"Where's Burnside?" asks some one. And Tucket quotes,—
"'O, where was Roderick then? One blast upon his bugle horn were worth a thousand men!'"
"He is sending off a boat to the shore yonder, to look for a landing-place. We'll be going in there soon, boys!"
The boat approaches a cove called Ashby's Harbor, taking soundings as it nears the land. On board of her is one of the negro lads, who fearlessly pilots her towards scenes familiar to his days of bondage.
"They'd better keep their eyes skinned!" says Tucket. "There's rebels in the mash there, I bet ye a dollar!"
The officers of the boat land safely, and reconnoitre. As they are reëmbarking, however, up spring from the tall grass a company of rebels, and flash, flash, goes a volley of musketry.
"I wish somebody had took me up on my bet," says Tucket; "'twould have been a dollar in my pocket."
"They're off; nobody left behind; nobody hurt, I hope," says Gray, watching the boat.
"Look, boys! the rebels works are afire!" is now the cry.
Flames break through the smoke, and the firing slackens on both sides for a short time.