what the corporal has to say about it," suggested Bart.
The corporal listened with interest. It was a plan after his own heart.
"You young roosters are always looking for fight," he grinned. "I'll put it up to the captain and see what he says."
The assent of the captain was readily obtained as he knew the value of such exploits in keeping the spirits of the men up to high fighting pitch.
The night following there would be no moon until late, and it was fixed on for carrying out the raid. Frank was to swim across the river and get the boat. On the American side Wilson with eight men would be in waiting. They would embark and try to reach the other side without detection. Quick thinking and Yankee grit could be depended on to do the rest.
The night came, black as pitch. Frank slid into the water as noiselessly as a fish and struck out for the other side.