I returned to my companions to report progress, and it would have been hard to find two happier men than Rummel and Miller; they were simply delighted with the result of my mission.
After a meal upon the corn bread bought from the ferryman, we turned in for the night.
CHAPTER XVI.
MAKING PROGRESS.
At an early hour the next morning we were on hand at the boatman's house.
When we reached the boat we found our friend with the wagon and negro driver, together with several other parties, already there, and I was much relieved to see that the three soldiers had not arrived.
The ferryman told us to go to the bow of the boat and avoid questioning, which we did.
Just as we had shoved off, and were being hauled along through the trees to the river bank where the ferry wire was tied, we heard a shout, and, looking back, saw three horsemen approaching on a gallop. The ferryman did not stop, and one of the riders yelled out fiercely, and fired his gun to show that they would make us stop if we did not choose to do so, whereupon the boat was stopped and slowly pushed back to the water's edge.